This guide brings three things together on one page: battery types (primary vs rechargeable and their chemistries), the types of battery cells used to build packs (cylindrical, prismatic, pouch), and the common size systems (AA/AAA/9V, coin cells, BCI group). It’s written for beginners, with enough engineering depth to make good choices.
What are the different types of batteries?
Batteries fall into two broad families—primary (single-use) and rechargeable (secondary)—and within those, several chemistries optimized for cost, runtime, temperature, safety, and cycle life. Below you’ll find practical explanations, use-case mapping, and a side-by-side table so beginners and engineers can both make quick, defensible choices.
Primary (single-use) batteries
Alkaline (Zn/MnO₂), 1.5 V per cell
- Strengths: Low cost, long shelf life (often 5–10 yrs), widely available.
- Limitations: Weak at high drain; voltage sags under heavy load; not rechargeable.
- Best for: Remotes, clocks, toys, low/medium-drain flashlights, handheld meters.
Zinc-carbon (Leclanche), 1.5 V per cell
- Strengths: Cheapest option for very light loads.
- Limitations: Shorter life and higher self-discharge vs alkaline.
- Best for: Budget devices with intermittent draw (basic remotes, small radios).
Lithium primary (e.g., CR/BR coin cells, CR123A; Li-MnO₂ or Li-FeS₂), ~3.0 V coin / 3.0–3.6 V cylindrical
- Strengths: Excellent cold-weather performance, very long shelf life, high energy by weight, stable voltage.
- Limitations: Higher price; non-rechargeable.
- Best for: Key fobs, sensors/IoT, cameras, flash units, smoke/CO alarms, instruments.
Zinc-air (hearing-aid), ~1.4 V
- Strengths: High energy density once activated (air cathode); compact.
- Limitations: Starts discharging after tab removal; humidity sensitive; not rechargeable.
- Best for: Hearing aids and select medical/industrial devices.
Silver-oxide (button), ~1.55 V
- Strengths: Flat discharge curve, good for precision devices.
- Limitations: Cost; mostly small formats.
- Best for: Watches, calculators, measurement instruments.
Rechargeable (secondary) batteries
Lead-acid (12 V systems; 2.0 V per cell)
- Flooded (wet): Lowest upfront cost; needs ventilation and periodic maintenance.
- AGM: Sealed, lower self-discharge, better vibration resistance; common in RV/boat/UPS.
- Gel: Sealed, tolerant of deep discharge; lower charge current; sensitive to incorrect charging.
- Starter vs deep-cycle: Starters give high CCA (cold cranking amps); deep-cycle supports repeated deeper DoD.
- Best for: Automotive start, marine/RV house banks, UPS, budget solar where weight/volume are less critical.
NiMH (nickel-metal hydride), 1.2 V per cell
- Strengths: Good high-drain AA/AAA performance, robust and safe, widely available chargers.
- Limitations: Lower energy density vs lithium; some self-discharge (low-self-discharge types mitigate this).
- Best for: Cameras, toys, flashes, handheld electronics replacing alkaline AA/AAA.
Lithium-ion families (per-cell nominal varies)
- LFP (LiFePO₄), ~3.2 V:
- Strengths: Very long cycle life, thermally stable, high usable DoD, good calendar life.
- Limitations: Lower energy density vs NMC/NCA.
- Best for: Home/industrial ESS, solar storage, backup power, marine/RV house banks.
- NMC / NCA, ~3.6–3.7 V:
- Strengths: High to very high energy density; strong power capability.
- Limitations: Needs tight thermal/BMS control; typically shorter cycle life than LFP in ESS duty.
- Best for: EV traction, high-energy portable systems, power tools (often with cylindrical 18650/21700).
- LTO, ~2.3–2.4 V:
- Strengths: Exceptional cycle life, outstanding low-temperature charge acceptance, fast charge, safety.
- Limitations: Low energy density, higher cost.
- Best for: Extreme-temperature, high-cycle industrial uses, fast-charge transit/storage.
- LCO/LMO, ~3.6–3.7 V:
- Strengths: High energy (LCO) or good power (LMO).
- Limitations: Lower cycle life or stability vs newer chemistries; now more niche/legacy.
- Best for: Legacy consumer electronics, specialty packs.
