Future outlook for lead/acid batteries in Japan

Abstract

Pollution problems, coupled with the oil crisis which erupted in the 197Os, have highlighted a need for the development of technologies for creating, saving, and storing energies throughout the world. Various efforts have been, and are being, made to meet this need. Among these efforts is the worldwide work devoted to the development of advanced batteries primarily for use in electric vehicles and utility load levelling. Despite this intense work, it will still be years before some of these advanced batteries become commercially available. Thus, lead/acid batteries, which have been ranked at the top in every yearly battery production since their invention by Gaston Plant6 in 1860, are likely to maintain this position for years to come. This is primarily due to the fact that the lead/acid battery (a) is a reliable power source which supplies power of good quality, (b) is normally operated at room temperature ensuring easy handling and safe operation, and (c) is chiefly made from lead which can easily be recycled for repetitive use. This article reviews the present status of lead/acid batteries in Japan, and presents a future outlook for them.