Description
This is Panasonic's BQ-CC55 SmartPlus charger, supplied with four AA eneloop pro cells rated at 2500mAh and shipped pre-charged. Four bays take Ni-MH AA or AAA cells in any combination from one to four, so you can top up a single AAA or a full set of AA without waiting for a bay to free up. Each bay has its own LED, and the pack describes the indicators as a battery life checker: the lights report on the condition of the cell sitting in front of them, not simply on the charge going in. The retail pack quotes a charging time of two hours for two AA cells, and up to 500 recharges per cell. The plug is a UK three pin.
Rechargeable AA cells earn their place in anything that drains batteries quickly: game controllers, wireless keyboards and mice, camera flashguns, children's toys, LED torches and portable speakers. At 2500mAh each, the four included cells suit high drain kit where a longer run between swaps matters, and because they arrive pre-charged the first set is ready straight from the box. Keep the charger somewhere it can sit out, near a desk or in a utility cupboard, and rotate two sets so one is always charged. Since it accepts AAA as well, a single unit covers most of the remote controls and small devices in the house.
The charger body is matt black with a grey band across the front and the CHARGE marking below the bays. The retail pack notes up to ten safety features and arrives in plastic free, FSC certified card. Ni-MH cells are happiest being used and recharged rather than left flat for months, so put the four included cells into service rather than leaving them in a drawer. Charge only Ni-MH cells in it; alkaline and other non rechargeable cells must never go into a charger.
Specification
| Charges |
Ni-MH AA and AAA cells, 1 to 4 cells at a time |
| Bays and indicators |
4 bays, 4 LED indicators with battery life checker |
| Included cells |
4x AA eneloop pro, 2500mAh, supplied pre-charged |
| Plug |
UK three pin |
| Sold as |
One charger with 4x AA cells, one per box |
| Minimum order |
1, sold in multiples of 1 |
Frequently Asked
Can it charge AAA cells as well as AA?
Yes. The pack states it takes Ni-MH cells, one to four AA or one to four AAA, so you can mix sizes across the four bays as needed.
How long does a charge take?
The retail pack quotes a ready time of two hours, and that figure is stated for two AA cells specifically, so it does not describe a full load of four.
What do the four LEDs actually tell me?
The pack calls them a battery life checker. Each bay has its own indicator, so you can see the state of one cell rather than a single light for the whole unit.
Can I put ordinary alkaline batteries in it?
No. The pack marks it for Ni-MH cells only. Non rechargeable alkaline and zinc cells should never be placed in any charger, whatever the size.
What exactly is in the box?
The BQ-CC55 charger with its UK plug and four AA eneloop pro cells rated at 2500mAh, supplied already charged so they can be used immediately.