15-Minute Rechargeable Battery to Be Unveiled

Rayovac Corp. said it has developed a new rechargeable battery that will take only 15 minutes to recharge.

The technology will cut recharging time from one hour for its most powerful rechargeable batteries, designed for high-drain devices such as digital cameras, the Madison, Wis.-based battery maker said.

“This is a real breakthrough that allows for much faster charging without worrying about the buildup of temperature and pressure you have with old fashioned systems,” Rayovac spokesman John Daggett said.

Sales are expected to start in 2003.

Rayovac calls the technology I-C3 for “In-Cell Charge Control” because the key to the system is the transfer of charging technology from the charger to the battery.