Rechargeable batteries are more effecient than their standard cell battery counterparts.
Rechargeable batteries have been steadily growing in popularity. This is largely due to new technologies pushing energy-requirement boundaries, which are making traditional cell batteries inefficient and unaffordable. While there are a number of different companies that produce rechargeable batteries, there are only four main categories that each battery will--for the most part--fall into. These are nickel cadmium, nickel metal hybrid, nickel zinc and lithium ion.
Nickel Cadmium
Nickel cadmium batteries, also known as NiCd or NiCa batteries, were some of the first rechargeable batteries to be developed. According to batteryreview.org, they are more physically durable than other rechargeable batteries on the market and can undergo a considerable amount of charging and discharging/usage before they need to be replaced. However, due to their early inception, nickel cadmium batteries are becoming outdated by newer technologies. According to the above source, the batteries do not last as long in more advanced devices like MP3 players, digital cameras and hand-held gaming consoles in comparison to other battery types. Nickel cadmium batteries are more suited for devices like alarm clocks and remote controls.
Nickel Metal Hybrid
According to batteryreview.org, nickel metal hybrid or NiMH batteries have approximately two to three times the capacity of nickel cadmium batteries, which means they last two to three times longer per charge. In addition, they are less expensive and can efficiently power electronic devices known for draining battery power (such as those mentioned above). However, nickel metal hybrid batteries--according to the above source--lose approximately 30 percent of their charge capacity each month (which means you will have to buy replacements more frequently than with other rechargeable battery types).
Nickel Zinc
Nickel Zinc or NiZn batteries are the most economic rechargeable batteries for individuals who are constantly burning through standard cell batteries. According to engadget.com, nickel zinc batteries are incredibly long lasting, both in terms of usage time between needing to recharge and overall charge capacity as the months roll by. They only hitch is that they are more expensive than most other varieties of rechargeable batteries, including nickel cadmium, nickel metal hybrid and lithium ion.
Lithium Ion
According to batteryreview.org, lithium ion or Li-ion batteries are perhaps the most popular rechargeable batteries on the market. In addition to being especially well suited for those high-power-drainage devices mentioned earlier, the batteries lose a considerably low amount of charge capacity, approximately 5 percent each month. According to the above source, lithium ion batteries also have one of the highest overall energy capacities to begin with, which means you spend less time having to recharge them. One of the few drawbacks to lithium ions is that they are the least durable variety of rechargeable batteries, so be careful not to drop them.
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