Side-by-side comparison
| Chemistry / Type | Primary or Rechargeable | Nominal V / cell | Relative Energy Density | Typical Cycle Life* | Cold-weather Performance | Safety / Thermal Robustness | Relative Cost | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alkaline | Primary | 1.5 | ●●○ | n/a | Fair (light loads) | Good | $ | Remotes, clocks, toys |
| Zinc-carbon | Primary | 1.5 | ●○○ | n/a | Poor | Fair | $ | Very light-load devices |
| Lithium primary (CR/CR123A) | Primary | ~3.0–3.6 | ●●● | n/a | Excellent | Good | $$–$$$ | Key fobs, sensors, cameras, smoke/CO |
| Zinc-air | Primary | ~1.4 | ●●● | n/a | Fair | Fair | $$ | Hearing aids |
| Silver-oxide | Primary | ~1.55 | ●●○ | n/a | Good | Good | $$–$$$ | Watches, instruments |
| Lead-acid (flooded/AGM/gel) | Rechargeable | 2.0 | ●○○ | ●○○ | Fair | Fair | $–$$ | Start batteries, UPS, RV/boat, budget solar |
| NiMH | Rechargeable | 1.2 | ●●○ | ●●○ | Good | Good | $$ | AA/AAA high-drain replacements |
| LFP (LiFePO₄) | Rechargeable | ~3.2 | ●●○ | ●●● | Good | Excellent | $$–$$$ | ESS, solar, backup, marine/RV |
| NMC / NCA | Rechargeable | ~3.6–3.7 | ●●● | ●●○ | Good (with BMS) | Good (managed) | $$–$$$ | EVs, portable, tools |
| LTO | Rechargeable | ~2.3–2.4 | ○○○ | ●●● | Excellent | Excellent | $$$ | Fast-charge, extreme temps |
| LCO / LMO | Rechargeable | ~3.6–3.7 | ●●● | ●○○ | Fair | Fair–Good | $$–$$$ | Legacy consumer/specialty |
*Cycle life is duty-cycle dependent; table shows typical relative ranges.
How to choose by use-case (practical mapping)
- Remotes, clocks, basic toys: Alkaline; switch to NiMH AA/AAA if you recharge often or draw higher currents.
- Cold climates, long shelf storage, sensors: Lithium primary (CR/CR123A).
- Cameras/flash: Lithium primary for shelf life and cold; high-drain NiMH also works.
- Smoke/CO alarms: Lithium 9 V for longer replacement intervals.
- Automotive starting: Correct BCI group and CCA; AGM for sealed/low maintenance; flooded for lowest cost.
- Deep-cycle RV/boat house banks: AGM (mid cost) or LFP (higher upfront, lower lifetime cost).
- Home/industrial energy storage (solar, backup): LFP (e.g., 51.2 V 16S rack/powerwall) for long cycle life, safety, and high usable DoD.
- Portable power / tools: Cylindrical NMC/NCA packs with robust BMS; LFP where safety/longevity outweigh energy density.
- Extreme temperature / ultra-fast charge: LTO if budget allows.
Charging, storage, and end-of-life basics (keep it safe)
- Match charger to chemistry (lead-acid vs NiMH vs lithium) and follow correct voltage/current profiles.
- Temperature matters: avoid charging lithium below manufacturer limits; cool, dry storage extends life.
- Do not mix types in series/parallel unless engineered to do so with a proper BMS and identical cells.
- Recycle according to local rules—especially lithium and lead-acid. Never incinerate or crush cells.
What are primary (single-use) batteries?
- Alkaline — Affordable, easy to find, good shelf life, best for low to medium drain devices (remotes, clocks, toys). Nominal 1.5 V per cell. Not rechargeable.
- Zinc-carbon — Low cost legacy chemistry for light loads; shorter life than alkaline.
- Lithium primary (CR/FR series, e.g., CR2032, CR123A) — Light weight, excellent cold-weather performance and shelf life, 3.0 V nominal for most coin cells; great for cameras, sensors, key fobs, smoke alarms (9 V lithium).
- Zinc-air — High energy density when exposed to air; common in hearing aids. Not rechargeable once tab is removed.
What are rechargeable (secondary) batteries?
- Lead-acid — 12 V systems for starting and deep-cycle.
