FDK CORPORATION (President and CEO: Ryo Nagano) will upgrade its nickel-metal hydride batterymodels HR-3UTG (AA-size) and HR-4UTG (AAA-size). Mass production and shipments will begin from April 2026.
Overview
Since 1991 and over 35 years, FDK has been manufacturing and selling nickel metal hydride batteries for various applications such as security, automotive, medical, and home appliances, with prominent features including "usable in a wide temperature range," "rechargeable and reusable," "highly recyclable (*2)" and "highly safe (*3).
Recent trends show increasing efforts to regulate PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). PFAS are widely used in everything from daily necessities to industrial products due to their water- and oil-repellent properties.
However, they are difficult to break down in nature and are said to potentially accumulate gradually in the bodies of humans and animals, raising concerns about their impact on the environment and health.
PFAS are also widely used as a key material to stabilize the performance and lifetime of secondary batteries, including our nickel-metal hydride batteries. FDK engineers, driven by a desire to provide more environmentally friendly batteries, undertook development work with extremely high technical challenges to eliminate PFAS from flagship models.
As a result, by replacing PFAS with new materials and applying a new manufacturing process, we succeeded in developing PFAS-free nickel-metal hydride batteries (HR-3UTG/HR-4UTG) that maintain the same battery characteristics as current batteries.
By consistently supplying nickel-metal hydride batteries that reduce environmental impact throughout their entire lifecycle ― from manufacturing to disposal (recycling) ― FDK aim to contribute to a sustainable society.
Mass production and shipment of these products will begin from April 2026.
All FDK nickel-metal hydride batteries are made in FDK's Japan domestic factory which is ISO9001 / ISO14001 certified and complies with necessary environmental requirements such as RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive) and the EU Battery Regulation (2023/1542).
FDK, as a Smart Energy Partner, will continue to provide customers with solutions for the efficient use of electric energy in a safe and efficient manner by assembling advanced technologies.
Specifications
| Size | AA |
|---|---|
| Cell designation | HR6 |
| Nominal Voltage | 1.2V |
| Nominal Capacity | 2000mAh |
| Rated Capacity | 1900mAh(*4) |
| Dimensions and weight | Diameter 14.35mm, Height 50.4mm, Weight approx. 27g(*6) |
| Applications | Dry-cell battery-powered device |
| Size | AAA |
|---|---|
| Cell designation | HR03 |
| Nominal Voltage | 1.2V |
| Nominal Capacity | 800mAh |
| Rated Capacity | 750mAh(*5) |
| Dimensions and weight | Diameter 10.5mm, Height 44.5mm, Weight approx. 13g(*6) |
| Applications | Dry-cell battery-powered device |
Notes
- *1:PFAS-free means non-intentional use and applies to the unlabeled cell.
- *2:Nickel-metal hydride batteries contain a large amount of recyclable nickel, which is reused in stainless steel materials after use.
- *3:The electrolyte is water?dissolvable.
- *4:Minimum capacity when a single cell is charged at 190 mA for 16 hours and then discharged at 380 mA to the end voltage of 1.00 V; per IEC 61951?2.
- *5:Minimum capacity when a single cell is charged at 75 mA for 16 hours and then discharged at 150 mA to the end voltage of 1.00 V; per IEC 61951?2.
- *6:Including heat shrink tube.
| Country / Region | Low/ Regulation | Status | Effective date | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA / Maine | Public Law 2023, c. 630 | sets firm phase in bans on FAS containing products. (Phase 3 - Effective January 1, 2032 All remaining PFAS-containing products, unless CUU-approved) | January 1, 2032 | PFAS in Products, Maine Department of Environmental Protection |
| Canada | - | Proposed PFAS risk?management approach includes multi?stage prohibitions, under CEPA (March 2025) | Under discussion | Risk management approach for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.pdf |
| Europe | - | Updated PFAS restriction proposal released (August 20, 2025) | Under discussion | https://echa.europa.eu/hot-topics/perfluoroalkyl-chemicals-pfas |
Contact
- FDK CORPORATION
- (U.S.A., Europe) Sales Dept. 3, Sales Group
- (Asia, Other) Sales Dept. 4, Sales Group
- TEL: +81-3-5715-7434
- www.fdk.com