COMPANY

History of Innovation

INNOVATION TIMELINE

Powering Progress Since 1923

From bicycle lamps to electric vehicle batteries, Panasonic Energy has been powering innovation for over 100 years. Our commitment to developing world-class energy solutions began with our founder’s breakthrough in 1923 and continues today with our cutting-edge battery technology that’s shaping the future of sustainable energy.

1923

Development and release of battery-powered shell lamps

In March 1923, Konosuke Matsushita, founder of the business that would later become Panasonic, successfully developed a cannonball-shaped battery-powered shell lamp for bicycles. It was a breakthrough product. A special battery assembly method and new bulb-type lamp were used to provide 30 hours of operation, where two to three hours was average for similar products at the time.

1931

Started battery production in Osaka

1937

Automotive lead-acid batteries released

1954

Released National Hyper, the first full-metal-jacket dry battery in Japan

A number of other products were also developed in conjunction with batteries, including flashlights and lamps (which were in highdemand), as well as gas lighters and new products such as battery-powered clocks, automatic gas stoves, emergency-call buzzers, and bath buzzers.

1967

Alkaline batteries developed and released

Image to the left shows the Alkaline Lifetime Test Trip, Travel Through the Japanese Archipelago event staged in 1968.

1971

Developed graphite-fluoride lithium primary batteries

1987

Launched Ultra Alkaline and Panasonic Alkaline batteries

1991

Introduced mercury-free manganese batteries

1992

Launched mercury-free ALKALINE batteries

1994

Developed lithium-ion rechargeable batteries.

1992

**Began production of SANYO HIT* photovoltaic modules**

* “HIT” is a trademark of Panasonic Group. The name “HIT” is a derivation from “Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin Layer” which is an original technology of Panasonic Group.

2004

Started mass production Ford Escape hybrid battery systems

2005

eneloop Ni-MH batteries launched

2008

Launched EVOLTA alkaline dry batteries

EVOLTA certified by Guinness World Book of Records as world’s No. 1 longest lasting alkaline

2010

Started mass production of lithium-ion batteries for HEV

2016

New Platinum Power AA and AAA Batteries launched

Designed to meet the growing demands of high-drain devices withgreater power consumption such as radio controlled toys, game controllers, headlamps, flashlights, and other household devices.

Panasonic Platinum Power AA and AAA Batteries

2018

Panasonic celebrates 100 years of innovation, continually improving the quality of life to customers around the world

2019

Panasonic introduced Lithium Coin Cell batteries in child protective packaging to the US market

2020

200 billion dry batteries shipped globally.

In September 2020, Panasonic became the first Japanese company to ship a cumulative total of 200 billion dry batteries globally.

2023

Launched the CC65 NiMH professional eneloop pro battery charger

Panasonic CC65 NiMH professional eneloop pro battery charger

2025

Panasonic Energy’s Kansas plant

Starting production in 2025. The plant will increase our production of the 2170 cylindrical lithium-ion battery for electric vehicles, which is in high demand from automotive manufacturers.