ZPower Begins Making Mini Batteries

Production has started at ZPower in Camarillo on silver-zinc batteries for use in hearing aids and other miniature electronic devices. The company is expecting to manufacture up to one million of the batteries on its single production. “Our plan is that as the market expands we will add capacity to meet the demand,” said ZPower President and CEO Ross Dueber. ZPower offers its batteries as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries that are found in consumer electronic products. A silver-zinc battery can last an entire day, be charged at night, generate less waste compared to disposable batteries and are fully recyclable. “Our high energy, silver-zinc technology is the key enabler for manufacturers to evolve their new product designs from disposable to rechargeable batteries,” said Troy Renken, vice president of product planning and electronics. ZPower will make two battery sizes that are most popular in hearing aids and will manufacture other button and coin cell sizes upon customer and application needs. Mark R. Madler