Batteries-overvew (Part 0)

This is very short and simple/condensed version of batteries overview.

The most common types:

  • Carbon-zinc
  • Alkaline
  • Lead acid
  • Nickle metal hydride
  • Nickle cadmium
  • Lithium ion or Lithium-polimer
  • Lately Lithium Iron Phosphate or LiFePO4 became very popular too

There are many other battery chemistry, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Also batteries classified under their shapes.

In the last few years a few geometrical shapes became very popular.

As of Battery engineer I can say that the following shapes are the most common for industry designers:


Most common:

AAA size or AA ,

AA size is 49.2–50.5 mm length, 13.5–14.5 mm (0.53–0.57 in) diameter, about 20…25 g

AAA size: 44.5mm  length and 10.5 mm in diameter. The length includes the positive terminal button which is a minimum 0.8mm high and 3.8mm in diameter.

C size: 26.2 × 50mm (1.03 × 1.97in)

D size: 34.2 × 61.5mm (1.35 × 2.42in)

PP3 or known as 9V battery: H: 48.5mm, L: 26.5mm, W: 17.5mm

½AA: 14.5 × 24mm

18650 (very common for Li-ion): 18.6 × 65.2mm

26650 (lately common for Li cells): 26.5 × 65.4mm

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