Rechargeable batteries are essential to modern everyday life. They are used in cars, mobile phones, laptops, and a range of machinery. They are popular alternatives to disposable lithium batteries because of their reduced impact on the environment. Depending on how frequently they are used, rechargeable batteries can save you a lot of money in the long run.
We’re going to unpack everything there is to know about rechargeable batteries and why they are a worthwhile investment for daily life and business.
Why Batteries Are So Useful
Batteries are used for numerous electronic devices. As the world turns increasingly towards cordless and portable electronics, the demand for batteries has multiplied. Batteries can last for a long time before replacing or recharging, which is essential for machineries such as engines and remote devices. If you had to restore your car battery every time you wanted to drive your car, then you can imagine it becoming an annoyance over time.
With the increase in demand for electric cars, rechargeable batteries must be long-lasting and more reliable than ever. Electric car batteries are fundamentally the same as batteries you find in smartphones and other devices, except they are much larger. They must also maintain an optimum operating temperature in all weather conditions for the car engine to run.
How Are Batteries Made?
Batteries are made of alkaline substances and a mixture of steel, zinc, potassium, graphite, and manganese. These substances are all recyclable and non-toxic. The steel casing helps form a cathode that produces the electrochemical reaction, creating the power. Inside the battery is a brass “collector” pin that conducts electricity to the external circuit of the battery. There is also a cathode, separator, anode, and electrolyte that make up the ions and electrodes.
What Is The Difference Between Each Type?
Disposable (Single-Use)
Single-use batteries are relatively cheap to buy, and you can buy them in multipacks. The usage is significantly lower than a rechargeable battery, so you have to change the battery will be more. Alkaline disposable batteries are made up of zinc-carbon and coal dust. These are the standard components of a battery cell.
Rechargeable
A key feature of rechargeable batteries is they are more expensive to buy, but you will get much more use out of the product, making them more economical. They are either made up of either lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, or nickel-metal hydrate. Their lifespan will counterbalance the production cost.
When Are Rechargeable Batteries Most Useful?
Even though there are many benefits to using rechargeable batteries, some of your devices aren’t worth the switch. If you use rechargeable batteries in the right way, you will save yourself time and money with your large electronics. If you have a device requiring you to change batteries every month or so, we recommend investing in a rechargeable battery. This is where you will see the cost benefits. Think of devices such as digital cameras or gaming controllers that use a lot of continuous power.
Here are some of the key benefits of rechargeable batteries:
More Cost-Effective
Rechargeable batteries are a valuable investment in the long run compared to spending money repeatedly on disposable batteries. You will save time and money on trips to the shop each time you run out of charge. Although the initial price point may seem expensive, rechargeable batteries are an item you only buy once and, if well looked after, get a lifetime use out of.
Environmentally Friendly
It is probably no surprise that rechargeable batteries are more environmentally friendly than their disposable counterparts. In the UK alone, around 600 million batteries are used and discarded each year. That number could be more than halved if you swap in rechargeable batteries for a number of your devices. When discarding your battery waste, it is also essential that you do so correctly. Not only do batteries take many years to decompose, but when they do, they release extremely harmful chemicals into the ground.
More Convenient
One of the key benefits of rechargeable batteries is their increased convenience. You only need to shop for one once, and when it runs out of charge, simply plug it in and wait. Single-use batteries require slightly more attention. When they run out of power, they need to be replaced entirely, taking time. You also need to ensure that you have replacement batteries ready; otherwise, it means an even longer wait. Your waste batteries must be disposed of responsibly and can be safely recycled, usually at your local supermarket. This takes extra time and effort and is something that rechargeable batteries do not require.
Increase in Performance
If you want to get the most out of your electronic devices, rechargeable batteries are the way to go. Without realising it, you could be missing out on extra power and efficiency from machinery when single-use batteries power it. This is because single-use batteries provide 1.5V of energy, and this number gradually decreases as the battery runs out of power. Rechargeable batteries, however, release their power at a consistent rate at 1.2V.
Overview
So, the ultimate question is, are rechargeable batteries worth it? The answer is dependent on what you plan to use them for. If you utilise them to their full potential, they are an excellent choice. You can save money in the long run and reduce the number of waste batteries you produce annually. This all contributes to reducing carbon emissions and pollution. Not to mention, rechargeable batteries have almost thirty times less impact on the environment.
If you have a portable electronic piece of machinery such as a vacuum lifter, then you will benefit from using a rechargeable battery as your power source. Here at 4 Cladding Services, we supply the GRABO Lifter, the world’s first portable vacuum lifter. Rechargeable batteries are an essential component in this piece of machinery, as it allows you to use the device remotely and recharge quickly. It comes with a replacement battery too, should you need it, and can be plugged in to charge from any mains outlet.
If you are interested in learning more about the GRABO tool or any of our other products, don’t hesitate to get in touch.