Environmentally-friendly lithium battery combines the high-power capabilities of spiral type batteries with the capacity and lifetime of bobbin type batteries.

Maxell Europe's new environmentally-friendly lithium battery, model CR17450, combines the high-power capabilities of spiral type batteries with the capacity and lifetime of bobbin type batteries to offer a flexible and innovative solution for the automotive, industrial and facilities management sectors. Its unique 'spiral wound' construction and improved electrical-conductivity structures provide high-rate discharge capabilities (maximum pulse discharge current 1,000mA), while its high temperature tolerance (operating range -40 deg C to +85 deg C) make it suitable for use in the most punishing environments. The battery is laser-welded to ensure air-tightness, which provides high protection against moisture infiltration and a low self-discharge rate.

These features, combined with the fact that the battery's performance remains stable across its full operating temperature range, make this battery ideal for industrial use in security equipment and as the power source of electronic meters.

Other applications for which the batteries provide an ideal solution include long-term use in devices such as smoke alarms, home security devices, electronic toll collection systems, automatic meter readers (water, gas and electricity), locators and transponders.

Additionally, the CR17450 power cell provides highly-reliable, long-term backup power for memory needs.

The batteries are on the market throughout Europe for OEM use as a build-in part.

Toshi Yoshiba, European technical engineer, Industrial Batteries, said: 'Power and long life are key factors in any kind of security or metering device'.

'Through innovative use of R and D, these new Maxell batteries deliver both in abundance'.

'The new construction is able to withstand extremes in temperatures whilst providing long life and consistent high performance for power and memory back-up applications'.

'We are extremely proud of the new addition to our range which strengthens our position as a leader in the battery market.' * About Maxell Europe - Maxell Europe is a Maxell group company that has had a presence in Europe since 1980.

Hitachi Maxell has led the global electronics industry in the fields of storage media and batteries since the establishment of a plant for manufacturing dry cells in Japan in 1960.

Production began with dry cell batteries and from this, the Maxell brand was created by shortening the phrase 'maximum capacity dry cell'.

Today the company boasts best-in-class technologies and development capabilities in its two core business fields and, as a result, Maxell products are highly regarded all over the world.

Headquartered in Hertfordshire, UK, Maxell now has nine European sales companies and branches, which are complemented by distributors in other countries across Europe.

Additional information on Maxell Europe can be found on the company's website.