Early History

• The first Panasonic batteries were developed in 1923. Company founder Konosuke Matsushita noticed that his oil-powered bicycle lamp would often fail while he rode at night. To remedy this problem he created a round bicycle light with an integral battery. He personally visited retailers and encouraged them to test his product. The battery-powered light sold well that Matsushita began to focus his efforts on battery technology, making Panasonic an early leader in this field.
  
  

The 1930s through '50s

• Like many batteries of the time, Panasonic's earliest models were based on a "wet cell" technology that was prone to leaks. In 1931 the company introduced a dry cell battery that offered better performance. This was followed by the dry zinc-air battery in 1940 and layer-built models in 1945. Though WWII led to material shortages and manufacturing disruptions in the 1940s, Panasonic bounced back in 1954 with the first battery to be housed in a protective metal casing.
  
  

The 1960s and '70s

• By the late 1960s, Panasonic had turned to alkaline-based batteries. This technology allowed for longer-lasting, better-performing batteries that could be used with a wider range or products. In 1979 the company developed a line of paper-thin batteries. These models could be formed into a number of different shapes, allowing them to fit into cameras, watches and other small devices. The 1970s also brought the first lithium batteries, which would eventually lead to the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that are widely used today.
  
  

The 1980s and '90s

• Panasonic was an early leader in lead-acid battery development. This technology was used in video cameras during the 1980s. The company is also credited with developing the world's smallest lithium battery in 1984. By 1990, Panasonic had removed mercury from most of its batteries in response to consumer complaints. During the 1990s, the company introduced rechargeable lithium-ion batteries as well as a number of large batteries designed to power hybrid and electric vehicles.
  
  

The 21st Century

• By the year 2001, Panasonic had sold more than 100 billion dry batteries. Since that time, the company has focused on improving its battery technologies. In 2001, Panasonic introduced the Prismatic, one of the world's smallest rechargeable lithium batteries. That same year, the PowerMax3 line of alkaline batteries was released. In 2006 the company opened a brand new headquarters in Brussels. The new facility is equipped with the latest technology for battery development and manufacturing.