What are the differences between battery types?
In simple terms, batteries come in two basic types: single-use and rechargeable.
Single-use batteries, also known as primary batteries, have one life cycle and must be replaced when drained. Examples include alkaline, carbon-zinc, lithium, silver-zinc and zinc air.
Rechargeable batteries, also known as secondary batteries, can be recharged and used repeatedly. Examples of rechargeable batteries include Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), Nickel Cadmium (NiCd), Lithium Ion (LiIon) and Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries.
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- Best for household electronics
- Most popular long-lasting power source
- Very good shelf-life — up to 10 years
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- Best for high drain/high-tech devices
- High performance battery for the devices you rely on
- Great storage life — 10 years
- 33% lighter than alkaline systems
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- Best for heavy drain/high-tech devices
- Excellent extreme temperature performance
- Great storage life — 15 years
- 33% lighter than alkaline systems
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- Best for frequent use/heavy drain devices
- Recharges 100s of times
- Limited shelf-life — loses 1% of deliverable energy per day
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Battery Chemistry Comparison Chart
Single-use and rechargeable batteries are available in different chemistry compositions
| Primary (Single-Use) |
Secondary (Rechargeable) |
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| Lithium |
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Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) |
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| Alkaline |
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Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) |
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| Carbon Zinc |
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Lithium Ion (Li Ion) |
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| Silver Zinc |
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| Zinc Air |
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