Um, duh. I’ve always wondered by rechargeable batteries never came pre-charged and I guess the concept finally dawned on the people at Duracell. Not all of their rechargeable batteries will boast this new “feature”, however, because apparently it takes a very special new kind of NiMH battery to handle this.

There is one other thing that is different about this new set of rechargeable batteries. They can hold their charge for up to 365 days when not in use, unlike other NiMH batteries that have a tendency to lose their juice over the same period of time. Presumably, it is this second feature that allows for the first “feature.”

A four pack of AA rechargeable batteries goes for $12.99.