High price of batteries

[anotheoldgit]

Seeing that an increasing number of electronic items still depend on the old dry cell battery, how is it that the price of batteries are still as high as they are?

[Buenchico]

Probably because the world prices of graphite and (particularly) zinc remain quite high.

Anyway with a pack of 8 long-life (alkaline) AA cells typically costing £1 (in Poundland, for example) batteries aren't particularly expensive (unless, of course, you buy Duracell batteries at a filling station, which - other than in real emergencies - is complete madness).

Chris

[Huderon]

Why not invest in a dozen or so each of AA and AAA rechargeable batteries and a couple of chargers ? The initial cost is high, but by the time the batteries are at the end of their life after however many it is charges, the cost would be a lot lower than the ones you buy and throw away

[beso]

Dry cell technology is very old and the design and manufacturing process is mature. They have long been made in such large numbers that there is no further gain to be made from increasing manufacturing quantities.

[Prudentia]

Rechargeables don't last in most hi-drain uses

[AndThenSome]

Buenchico, those "Batteries for a quid" Couldn't t power a nanobot! Lol, ok they could, but try using them in your Gillette Mach 5 razor and expect the Shave from hell!

[beso]

Rechargables also have a lower terminal voltage and don't wok in some appliances.
They also self discharge quite quicky where an alkaline cell can have a shelf life of up to 10 years.