Batteries are a crucial part of our everyday activities. They help us start our cars, and keep our phones running all day long by storing energy we can draw from when performing an activity.

We know that life would look vastly different if we didn't have batteries, but the real question is: how many different types of batteries are there, and what are the different kinds of batteries used for?

Keep reading to learn about the different types of batteries there are, and what their ideal applications are.

Alkaline Batteries

Alkaline batteries are a battery that gets its energy from the reaction zinc metal and manganese dioxide make. They often last longer than older types of batteries and are found in common household products, such as:

• MP3 players
• CD players
• Digital cameras
• Kids toys
• Radios
• Flashlights

Lithium Ion Batteries

Lithium Ion batteries are rechargeable and have been growing in popularity since their development in 1985. In these batteries, the lithium ions go from the negative electrode to the positive electrode when being used. When they are charged the electrolyte will take the electrode from the positive side to the negative side.

Lithium batteries are often used in:

• Cell phones
• Tablets
• Laptops
• Cordless power tools
• Tesla car

Are Lithium Batteries Good For the Environment?

You can barely read the news without coming across an article talking about lithium batteries and the environment. While lithium batteries do have some questionable sourcing practices, overall they are better for the environment than acid-filled flooded cell batteries. 

Alkaline vs. Lithium Batteries

There are many differences between these types of batteries, and both have their advantgaes. When it comes to how long a battery lasts, lithium is going to win every time. However, when looking at the cost of the battery, alkaline costs significantly less than lithium batteries do.

The cost is about the only thing alkaline wins at, as lithium batteries weigh less than alkaline, and they work in most extreme temperatures you can put them through.

If you're looking to take your batteries on the go, spend the extra money and go with lithium. However, if you're keeping your battery-powered device at home, you can get away with saving money with the alkaline.

Zinc-Carbon Batteries

Zinc-carbon batteries are a type of dry cell battery that gives a direct electrical current due to the electrochemical reaction between zinc and manganese dioxide. It creates a voltage of 1.5 between the zinc anode. Then, the carbon rod of positive polarity collects the current that's created, which gives it the zinc-carbon name.

In general, these one-time-use batteries work great in products that don't use a lot of energy, such as a TV remote.

Now You Know the Different Types of Batteries

Now that you know about the different types of batteries, and what their uses are, it's time to find the right battery for you. Remember to consider how often you'll need to charge the battery, and what its main application is and you'll be on your way to the best battery for you.

If you know what you want to purchase, be sure to check out our shop! We have a wide range of batteries that are sure to meet your needs.

Warehouse Battery Outlet's goal is to get you access to the battery you need. We stock batteries for almost everything, including common batteries such as alkaline batteries, watch batteries, hearing aid batteries and dog collar batteries as well as more obscure batteries such as Bipower prizmatic batteries. Located in Quakertown PA, Warehouse Battery Outlet offers local delivery for specific items on business accounts. Our 13,000 square feet of warehouse and retail space makes for  WBO's superior buying power allows us to provide, to our customers, the most competitive pricing in the industry today. Servicing the areas of Allentown, King of Prussia, and surrounding areas daily!