About Energizer
Energizer: Keeping Britain Powered Since 1896 Energizer has been a household name in portable power for over a century, providing reliable batteries that keep our devices running. From the iconic Energizer Bunny to the world's longest-lasting lithium batteries, this American brand delivers energy solutions that British households depend upon daily. At Grocefully, we help you compare Energizer prices across UK supermarkets, ensuring you find the best deals on essential batteries. From Flashlights to Global Power The Energizer story begins in the 1890s with the American Ever Ready Company, which was already marketing electric hand torches – what we now call flashlights – from offices in New York and San Francisco. In 1905, Conrad Hubert pioneered the Energizer Pocket Torch for Eveready Battery Company. This invention effectively birthed the modern flashlight, and Hubert used the publicity to start manufacturing batteries under the Ever Ready trademark. Corporate evolution brought the company under National Carbon Company in 1913, which subsequently merged with Union Carbide in 1914. For decades, the battery business operated within this larger industrial conglomerate. The modern Energizer brand emerged in 1980 when the company launched its first consumer-oriented alkaline battery specifically named "Energizer." This product quickly became a major competitor to market leader Duracell, establishing the competitive dynamic that continues today. In 1986, Union Carbide sold its Battery Products Division to Ralston Purina for $1.4 billion. The division was renamed Eveready Battery Company, Inc., operating as a wholly owned subsidiary. The year 2000 brought independence when Ralston spun off Eveready, listing the company on the New York Stock Exchange as Energizer Holdings, Inc. This separation allowed focused investment in battery technology and brand development. Recent expansion came through the 2019 acquisition of Spectrum Brands' global battery and lighting division, adding Ray-O-Vac and Varta consumer batteries to the portfolio. This $2 billion deal strengthened Energizer's market position significantly. Today, Energizer Holdings operates from headquarters in Clayton, Missouri (relocated from St. Louis in November 2024), with six operational facilities across the United States. The company trades on the NYSE under ticker symbol "ENR." The Energizer Bunny Few advertising mascots achieve the cultural penetration of the Energizer Bunny. Since 1988, this pink, drum-beating mechanical rabbit has represented the brand's core message – batteries that "keep going and going and going." Interestingly, the concept originated with competitor Duracell, whose pink bunny had appeared in European advertising. Energizer's American campaign took the concept and ran with it, creating a character that became distinctly associated with their brand. The Bunny's advertising campaigns became notable for their format-breaking approach, featuring the rabbit interrupting fake commercials for other products. This creative strategy made Energizer advertising memorable and discussed beyond typical battery commercials. The character became so iconic that "Energizer Bunny" entered common vocabulary as a metaphor for unstoppable energy and persistence. This brand association represents significant advertising success. The Product Range Energizer offers comprehensive battery solutions across chemistries, sizes, and applications. Understanding the range helps consumers choose appropriately for their needs. Energizer Ultimate Lithium The Ultimate Lithium range represents Energizer's premium offering – the world's longest-lasting batteries in AA and AAA sizes for high-tech devices. These batteries last up to 11 times longer than standard alkaline batteries in demanding applications. Storage capability is exceptional, with Ultimate Lithium batteries holding power for up to 20 years when stored properly. This makes them excellent for emergency kits, backup supplies, and devices that sit unused for extended periods. Extreme temperature performance sets lithium batteries apart, functioning reliably from -40°C to 60°C. This tolerance suits outdoor equipment, emergency supplies, and any application where temperature varies significantly. The lighter weight of lithium chemistry benefits devices where weight matters – cameras, outdoor equipment, and portable electronics. Gram for gram, lithium delivers more energy than alkaline alternatives. Energizer Max The Max range provides reliable alkaline performance for everyday devices. These batteries represent the mainstream Energizer offering, balancing performance with accessible pricing. Max batteries hold power for up to 10 years in storage, ensuring purchased batteries remain useful for extended periods. This shelf life suits bulk purchasing and maintaining household supplies. Leak-resistant construction protects devices from battery leakage damage – a genuine concern with alkaline batteries left in devices for extended periods. This protection helps preserve valuable electronics. Available in all common sizes, Max suits most household battery needs from remote controls to torches, toys to clocks. Energizer Max Plus Max Plus extends alkaline performance beyond standard Max batteries. These enhanced cells hold power for up to 12 years in storage – two years longer than regular Max. The extended performance suits users wanting the best alkaline option without moving to lithium chemistry. Max Plus bridges the gap between standard alkaline and premium lithium for moderate-demand applications. Rechargeable