Rechargeable C batteries are a type of battery that can be recharged and used more than once. As a subset of C batteries, they are cylindrical in shape and smalland are designed to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly. As such, they are becoming more and more popular today as buyers are now more conscious of their purchasing impact on the environment.

What are C batteries?

C batteries are a widely used type of dry cell battery. This means that it can operate with minimal internal moisture, making these types of batteries great for portable devices. While AA and AAA sized batteries are the most familiar size of dry cell batteries, they are smaller and therefore often have a more limited lifespan when compared to size C batteries. C batteries are also known as R14s, after their designation by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), a prominent electrical standards body.

Type C batteries can typically be divided into two different categories. These are the standard/non -rechargeable C batteries, and the rechargeable C batteries. While non-rechargeable C batteries provide a reliable and long-lasting charge for devices with medium-to-high power consumption needs, they often have to be disposed of after being used. On the other hand, a rechargeable size c battery can be recharged hundreds of times, making them a truly sustainable energy source. There are various different types of rechargeable c batteries available, including nickel metal hydride (NiMH), nickel-cadmium (NiCd), and lithium iron (Li-ion)

What to consider when buying a rechargeable C type battery

Below, we have listed some of the major factors to consider for picking the right kind of rechargeable battery for any device.

Power and Energy

Looking at the battery’s energy content will help in comparing batteries of different chemistries. To get the battery energy in Wh, multiply the battery’s voltage by its capacity in Ah. So, to compare a 3.2V Li-ion battery with a 1.2V NiMH battery, this gives the same capacity. However, the higher the voltage of the Li-ion battery yields increased energy.

Battery capacity is usually set by battery manufacturers in terms of cut-off voltage, temperature, and given discharge rate. So, make sure to look at the battery’s drain rate. This is because even if the specified battery capacity is higher than another battery, it may not perform well if the application’s drain rate is also higher.

One thing to keep in mind is that high-power batteries have high discharge capabilities at high drain rates in applications such as power tools. The typical rule is that batteries of a higher power are quite low in terms of energy densities.

Chemistry

Another thing to consider is the rechargeable battery chemistry. As stated above, there are three main types – NiMH, NiCd, and Li-ion. NiCd is an older technology and tends to suffer from memory issues, and it has a lower voltage. NiMH is a popular alternative, as it has a great capacity and long battery life. They are also widely available in stores and online. Finally, Li-ion C batteries have the highest capacity and are often considered the strongest power provider, suitable for high-drain devices.

Capacity

Unfortunately, not all C batteries are made with the same capacity. This refers to the amount of energy that a battery can store. As mentioned, NiMH c batteries have a higher capacity compared to NiCd batteries, in general, but have a lower capacity than Li-ion types. Capacity should also be considered alongside a battery’s drain rate, which is how quickly the power gets used up. If a battery has a high capacity but a high drain rate, it may not perform as well as it could.

Charging situation

Buyers should also consider the charging situation for these particular batteries, as they require a charger to keep being used. Buyers should always choose a charger that is designed for the type of battery they are using, and they should closely follow the manufacturer’s instructions to keep their battery in optimal condition.

Cost/availability

Generally, rechargeable C batteries are very affordable, and they are available from most manufacturers and sellers, both on and offline. Considering upfront costs, NiCd batteries are generally cheaper than NiMH batteries due to their lower capacity and less advanced technology.

However, over the long term, NiMH batteries have an edge, as they can typically be recharged hundreds or even thousands of times, while NiCd batteries can only typically be charged around 500 times. Li-ion C batteries can last for more than 1,000 cycles in general as well.

All three types of batteries will require a charger, which is also added to the upfront cost of the purchase. Charges will vary in price depending on their design, capacity, and type, so be sure to do thorough research before making a purchase.

Physical shape and size

Rechargeable C batteries can come in cylindrical shapes, coin or button cells, prismatic cells, or pouch-type cells. As such, buyers should ensure that the battery size they choose fits the requirements of their electronic device.

Bottom line

Rechargeable C batteries are a great alternative for those who wish to be more eco-friendly, as they can be used over the over for up to a thousand times. When you are choosing between the three main types of batteries, remember to consider their capacity, cost, power, energy and more. You should also make sure to pick a battery that has a physical shape and size that is compatible with your device’s requirements.