Many of us are familiar with the batteries that we use in remote controls and other small devices. These small alkaline batteries are common, cheap, and in use for years.

But there’s actually an entire world of batteries out there! Different applications call for different types of batteries, and not all batteries are created equal.

If you’re looking to expand your battery knowledge, look no further. We’ve written a guide to all the main battery types on the market. Read on to learn more!

Alkaline Batteries

As we mentioned in the introduction, alkaline batteries are the most common batteries in the world. They are a great choice for low-powered and low-use devices such as remote controls, smoke alarms, and children’s toys.

The downside to alkaline batteries is that they do not have a lot of power, nor is their shelf life very long. Make sure you inspect your batteries regularly and throw out any that are past their expiration date.

Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries are similar to alkaline batteries, except they can store more energy. They also have a much longer shelf life, which makes them a great choice for emergency kits. 

However, the longer lifespan and higher output come at a premium. Lithium batteries are more expensive than their alkaline alternatives. 

Nickel-Cadmium

These batteries are most commonly found in cameras and hobby toys such as RC cars. They are rechargeable and very high-powered, which makes them great for these tasks.

However, they do not have a very long lifespan. Most nickel-cadmium batteries will last about 1000 charge cycles.

You must recycle nickel-cadmium batteries, as they are not environmentally friendly due to the cadmium, which is toxic. 

Nickel-Metal Hydride

These batteries are common in electronic devices such as laptops and cellphones. Nickel-metal hydride batteries are rechargeable and last for years. 

They can be very sensitive to pressure and temperature changes, so make sure to watch your electronic devices carefully for signs of battery damage.

Nickel-metal hydride batteries must be recycled. Their shelf-life when not in use is only three to five years, but they are generally not bought separately and stored.

Zinc Air Cell Batteries

These batteries are the best batteries for devices such as hearing aids. They remain inert until the air seal breaks, at which point oxygen in the air reacts with the zinc to begin the chemical process.

These batteries can last an incredibly long amount of time. Some have lasted up to three years inside of their devices. 

Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries

These batteries are common in the automotive industry, as well as vehicles such as boats. They last for about a decade of normal use and output tremendous amounts of power.

However, they are extremely environmentally unsafe. Lead batteries must be disposed of professionally when they run out. Be sure to check your local and state regulations before disposing of these batteries. Learn more here.

Many Types Of Batteries

While there are many different types of batteries on the market, they all have their own specific uses. Batteries are one of the most common items in the world, and they help it to keep on turning.

For more insightful articles on tech and gadgets, be sure to check out the “Technology” section of our blog. Feel free to reach out to us any time with questions or comments!