Batteries Energizer's rechargeable range provides sustainable power solutions that reduce waste and long-term costs. Power Plus rechargeable batteries come fully charged and ready for use. They hold charge for up to 12 months in storage, addressing a historical limitation of rechargeable batteries that lost charge during storage. Each battery can be recharged hundreds of times, with typical lifespan reaching up to 5 years under normal usage patterns. The cost-per-use makes rechargeables economical for devices used frequently. The range includes AA batteries (typically 2000-2300 mAh capacity) and AAA batteries (700-800 mAh), with chargers available separately or in bundles with batteries. Battery Chargers Energizer chargers complement rechargeable batteries, offering various charging speeds and capacities. The Base Charger charges 2 or 4 AA or AAA NiMH batteries in approximately 8 hours. Some chargers include batteries – the Base Charger often bundles with 4x 1300 mAh AA batteries. Faster charging options suit users wanting quick turnaround, whilst slower charging generally proves gentler on battery longevity. Specialty Batteries Beyond AA and AAA, Energizer produces specialty batteries including 9V, C, D, and various button cell formats. These serve specific applications from smoke alarms to watches, hearing aids to remote controls. Lithium coin cells power small electronics, calculators, and medical devices. Various sizes address different device requirements. Energizer in UK Supermarkets Major UK supermarkets stock comprehensive Energizer ranges, making reliable batteries accessible during regular shopping. Tesco carries extensive Energizer options with Clubcard pricing offering significant savings. Current deals include: - Energizer Max AA 4 Pack at £3 (Clubcard price, reduced from £4) - Energizer Max AAA 4 Pack at £3 (Clubcard price, reduced from £4) - Energizer Max Plus AA 10 Pack at £6 (Clubcard price, reduced from £9) - Energizer Ultimate Lithium ranges in various sizes Sainsbury's stocks Energizer batteries with Nectar pricing on selected products. Their electronics section maintains good battery availability. Asda provides competitive Energizer pricing, often matching or beating other supermarkets on popular sizes. Morrisons carries Energizer products, though range depth may vary by store size. For the best prices, comparing across retailers before purchasing makes sense, particularly for multi-pack purchases where savings compound. Choosing the Right Battery Selecting appropriate batteries optimises performance and value. High-drain devices like digital cameras, gaming controllers, and powerful torches benefit from lithium or high-capacity rechargeable batteries. These applications draw power rapidly, where premium batteries deliver noticeably better performance. Low-drain devices like remote controls, clocks, and smoke alarms work well with standard alkaline batteries. The steady, low power requirements don't justify premium battery investment. Frequent use justifies rechargeable batteries despite higher initial cost. Devices used daily that would consume multiple alkaline sets annually become economical with rechargeable alternatives. Emergency and backup applications suit lithium batteries' exceptional storage life. Batteries kept for emergencies need to work reliably years after purchase. Sustainability Considerations Battery consumption raises environmental concerns that Energizer addresses through several approaches. Rechargeable batteries reduce waste by replacing hundreds of single-use batteries over their lifespan. This straightforward reduction in disposed batteries provides clear environmental benefit. Packaging improvements include 100% recyclable, plastic-free packaging that supports responsible forestry. These changes address waste concerns beyond the batteries themselves. Battery recycling programmes exist in the UK, though consumer participation remains variable. Proper disposal of used batteries prevents environmental contamination from heavy metals and chemicals. Lithium batteries, whilst not rechargeable in consumer form, deliver more energy from smaller, lighter packages. This efficiency means less material moved and ultimately disposed. Storage and Safety Proper battery storage maintains performance and safety. Store batteries in original packaging until use. This prevents accidental discharge from contact between batteries or with metal objects. Room temperature storage works best. Avoid extreme heat (near radiators, in cars) or freezing conditions, though Energizer Ultimate Lithium tolerates temperature extremes better than alkaline. Don't mix battery types in devices – use the same brand and type for all batteries in multi-battery devices. Mixing can cause problems with charge distribution. Remove batteries from devices not used for extended periods. Even with leak-resistant construction, stored batteries can eventually leak, damaging electronics. Conclusion From Conrad Hubert's pocket torch in 1905 to today's sophisticated lithium and rechargeable products, Energizer has powered over a century of portable electronics. The brand's commitment to longevity, reliability, and innovation keeps it at the forefront of battery technology. Whether you need everyday alkaline batteries, premium lithium for demanding devices, or sustainable rechargeable solutions, Energizer offers options matching every requirement and budget. Compare Energizer prices across UK supermarkets through Grocefully and ensure your devices stay powered without overspending on essential batteries.