- Flooded (wet): lowest cost; needs ventilation/maintenance.
- AGM (absorbed glass mat): sealed, lower self-discharge, good for RV/boat/UPS.
- Gel: sealed, tolerant of deep discharge but lower charge rates.
- NiMH — 1.2 V per cell; good AA/AAA replacement for cameras and toys; far less “memory” issues than old NiCd.
- Lithium-ion families — Higher energy density; very wide range. Typical nominal per cell: 3.2 V (LFP), 3.6–3.7 V (NMC/NCA/LCO/LMO), 2.3–2.4 V (LTO).
- LFP (LiFePO4) — Long cycle life, stable, great for home/industrial ESS; slightly lower energy density.
- NMC / NCA — High energy density; common in EVs and portable gear.
- LCO / LMO — Legacy consumer chemistries; LMO offers good power, LCO high energy but less cycle life.
- LTO — Very long cycle life and excellent low-temperature charging; low energy density and higher cost.
What types of battery cells are used today?
Batteries are assembled from cells. Form factor affects packing density, cooling, reliability, and cost.
Cylindrical cells (e.g., 18650, 21700, 4680)
- Strengths: Rugged metal can, consistent quality, mature automation, good heat paths.
- Where used: Power tools, laptops, e-bikes, some ESS and EV modules.
Prismatic cells
- Strengths: Rectangular cans allow high packing density and fewer interconnects.
- Where used: ESS rack modules (51.2 V), many EV and industrial systems.
Pouch cells
- Strengths: Very light and thin; flexible footprints.
- Watch-outs: Needs mechanical support and swelling management.
- Where used: Consumer electronics, UAVs, some EV designs.
Cell form factors at a glance
| Form factor | Typical strengths | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|
| Cylindrical | Rugged, consistent, automated production | Tools, laptops, e-bikes, some ESS |
| Prismatic | High packing density, fewer busbars | ESS racks, EV |
| Pouch | Light and thin, flexible shapes | Consumer devices, UAVs (needs support) |
How do the main lithium chemistries compare?
| Chemistry | Nominal V/cell | Energy density | Cycle life | Safety/thermal | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LFP | ~3.2 | Medium | High | Very stable | ESS, solar storage, backup |
| NMC | ~3.6–3.7 | High | Medium–High | Good with care | EVs, portable power |
| NCA | ~3.6–3.7 | Very high | Medium | Needs tight control | High-energy EV packs |
| LTO | ~2.3–2.4 | Low | Very high | Excellent | Fast charge, extreme temps |
| LMO/LCO | ~3.6–3.7 | High/Very high | Lower | Needs care | Legacy consumer cells |
How do series and parallel cells change voltage and capacity?
- Series adds voltage:
Vpack=n×VcellV; capacity (Ah) stays the same. - Parallel adds capacity:
Cpack=m×Ccell; voltage stays the same. - Energy: E [Wh]=V×Ah.
Examples
- 4S LiFePO4 (3.2 V each) → 12.8 V pack.
- 16S LiFePO4 → 51.2 V pack (home/industrial ESS standard).
- Two identical 12.8 V 100 Ah strings in parallel → 12.8 V 200 Ah.
What is the difference between battery voltage and cell voltage?
Per-cell nominal voltage comes from chemistry: LFP ≈ 3.2 V, NMC/NCA/LCO/LMO ≈ 3.6–3.7 V, NiMH ≈ 1.2 V, Alkaline ≈ 1.5 V, Lead-acid ≈ 2.0 V, LTO ≈ 2.3–2.4 V.
Battery (pack) voltage is the series count × per-cell voltage (e.g., 16 × 3.2 V = 51.2 V).
Nominal vs working range
- “Nominal” is a label; real-world voltage varies with state of charge (SOC) and load. An LFP 16S pack might operate roughly 40–58 V depending on the BMS.
- The BMS enforces per-cell min/max cut-offs to protect the pack.
Voltage and SOC aren’t a straight line
- LFP has a flat plateau, so mid-range voltage shows little SOC change; coulomb counting and periodic balancing are used for accuracy.
Load, temperature, and internal resistance
- High C-rate causes voltage sag (IR drop) that recovers at rest.
