What Are Lithium Batteries Used For?

Lithium batteries are commonly used as power sources for portable electronics and implanted medical devices. Though more expensive than ordinary alkaline batteries, lithium batteries have a significantly longer lifespan.

Pacemakers and other implantable medical devices use specially designed lithium-iodide batteries that can last 15 years or longer before replacement is necessary.

Many digital cameras are able to use lithium batteries, dramatically increasing the number of photographs that can be taken between battery changes. The manufacturer's recommendations regarding lithium battery use should be strictly followed, as overload can result in damage to the device.

Small lithium batteries are used to power many standalone PDAs, as well as so-called smartphones that incorporate cell phone, PDA, music and camera features.

With long life being an attractive and convenient feature, many watch manufacturers are now producing wristwatches that run on 3-volt lithium batteries.

Lithium batteries are used to power an increasing number of devices, such as thermometers, remote car locks, laser pointers, MP3 players, hearing aids, calculators and battery backup systems in computers. Remote control toys also use lithium batteries, with the batteries frequently outliving the toys themselves.