Thursday, March 13, 2008

PowerGenix Rolls Out New Rechargable Batteries

San Diego-based PowerGenix, a venture-backed startup developing non-toxic, rechargeable batteries, announced Thursday that the firm has rolled out a new line of rechargeable batteries which meet the European Union's RoHS and 2006 Battery Directive requirements. The firm--which has received funding from Advent International, Angeleno Investors, Braemar Energy Ventures, DFJ Element, Granite Global Ventures, OnPoint Technologies, and Technology Partners--develops rechargeable batteries based on nickel-zinc (NiZn). According to the firm, its batteries do not contain lead, cadmium, or mercury, toxic materials which are used in NiCd and lead-acid batteries. The EU's RoHS (Reduction of Hazardous Substances) directive is an effort which restricts the use of hazardous chemicals in electronic products sold in the EU. The firm said it is looking to replace existing Nickel-Cadmium and Nickel Metal Hydride batteries in the rechargeables marketplace.