We’re in the heart of the 2020s, and yet it’s still very common to find toys, remote controls, and smart devices that run on AA batteries. Unless you grew up with those legendary gadgets born in the ’90s, many of which were battery-powered, you probably never got into the habit of keeping extra batteries on hand around your home. In an age where everyone expects to plug in their gadgets to recharge, why do so many of them still run on disposable AA batteries?
The main answer is longevity. It can be annoying to have to replace the batteries in your wireless computer mouse once a year, but it’s even more annoying if you have to make sure to plug it in to recharge after just one day of use. A smart lock using AA batteries can operate for up to 12 months before replacement is necessary, whereas the same lock using a rechargeable battery can only operate for 3 months per charge.
There is also the question of whether USB rechargeable batteries are worth it in terms of value for money. For manufacturers, the answer is often no. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are expensive to produce and ship, and devices that use them must also include additional circuitry to transmit a charge. Consumers may agree that not all gadgets justify the extra cost they add to the final price.
Why do some gadgets use AAA batteries instead of AA?
It’s frustrating enough that some gadgets still run on disposable batteries, but we also still have the problem of telling the difference between AA batteries and the smaller AAA batteries. Of course, there are also size B batteries, but you probably won’t see them anymore. Why do we still need two different types of disposable alkaline batteries anyway?
Low capacity AAA batteries are simply the logical choice for things like remote controls or small clocks that require very little power. It’s also the practical choice for keeping portable devices nice and compact. When space is limited, manufacturers may even choose to reduce production costs as much as possible by opting for an AAA battery slot. If a company needs to produce 1 million units of a device, the material cost of adding an extra half inch of space to accommodate a larger AA battery would add up quickly.
Ultimately, disposable AA and AAA batteries generate a lot of waste that pollutes the environment. Money-conscious consumers may also notice that their expenses skyrocket if they often have to replace AAs or AAAs. If you feel like you’re wasteful, this Amazon gadget can save you a lot of money on AA batteries.
