Should there be concern with voltage differences between Alkaline and rechargeable NiMH batteries?
A. Voltage is the measure of battery strength. For example, AA Alkalines have a voltage rating of 1.5 volts. AA NiMH rechargeable batteries have a rating of 1.2 volts. Alkaline batteries only deliver their full voltage when they are new and fully charged. As the alkaline battery is used, the voltage of the battery continuously drops to a level that may be below 1.0 volts. Rechargeable NiMH batteries hold their voltage rating through much of their discharge cycle. So, on average during use, the NiMH battery type will have a better voltage output level. Some electronic devices that indicate battery life and use voltage level as the indicator may not display the battery life of rechargeable NiMH batteries well as the voltage remains constant through most of its use.
