Alternatives to Lead- Acid Batteries
Introduction
It should be no surprise that our cars are killing us. For years we have been aware of the environmental dangers these mechanical beasts pose such as their tendency to spew out toxins into the atmosphere. One day when I was watching one of these news outlets on TV, a scientist was arguing with a politician about the dangers of car fumes to the people and the environment. Like always the two went back and forth about the dangers of car fumes. Initially this was going to be my topic for my paper. But as I was searching the internet about the dangers of car exhaust, I found so many articles about these car batteries known as lead-acid batteries, or LABs for short. At that moment, I immediately had to switch topics.
It’s crazy, I always hear about the dangers of cars, but it is so rare for me to hear any of the debates discuss the effects of lead-acid batteries. It seems like the conversation always ignore these batteries and only discusses the dangers that car exhaust has on the environment. But what about these batteries? Despite being just as hazardous to the planet, they are rarely discussed about. Now, I would consider myself a decently educated person, being a child of the internet, but I have never heard of these lead-acid batteries. What make my ignorance even worse, is that these lead-acid batteries are found in so many vehicles currently in operation. I talk considerably about the dangers of lead-acid batteries in my learning blog post.
As we know, lead acid batteries are bad for the health of the people and the environment. So, I am going to recommend greener alternatives to lead-acid batteries. These alternatives I have suggested are not all without their flaws. These are just potential batteries that may be able to alleviate some of the hazardous aspects of the lead-acid batteries. As research and technology develops we may find that these alternatives are just as bad and other potential batteries may be better solutions. As a side note, I am well aware that lead-acid batteries have used outside of cars, but I will be focusing on their use in cars.
Lead Crystal Batteries
Price: $90.00 + 9.50 in shipping
When manufacturing a lead acid battery, cost and performance must be considered. In addition, manufactures must be aware of the safety and the environmental impacts of their product. To combat these concerns a business called Betta Batteries has developed a battery called a Lead Crystal Battery available only in the United Kingdom that serves as a greener alternative (Simon, The Greener Alternative). The Crystal Acid battery is safer, cleaner and has an improved performance range in comparison to standard lead-acid batteries. These batteries charge twice as fast, are highly recyclable, and have a service life of 18 years.
Furthermore, they have a wide temperature work range between -40 and 65 C. One aspect that makes them environmentally friendly is that these batteries do not contain any toxic fluids like cadmium or antimony (Simon, The Greener Alternative). Although the batteries cost twice as much than a standard lead acid battery, the cost per cycle is lower than a normal battery (Simon, The Greener Alternative). In addition, these Lead Crystal Batteries also have a wider array of application. They can be found in “e-mobility, the traction market, stop and start automotive systems, electric golf buggies, renewable energy, telecoms, and the rail industry” (Simon, The Greener Alternative).
Not much research has gone into actually testing the effectiveness of these batteries. Given the fact that these batteries are still new and only available in the United Kingdom, it is hard to tell what kind of impact they would have on the market.
Lithium ion Batteries:
Antigravity RS-30 1200CCA, 30Ah Lithium Ion Car Battery with Re-Start Technology
Price: $699.99 @ ebay
Another alternative to lead-acid Batteries is lithium-ion batteries. Although they are a newer technology they have found lots of success within the electric car business (Types of Batteries Used for Electric Vehicles). One of the huge advantages is it has a higher energy density (Lithium Ion Battery Advantages & Disadvantages). At 140 Wh/kg, it allows for longer operations for products that use the lithium-ion battery (Types of Batteries Used for Electric Vehicles). Lithium ion batteries also have low maintenance requirements. This battery has no memory, so it does not need to be deliberately fully discharged in order to keep it in working condition (BU-204: How do Lithium Batteries Work?). Lithium ion batteries also charge much faster than the standard lead-acid battery. Lithium-ion batteries are much better for the environment. While lead acid batteries decay quickly and can be damaging to the environment if disposed of improperly, lithium-ion batteries do not degrade, making them easier to dispose of (Forget Lead Acid: 5 Reasons to Choose Lithium). Because fewer units are needed for efficient power, there is less product waste. Despite some of the benefits lithium-ion batteries possess, they still have some considerable drawbacks. They are much more expensive than the standard lead-acid battery largely because this battery is still considered new technology so there is less investment in it.
