Uniross CR-P2 – 6V Lithium Manganese Dioxide, Economical Replacement to the EL223A

Other Information for the CR-P2

Cross referenced with other manufacturers part numbers:

5024LC
223A
EL223A
DL223A

CR-P2 Polarity

Lithium Manganese Dioxide (Li-MnO₂) batteries are a highly stable, high-energy density chemical system primarily used in single-use (non-rechargeable) primary cells, recognizable by their standard “CR” designation (such as CR2032 or CR123A). They utilise a metallic lithium anode and a heat-treated manganese dioxide cathode to produce a stable nominal output of 3.0 Volts.

Note: While a rechargeable variant known as Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO) exists for power tools and EVs, “Lithium Manganese Dioxide” almost universally refers to the primary, disposable 3V chemistry.

Key Performance Metrics

Nominal Voltage: Steady 3.0V output throughout its service life.

Energy Density: Extremely high, reaching up to 400 Wh/kg.

Shelf Life: Exceptional storage longevity lasting between 10 to 20 years.

Self-Discharge: Ultra-low rate of less than 1% loss per year at room temperature.

Temperature Range: Highly resilient, operating from -40°C to +85°C

Working Principle and Chemistry

During discharge, metallic lithium at the negative electrode (anode) oxidises and releases electrons. The resulting lithium ions travel through an organic electrolyte and insert themselves into the manganese dioxide crystal lattice at the positive electrode (cathode).

Main Advantages

Flat Discharge Curve: Delivers constant, predictable voltage until depletion.

Enhanced Safety: Stable chemistry with minimal gas production or leakage risks.

Cost-Effective: Manganese is earth-abundant, keeping costs lower than cobalt alternatives.

Eco-Friendly: Contains no highly toxic heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, or lead.

Common Applications

Due to their reliability and long dormancy capabilities, they are ideal for:

Consumer Devices: Small appliances, automatic cameras, and calculator coin cells.

Memory Backup: Real-time clocks (RTC) on computer motherboards.

Industrial IoT: Security sensors, smart utility meters, and tracking devices.

Medical & Safety: Defibrillators, smoke detectors, and military equipment.

Usage Precautions

Non-Rechargeable: Forcing a current backward through a primary Li-MnO₂ cell can cause severe overheating, explosion, or fire.

Do Not Mix: Never mix brands, capacities, or used and fresh batteries in the same device.

Uniross is a prominent European manufacturer specialising in rechargeable batteries, charging devices, and portable lighting solutions. Founded in 1968 in Bristol, United Kingdom, the company is currently headquartered in France and distributes its products to over 70 countries globally.

Company History & Milestones

Founding: Established in 1968 in Bristol, UK, primarily focusing on consumer and industrial power.

Market Peak: By 2006, the brand secured a dominant 60% market share in the UK retail battery market.

Acquisition & Expansion: Control shifted to a French group following a takeover in 2012, prompting diversification into portable LED lighting.

Global Presence: Operates through more than 50,000 retail touchpoints worldwide.

Core Product Offerings

1. Rechargeable Batteries

Lithium USB-C Batteries: Advanced Uniross Lithium USB-C Batteries eliminate traditional charging docks by featuring a built-in USB-C port for direct, 2-hour fast charging. They offer up to 1,000 recharge cycles.

Ni-MH Batteries: Classic eco-friendly Ni-MH variations (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) built with low self-discharge technology, allowing them to retain 70% of their charge after one year on the shelf.

Industrial Cells: Specialised Lithium-ion (e.g., 18650) and Lithium Thionyl Chloride batteries designed for utilities, medical hardware, and IoT devices.