Lead batteries have long been a reliable, proven energy storage solution for a vast number of applications. Now, exciting research partnerships are increasing the performance of this technology far beyond its previous metrics. Lead battery innovation is poised to provide the peak performance and power that will assist the global transition to an electric and low-carbon future.
Lead batteries are an indispensable part of our everyday lives and our green energy future. They provide the energy for our growing global economy, supporting renewable energy, greener transportation and our critical infrastructure.
The past 20 years have seen lead battery innovation and technology advance significantly. Today, in the U.S. there are more than 50 research projects between private sector companies, major universities and the U.S. government focused on innovating next-gen lead battery technology.
Their synergistic aim: To harness the full capability of lead batteries domestically and make the U.S. the global leader in energy storage.
The Consortium for Battery Innovation has developed a roadmap to identify investment and research projects whose results are expected make a significant difference in lead battery performance. The research priorities are focused in the automotive and energy storage market sectors. Studies range from improving dynamic charge acceptance to increasing high-temperature durability and more.
Whether powering sustainable transportation, providing the energy storage for crucial emergency backup power, or safeguarding data connectivity, lead batteries are a vital part of our energy future.
What if the lifecycle of a lead battery could increase by one-third? That’s one of many performance metrics the lead battery industry is pursuing, with help from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). It’s on a quest to ramp up manufacturing capability so that the U.S. demand for energy storage can be met by domestic sources by 2030.
The Energy Storage Grand Challenge initiative launched in early 2020 with millions of dollars earmarked to support development of battery technologies in America. The specific focus is energy storage innovation for utility services to help the U.S. reach its aggressive targets.
Progress is Underway: The DOE continues to recognize the potential of lead batteries by investing in their promise. In 2023, DOE selected lead batteries as one of 10 battery chemistries to thoroughly assess for DOE’s Long Duration Storage Shot™.
The program seeks 90% cost reductions for grid-scale energy storage technologies that can provide 10 hours or longer duration of energy storage by 2030. DOE’s lead battery technology assessment recognized many exciting opportunities for the technology and found that lead batteries are well positioned to meet target energy storage goals.
View DOE’s Technology Strategy Assessment for Lead Batteries
See the Roadmap: The lead battery industry’s executive summary identifies clear performance targets and collaborative research areas for lead battery technology. Each will position the industry for exciting partnerships that maximize a lead battery’s full potential.
Lead batteries supply 50% of the world’s rechargeable battery energy needs and have been in use for more than 160 years. Yet, there remains significant untapped potential in lead battery technology, and thus, great opportunity.
The lead battery industry and individual member companies have several high-tech research projects underway in collaboration with U.S. National Labs. These include:
Without question, this is an exciting time for lead battery technology. Performance improvements in lead batteries are transforming the transportation industry by reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. New lead battery advancements have extended the life of traditional batteries by 30 to 35% over the last 20 years. This enables low-cost, large-scale deployment of micro- and mild hybrids with significant fuel economy and reduced emissions.
Additionally, start-stop technology using lead batteries is eliminating nearly 6.7 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually in the U.S.
The industry’s established circular manufacturing model ensures a domestic supply chain that’s already meeting market level – not just niche – applications.
Lead batteries are powering next-generation electric vehicles (EVs) and supporting increasing vehicle electrical demands. You might be surprised to learn that lead batteries are used worldwide in virtually every hybrid and EV. EVs depend on lead batteries for critical safety and security functions.
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There is still a lead acid battery in the majority of EVs. [And] we’re also seeing an increase in the number of multi-battery systems – vehicles with more than one battery, a primary and auxiliary battery.
