Outlook for sealed rechargeable batteries

The growth rate for small sealed rechargeable cells has ranged between 15% and 20% per year for the past several years. Various forecasts estimate that over one half of the portable electronic devices made in the year 2000 will be battery powered. If this proves true, the growth rate in this market segment should continue. There are four major small sealed battery chemistries: nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd), sealed lead acid (SLA), nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) and lithium ion (Li-ion). The rechargeable alkaline is a relative newcomer to the marketplace. A summary of the characteristics of the major cell systems is given