Bicycles
Schwinn S2782SCB Men’s 7 Speed 18 Inch GTX 1 Hybrid Bicycle
Price: 187.89 at Walmart
This alternative is much different from the other alternatives as it does not rely on cars or batteries at all. Instead of driving your car around, take some time to ride your bike. I know crazy, right?! If the convenient store is just only 2 miles away, just take your bike. Not only do you save your gas for those necessary trips, but riding your bike is great exercise and can improve your health. And it can be fun too! I get it, though. Some cities are not designed with biking in mind. Many cities revolve heavily around the use of cars, so many bicyclists are left without a place to safely bike. As a result, people are forced to rely on their cars more than they may want to. But if you do live in bike-friendly city, try taking your bike to your destination rather than the car. Who knows, you may find it to be fun!
Fun aside there are many benefits to using a bike over a car if you have the ability to rely on bicycling as a primary means of transportation. First of bicycles are a great way to improve your health. Bicycles are considered a low strain work out, so it causes less injuries than other types of workouts. In addition, it can increase muscle flexibility, joint mobility, decrease stress, anxiety and depression, reduce levels of body fat and be used as a way to prevent or manage disease (Better Health Channel).
In comparison to using a car, bicycles have much low maintenance requirements. Besides the occasional tire deflating, chain coming undone, or break not working the bicycle does not have anywhere as much upkeep to deal with like cares. Cost is also another factor that distinguishes cars from bikes. Bike are obviously much cheaper than a car. Not only in terms of initial cost but also the cost to upkeep the product. Unlike bikes, cars have to deal with costs such as: monthly payments, fuel, insurance, maintenance, and parking (5 reasons to Ditch the Car). All of these costs can add up making a car very expensive.
Conclusion
“Without vision, even the most focused passion is a battery without a device”- Ken Auletta
Greener alternatives to lead-acid batteries are more important than ever in our world. Greener options lead to a healthier place environment and a place for people to live. Although it takes the effort of everyone progress is being made by using products that are just 1% less harmful to our planet. Here are just some options that may be better than a lead-acid battery. I understand that all these alternatives may be environmentally friendlier than lead-acid batteries, but they are not without their faults. Some lack the convenience, some are more expensive, and some are new still so new we have no idea what kind of impact they will have on the future.
Sources
BU-204: How do Lithium Batteries Work?. (n.d.). In Battery University . Retrieved November 5, 2018, from https://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/lithium_based_batteries
Forget Lead Acid: 5 Reasons To Choose Lithium. (2015, April 21). In Relion. Retrieved November 5, 2018, from https://relionbattery.com/blog/forget-lead-acid-5-reasons-to-choose-lithium
Lithium Ion Battery Advantages and Disadvantages (n.d.). In Radio-Electornics.com. Retrieved November 5, 2018, from https://www.radio-electronics.com/info/power-management/battery-technology/lithium-ion-battery-advantages-disadvantages.php
Mok, B. (n.d.). Types of Batteries Used for Electric Vehicles. In Stanford University. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
Simon, H. (n.d.). The Greener Alternative to Lead Acid Batteries . In Industrial Technology. Retrieved October 20, 2018, from https://www.industrialtechnology.co.uk/products--the-greener-alternative-to-lead-acid-batteries.html
“Cycling- health benefits .” Better Health Channel , Nov. 2013, www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/cycling-health-benefits. Accessed 10 Dec. 2018.
“Lead Crystal Batteries .” Tiger Power, 2016, www.tigerpower.eu/products/lead-crystal-batteries/. Accessed 10 Dec. 2018.
Miller, G.E. “5 Reasons to Ditch the Car & Ride a Bike to Work .” 20 Something Finance , 21 Oct. 2018, 20somethingfinance.com/ride-a-bike-to-work/.
Davies, Alan. “What’s the cost of cycling vs. driving .” Crikey, 10 May 2016, blogs.crikey.com.au/theurbanist/2016/05/10/whats-cost-cycling-vs-driving/.