- Cold increases internal resistance (more sag); heat can raise apparent voltage yet stress the chemistry.
Where you measure matters
- A DMM across the terminals gives pack voltage.
- Cell-level readings via the BMS show balance; weak cells limit usable capacity and can force an early cut-off.
Quick rules
- Need more voltage? Add series cells.
- Need more runtime (Ah)? Add parallel strings.
- Need safety and longevity? Use a BMS with cell-level monitoring and balancing.
What are the common battery sizes and naming rules?
Household sizes (IEC/ANSI): AA, AAA, C, D, 9V. These describe physical size, not chemistry.
Coin and button cells: Names like CR2032 encode diameter × thickness in tenths of a millimeter (CR2032 → Ø20 mm × 3.2 mm). CR/SR/LR/BR prefixes hint at chemistry and voltage.
Automotive: BCI group sizes (e.g., Group 24/27/31) define case dimensions and terminal layouts; pair size with CCA and reserve capacity for the vehicle.
Quick common battery size lookup
Battery size chart: common AA/AAA/9V, coin cells, and BCI group size at a glance.
| Category | Examples | Nominal voltage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Household | AA / AAA / C / D | 1.2–1.5 | Chemistry varies (NiMH/alkaline) |
| 9V block | 6×1.5 V or 7×1.2 V | 9.0 / 8.4 | Small cells stacked in series |
| Coin/button | CR2032 / CR2025 | 3.0 | Name = diameter × thickness |
| Automotive | BCI Group 24 / 27 / 31 | 12 | Match group, terminals, CCA |
Which battery should I choose for my use?
- Remotes and toys: Alkaline for low drain; NiMH AA/AAA if you recharge often.
- Cameras and flash: Lithium primary (CR) for cold weather and long shelf life; high-drain NiMH also works.
- Smoke alarms: Lithium 9V lasts longer than alkaline.
- Cars, RVs, and boats: Match BCI group size and CCA; choose AGM for sealed/low maintenance, flooded for lowest cost, gel for deep-cycle at modest charge rates.
- Solar and home storage: LiFePO4 packs (e.g., 51.2 V 16S) offer long cycle life and usable depth of discharge; size capacity (kWh) to your daily load and backup hours.
- Portable power stations: Lithium-ion (often NMC or LFP) with robust BMS and certified inverter/charger.
Want product examples? Link naturally from here to your powerwall systems, stackable ESS, and home storage battery pages.
FAQ
What are the different types of batteries?
Two big groups: primary (single-use) and rechargeable. Common chemistries include alkaline, zinc-carbon, lithium primary (CR), zinc-air, lead-acid (flooded/AGM/gel), NiMH, and lithium-ion families (LFP, NMC, NCA, LCO, LMO, LTO).
What are the three main types of batteries?
Many sources summarize as primary, secondary (rechargeable), and specialty/reserve. In day-to-day use you’ll most often compare alkaline, lead-acid, and lithium-ion.
Is an AA battery a cell or a battery?
AA is a single cell. We call it a “battery” in daily life, but technically it’s one electrochemical cell.
How many cells make 12.8 V, 25.6 V, or 51.2 V LiFePO4?
4S = 12.8 V, 8S = 25.6 V, 16S = 51.2 V. These are common ESS pack voltages.
Why does a 9 V battery use multiple small cells?
To reach about 9 V in a compact case: alkaline stacks six 1.5 V cells; NiMH stacks seven 1.2 V cells (8.4 V nominal).
Which lasts longer, alkaline or lithium?
Lithium primary cells typically have longer shelf life and better cold-weather performance; runtime still depends on the device’s load profile.
Is LiFePO4 better than lead-acid for home storage?
For ESS, LiFePO4 usually offers longer cycle life, deeper usable DoD, and lower maintenance than lead-acid, with higher upfront cost.
What is CR2032 vs CR2025?
Both are 20 mm diameter coin cells. CR2032 is 3.2 mm thick; CR2025 is 2.5 mm. Thicker usually means more capacity.
What is the cell symbol vs the battery symbol?
A cell is drawn as one long and one short plate; a battery shows multiple plate pairs in a row.
Why do multi-cell packs require a BMS?
A BMS monitors per-cell voltage/current/temperature, balances cells, and protects against over-charge, over-discharge, and short circuit.