Varta has developed a new generation of ultra-flat batteries, which will open up whole new design avenues for equipment manufacturers. Varta will be presenting a comprehensive range of these new products at Electronica 2000.

The development of the ultra-thin lithium battery is an outstanding achievement. These flat batteries are just 0.4 mm thick and are ideal for use in credit card-sized Smart Cards. These active Smart Cards, complete with microchip and a whole range of additional functions, can be used as bank, hotel, telephone, travel or audio cards. The flat battery has a normal lifespan of up to 3 years. Readers of the magazine "Elektronik" nominated it Product of the Year 1999 in the energy supply category.

Another award winner is the V 450 HR nickel-metal-hydride cell. It received the prestigious Market Engineering Product Innovation Award from Frost & Sullivan. The rechargeable cell delivers a powerful 460 mAh with astounding cost-effectiveness, despite its height of just 5 mm. The capacities of the series it belongs to range from 400 mAh (V 400 HR) to 600 mAh (V 600 HR). The main applications include cell phones, cordless phones, organizers, palmtops and security systems.