There’s no sign of lead batteries faltering under competition from new technology. Their global market share was already worth $39.7 billion in 2018. But it will grow to $59.7 billion by 2026 according to Allied Market Research. Safety, reliability and simplicity help lead batteries keep pressure on lithium and other alternatives. However, there are other factors in play too.
The Laws of Supply and Demand for Materials
The laws of supply and demand for materials are helping lead batteries keep pressure on lithium technology. Prices come down when supply is abundant in a buyer’s market. That’s why strawberries are cheap at the height of season. But by the same token prices are high for items in short supply. That’s why gasoline prices are rocketing. Asian markets are throttling deliveries as United States economy rebounds.
Turning the spotlight on lithium for a moment, Reuters announced China’s prices for the scarce metal for electric car batteries increased 400% during 2021. Meanwhile lead continues to be in abundant supply with a 5% price increase during the same period.
These price trends seem set to continue because:
1… Lithium batteries in electric cars are composites of small cells difficult to recycle cost-effectively.
2… While 95% of the lead in lead batteries already recycles through well-established supply chains.
R & D Keeps Lead Battery Pressure on Lithium Competition
Battery Council regularly provides news of research and development leading to even better lead acid batteries. For example, on October 15, 2021, they announced a patent by Hammond Group Inc. in Indiana. This secured rights over an invention using lead silicate to reduce acid stratification.
Previous attempts to reduce acid stratification had unfortunate side effects. However, this time lead silicate prevents lead batteries losing capacity through shallow charges and discharges. This is one of several recent innovations promoting longer life for lead acid batteries going forward.
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