why haven’t the large and heavy lead batteries in cars been replaced with newer lithium or nickel battery technology?
They work, they're robust, they're cheap, and for the starting battery in a car, their inferiority to more modern batteries doesn't translate to a large difference in overall performance for the car. Electric cars haven't used them for years, because in the case of electric cars, the battery is m…
The Short Answer
They work, they're robust, they're cheap, and for the starting battery in a car, their inferiority to more modern batteries doesn't translate to a large difference in overall performance for the car. Electric cars haven't used them for years, because in the case of electric cars, the battery is much larger and maximizing battery performance is critical. [edit] One related topic to mention. Airliners have used NiCd batteries for a while now. (They only use them to start their generator, or in emergencies to run various avionics.) With the 787 Boeing decided to upgrade these to lithium ion… and we all know how that went. Someday all airliners will use Li-Ion batteries since, well, they're better, but that illustrates the dangers of upgrading from something that works fine to something that's a little better, but different.
Analysis
Key Concepts: They're, battery, batteries
This explanation focuses on they're, battery, batteries and spans 135 words across 7 sentences. At 80% above the average Technology explanation (75 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “They work, they're robust, they're cheap, and for the starting battery in a car, their inferiority to more modern batter” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 7 connected points.
How This Compares in Technology
Ranked #64 of 500 Technology questions by answer depth (top 14%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why why haven't the large and heavy lead batteries in cars been replaced with newer lithium or nickel battery technology?
They work, they're robust, they're cheap, and for the starting battery in a car, their inferiority to more modern batteries doesn't translate to a large difference in overall performance for the car. Electric cars haven't used them for years,…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Technology questions?
This is one of the most thorough answer at 135 words, ranked #64 of 500 Technology questions by depth. The key concepts covered are they're, battery, batteries.
What approach does this answer take to explain why haven't the large and heavy lead batteries in cars been ?
The explanation uses root cause analysis and contrasting perspectives across 135 words. It is categorized under Technology and addresses the question through 2 analytical lenses.