Unfortunately, they are 1.2 volt batteries instead of 1.5 volt, so as far as the remote is concerned, you start out with 80% of a full charge and it only gets worse from there.

I switched to RayOvac rechargeable alkalines (which I've been having great luck with for years). They are available at Target. I have heard that some people have problems with them with the newer chargers, but my old RayOvac charger works just fine.
Barry