PowerGenix batteries hit US retail market

San Diego, Calif.-based PowerGenix said today its rechargeable nickel-zinc AA batteries have debuted on the U.S. retail market.

Beltsville, Maryland-based Ritz Camera and Wolf Camera are selling the Quantaray Super Z battery and charger set for high-drain consumer electronics.

PowerGenix said the Super Z provides higher voltage than existing rechargeable batteries.
The company's batteries contain no lead, cadmium or mercury, which it says offers a cleaner environmental alternative to lead-acid and nickel-cadmium, or NiCd, batteries.

The batteries are available in stores for sell for $15 as a 4-pack and $50 as a 4-pack and charger set. The batteries are expected to be available through the online stores soon.

PowerGenix said its line of rechargeables serve as replacements for existing technologies, including nickel-cadmium which it said is being phased out by manufacturers and retailers in North America, the EU and Asia due to toxicity concerns (see EU readies new battery mandates).

The company is also attempting to penetrate the electric vehicle market.

PowerGenix has said it has signed $75 million in multiyear customer agreements in China, Taiwan, the EU and the U.S. (see PowerGenix scores supply deal, funding).

Backed by investors including Bessemer Venture Partners, Angeleno Group, Advent International, Braemar Energy Ventures, Granite Ventures, OnPoint Technologies and Technology Partners, PowerGenix has taken in $60.8 million in four funding rounds (see PowerGenix snags $30M for nickel-zinc batteries).

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