Battery recharging and testing swap stations

Despite the widespread availability of rechargeable batteries and associated home recharging systems, consumers have been reluctant to replace single-use batteries with rechargeable batteries due to the inconvenience of home recharging and poor performance of older generations of rechargeable batteries, among other factors. With the advent of improved rechargeable battery technologies (e.g., low self-discharge nickel-metal hydride), one of the main hurdles remaining to prevent consumers from making the switch from single-use batteries to rechargeable batteries is the hassle associated with home recharging. A swap station model is in development in which retail-located vending, recharging and swap stations will provide a convenient and affordable way for consumers to finally embrace rechargeable batteries.