The best rechargeable D size batteries are the new LSD Ni-MH (low self-discharge Nickel-Metal Hybride) cells. These new Ni-MH rechargeable batteries are able to retain a charge for a year, making them suitable for using in flashlights and other low-term applications.These new Imedion batteries by PowerEx “low self-discharge” Ni-MH batteries were released last year. They boast improvements in the self-discharge rate by retaining a charge capacity of 90% after 6 months and 85% after 12 months, which makes them ideal for storing and for use in flashlights or other low-drain devices.
They come pre-charged and have a capacity of 9,500 mAh (milli Amp hours). Compatible with Ni-MH chargers, they can be charged up to 1,000 times. A pack of 2 sells for around $30.
The Imedion D-size batteries are available from Amazon. They also come in C-Size.
Update: There is now a “low self-charge” D-size batteries available: the Tenergy “Centuron” (8000 mAh) However, the Imedion is still our top choice, due its high capacity and good track record.
Best Standard Ni-MH D Battery: Tenergy D Size Rechargeable Batteries
If “low self-discharging” batteries are not important to you, these Tenergy Rechargeable D size batteries are a Ni-MH battery that offer a long running life and high capacity of 10,000 mAh. According to Tenergy, these batteries can be recharged up to 1,000 times. They can be recharged via a smart charger or universal charger. A standard charge takes 15 hours at 800 mA or they can be rapid charged in 3 hours at 4,000 mA.
A pack of 8 Tenergy D size rechargeable batteries is available from Amazon for about $55.
The Longest Run Time & Highest Capacity Rechargeable D Batteries: Maha PowerEx
MAHA POWEREX RECHARGEABLE D BATTERIES
These Ni-MH batteries from PowerEx offer the longest run time and highest capacity of the rechargeable D size with 11,000 mAh, slightly more than the Tenergy and the Imedion batteries. Note these batteries are regular NiHM so they have a higher self-discharge rate. They can be recharged up to 1,000 times using a Ni-MH charger. A pack of 2 costs about $30.
The Maha PowerEx rechargeable D batteries sell on Amazon.
D-Sized Battery Chargers
The Best Overall: Maha PowerEx Ultimate Professional Battery Charger
MAHA POWER X ULTIMATE BATTERY CHARGER
The ultimate professional battery charger by Maha/PowerEx has been designed for the high capacity C and D batteries. Charging time for an 11,000 mAh D size battery is around just 5 hours. You can charge any combination of AAA, AA, C, or D batteries at the same time with up to 8 stations. Each battery is individually monitored via an LCD display to show charging status.
The Maha charger features a soft and rapid charging mode, will automatically shut off when a full charge is reached, and runs at a low temperature. It’s powered by an AC adapter.
You can get it on Amazon for around $85.00.
The Most Versatile (NiCad and NiMH Compatible) – Ansmann Deluxe “Energy 16” Charger
Ansmann is a German company known for their range of high-end, intelligent battery chargers. Ansmann’s “Energy 16” charger can handle both NiCad and NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) rechargeable batteries. When the batteries are inserted into the charger, they are analysed, and batteries needing reconditioning are automatically restored by several cycles of charging and discharging. The charger will also indicate if a battery has been damaged and cannot be charged.
This charger has ten charging positions: six for AAA, AA, C or D sized cells, and four for 9V cells. The six top positions can handle two AAA or two AA cells or one each of the larger C or D cells.
A LED display shows the state of charging for each cell.
This charger can be used worldwide — it accepts 100-240V 50-60Hz AC.
It’s available from Amazon for around $120.
A Smaller and More Affordable Version – Ansmann Deluxe “Energy 8” Charger
Ansmann’s “Energy 8” charger has all the features of the “Energy 16” charger, but has 8 charging points instead of 16. It has four AAA/AA/C/D and two 9V positions.
It’s available from Amazon for around $70.
A Smart Charger – Tenergy Universal Smart Charger for Rechargeable D Batteries
This universal smart charger from Tenergy will automatically detect the size and type of battery placed in the slot and charge them individually or in a group. With two charging bays, it can charge 2 9V batteries or 4 of any combination of AAA, AA, C, and D. It can charge both Ni-MH and Ni-CD batteries. Each battery is individually monitored with an LED light to indicate discharge, fast charge, and trickle charge. You can mix batteries within the charger.
Sensing when the battery has reached a full charge, it will shut off or switch to a standby battery. It can also detect when a battery has reached the end of it’s life. Powered by an AC 110v-240v adapter, this charger can recharge a D size battery of 1200 mAh to 10,000 mAh in 3-10.5 hours.
The Tenergy Universal Smart Charger is sold on Amazon for about $22.00.
USB Port Feature Included – Tenergy Super Universal LCD Battery Charger With USB Port
TENERGY SUPER UNIVERSAL LCD BATTERY CHARGER WITH USB PORT
Another selection from Tenergy, this universal charger can recharge a combination of 1 to 4 AAA, AA, C, or D sized Ni-MH batteries and 1 to 2 9V Ni-MH batteries. For a D size battery of around 9,000 mAh, the charging time will take about 7.5 hours. The blue LCD display shows individual battery status: charge, discharge, full, and bad.
This charger also features a built-in USB port to power your personal digital devices, though it can’t be done at the same time as the batteries. Comes with a 100-240v AC adapter and offers short circuit protection.
The Tenergy Super Universal LCD battery charger is available from Amazon for about $37.
