The most common debate about these two battery types surrounds alkaline AA, AAA, C, and D consumer batteries. With different kinds of more efficient batteries appearing on the scene, such as the lithium-ion rechargeable battery, choosing can be a bit of a headache.

But in reality, there are only two main factors to consider.

Battery Price
Rechargeable batteries are usually more expensive, at least initially.

Since rechargeable batteries can be charged many times over after the initial purchase, it is reasonable that rechargeable batteries comes with a much higher price tag than disposable non-rechargeable batteries. Having a lower initial cash outlay makes it one of the reasons that some consumers choose to purchase disposable batteries. But in the long run, the batteries that you can recharge are significantly more cost effective, often providing you with a hundreds or more hours of use than their disposable counterparts. The lithium-ion rechargeable battery for example, has proven to be efficient, especially in consumer electronics.

Battery Life
Disposable batteries last longer than rechargeable batteries, but only initially.

The initial charge of a disposable battery tends to make it last significantly longer than its counterpart in most applications, making it the better buy at first glance. But remember, they are called “disposable” for good reason; they simply cannot be recharged. Once they die, they’re dead and gone. When it comes to rechargeable batteries, they last much longer as you can recharge them. While it is true that rechargeable batteries lose drain more quickly over time and successive charges, there’s never a need to re-purchase batteries for quite some time as long as they satisfactorily hold the charge needed for their application.

Rechargeable Batteries Then?
Not Always. Consider the application first.

While the verdict may seem to be a no-brainer inclination in favor of the rechargeable battery, a case can be made for the usefulness of disposable batteries. It really depends on application.

For example, non-rechargeable batteries can be the perfect choice for low-drain products. Low-drain devices use only occasional power or very low power over a longer period of time. Smoke detectors, remote controls, and wall clocks are just few of devices that could benefit from disposable alkaline batteries.

Rechargeable batteries can be the ideal choice for high-drain gadgets and electronics that quickly drain a lot of energy. Since these batteries can be easily recharged, you will be ridden of the hassle of constantly purchasing new batteries. Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, which are commonly used to power portable consumer electronics, are a better choice for such devices, and will give you more bang for your buck.

There are always pros and cons with the variety of batteries available. The first consideration in purchasing the most suitable battery for any device is its application.

You’re on vacation on a wonderful island.

You’re breathing the briny air as you stand on your room’s terrace facing the beach. You feel so relaxed by the sea breeze brushing your cheeks. It’s the closest to heaven you can ever be!

What better way to make your friends jealous with your discovered paradise than to post a photo of it on Instagram.

You hurriedly go back inside your room, take out your phone, and just as when you’re aiming the camera at the magnificent view before you, your battery dies.

“Not today, not today!” you blurt out to yourself, nearly ripping your handbag apart to look for your phone charger.

After a minute or two of what seems like an endless riot between you and your handbag, you realize one thing:
You left your charger at home.

Arrrrrrggggggggh!

Frustrating, isn’t it? Here are some of the things you could do to prolong your battery’s life:

1. Turn off gadgets and appliances when not in use. If your gadgets don’t have a battery save feature, turn them off when you are not using them to avoid draining them quickly. Doing this reduces the amount of power your gadgets or other battery-powered electronic devices use.

2. Keep batteries cool. Storing batteries in a cool place can conserve their shelf life. This is especially important if you live in a warm climate. Exposing batteries to heat or warm temperature increases their chemical activity, which results in a dramatic decrease of battery life. Although some batteries, for example, alkaline batteries, are known to self-discharge at generally slower rates, the shelf life of an NiMH battery could be considerably extended with cool storage.

3. Be mindful when to fully charge and discharge your batteries. Not all battery-powered gadgets such as cellular phones need to be fully charged and discharged. For instance, lithium batteries need to be charged often; otherwise, allowing them to drain will damage their storage capacity. Prolonging charging and shallow discharging of lithium-based batteries better.

4. Remove or avoid using unnecessary features. Applications in your gadgets that run at the same time slowly burn out the CPU, which can contribute to your battery’s death. Remove or turn off unused or unnecessary programs and applications if possible. While traveling, or whenever there is a power outage in your area, prolong your battery’s life by avoiding the use of unnecessary applications and features. When using smartphones or tablets for instance, consider turning off the Bluetooth, and refrain from streaming videos or playing games.

5. Use the correct battery charger. Avoid the habit of borrowing chargers that are not designated for your batteries, just because they fit into your gadgets’ ports. Some chargers are designed for fast charging, while others for slow charging. Plugging in the wrong charger for your battery may result in over-charging or discharging, which can excessively heat and burn out your battery.
Proper usage and care prolongs battery life.

What other ways can you think of to preserve your battery’s life?

All batteries should be kept out of children’s reach to avoid accidental battery ingestion.  Particularly prone to ingestion are the small, round, miniature batteries, often called coin cells or button batteries.  These batteries are composed of metals like zinc, nickel, silver, cadmium, and lithium.  Some contain concentrated solutions of caustic electrolytes, and even mercury.  

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How exposed are our children to these batteries?

Lending to the frequency of battery ingestion are loose batteries mistaken as food by unsupervised children.  If you suspect a child has ingested batteries, do not hesitate to call 911 or bring them to the nearest emergency room.  Battery ingestion symptoms may worsen if not given proper medical attention and these symptoms often do not develop until harmful effects are felt.  

Among the common symptoms of battery ingestion are abdominal pain which may be preceded by dry heaving, drooling, and vomiting; low-grade fever, allergy or rashes, and dark or bloody stool.  

Commonsense tips to avoid battery ingestion among children

As the majority of battery ingestion cases occur in the home, it simply makes sense to store batteries in childproof containers.  This should be a matter of habit.  

But, is this enough?

Removal of batteries from compartments of household appliances, toys, and other small battery-powered devices results to the high frequency of battery ingestion.  Make sure these compartments are securely shut, taped for reinforcement, and stored beyond the reach of children.  Leave no device unchecked—make sure you securely attach your child’s hearing aid batteries in place for good measure.  

Take the lead in making your home a safer place by properly securing these batteries.  After all, prevention is always better than cure.  

In the meantime, here are pictures of what I posted on ebay.  Here’s the link to the eBay listing too.

Ok, this is an easy trick. The photo on the center screen is actually the rear camera. The back door is open, so the camera is pointed toward the sky. That’s downtown Miami across the bay. I’m on Government Cut the camera is facing East.

Four weeks in a Tesla Model S, cross country nearly 6,000 miles.  Feb. 14 to March 16th.  It was a great experience and I can’t wait until my next 1,000+ mile trip in a Tesla electric car!!!