Pub. 9 2019 Issue 2

24 AUTOMOBILE DEALER NEWS ILLINOIS www.illinoisdealers.com I f there is one constant in the variable world of batteries, it’s the regular evolution and devel- opment of new technology. Do you remember when the Eveready AA flashlight battery had 9 Lives? Each of those lives has seemingly become shorter as newer batteries became more ef- ficient - alkaline gave us long lasting cells and even longer shelf life. Leaking batteries were common place and a necessary evil we lived with, but manu- facturers of batteries began using better equipment - now leaks rarely occur. Rechargeable batteries have and are used in vehicles, electronic devices, tools and toys. The first of these batteries, developed in the 1900’s for automobiles, were large, heavy and bulky lead acid cells. As needs changed, smaller cells made of Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) andNickel Metal Hydride (NiMh) were developed. Nickel Cadmiumwas first used in the early 1920’s, but as use grew consumers became concerned with the environmental impact of their chemistry. In response, Nickel Metal Hydride started to replace NiCad’s in the 1990’s - more environmentally friendly, they could also store more energy in vessels of similar size. Well, hang on to your hats - many additional changes have occurred in the last few decades and more are on the way. Lithium technology was available 40 years ago, but was costly and unstable. As the need for even smaller rechargeable batteries grew, lithium cell technology has greatly improved to a point that all types have gained prominence over the last 20 years. Lithium Batteries can be a design engineers dream. Packed in smaller vessels and lighter in weight than other alternatives, lithium can produce a greater amount of power. Sales for common cells such as AA, AAA, C, D and 9V have slowed, replaced by rechargeable lithium cells in all shapes and sizes. Having taken a commanding position in the market place, sales of lithium based cells are soaring. The Changing World of Batteries By Ron Witek