BANGALORE: Akai of Japan has launched, for the first time in India, its range of batteries, claimed to be eco-friendly because they contain no mercury or cadmium. The range includes zinc chloride, alkaline, rechargeable and ready-to-use batteries. Country Head, Akai Energy India Ltd, S. L. Naryanan, said after the first year if the market growth is promising, Akai might set up a local manufacturing plant for the batteries, possibly with its licensee for India, Bangalore-based Unitech Trades and Imports, as partner.