Rechargeable batteries from electric vehicles and even small power packs have been deemed essential in the event of a natural disaster.
Typically, batteries are used to power portable devices such as cellphones and tablets. However, with the progression of the industry, battery demand began to stem from the electric vehicle boom as well.
Recently, electric vehicles (EVs) became widely popular because of their environmental efficiency and potential savings. The EVs typically use lithium-ion powered battery packs, which can be recharged. In comparison, standard diesel-powered vehicles rely on fossil fuel, which has caused great concern among environmental officials about the adverse effects of fossil fuel emissions. As a result, many automotive manufacturers began to launch their own lines of high-tech EVs.
While the vehicles are one of the largest contributors to the overall battery market, other growth factors such as consumer electronics and industrial applications are also helping to further propel the industry. Originally, consumer batteries were generally small energy packs that were used to power portable devices. Once the battery was depleted, consumers would normally have to dispose of it and buy a replacement.
Nowadays, electronic manufacturers have developed battery storage packs that can be continuously recharged. For instance, consumers can charge their personal phones on the go without having to stop for a charging port. And over the past decade, portable battery packs have themselves been reshaped and are now available in multiple variations such as large packs that hold massive amounts of energy, to pocket-sized packs that may charge a typical phone battery once or twice.
According to data compiled by Mordor Intelligence, the global battery market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.31% during the forecast period from 2019 to 2024. Edison Nation, Inc. (NASDAQ: EDNT), The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO), The Southern Company (NYSE: SO), Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENPH).
While battery packs are convenient for daily life, they could also be extremely useful during times of emergencies. For example, natural disasters are highly catastrophic events that occur commonly throughout the world. Typically, during major disasters such as earthquakes or hurricanes, power outages are most likely to occur.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency suggests packing a “go bag” during times of emergencies. The bag should contain vital essentials such as food, water, medicine, plastic bags, flashlight, as well as an electronic device, like a smartphone, for communication purposes. In some situations, disasters can last anywhere from 1 day to several weeks. As such, a consumer’s smartphone will most likely deplete its battery source within a few days, meaning that a portable battery pack is crucial. Maria Rerecich, the Director of Electronics Testing for Consumer Reports, recommends charging devices beforehand, then putting all the devices and chargers into a bag.
Consumer Reports also recommends purchasing spare batteries and portable chargers ahead of time. Generally, most large battery producers were focused on the EV market, however, after the past few years of major hurricanes, many producers shifted their focus towards residential and consumer battery storages. “Household batteries are on an emergency preparedness item for all disasters, used in flashlights and lanterns for emergency lighting. The first warnings of major storms bring consumers out for purchase of batteries, portable lighting and portable radios. The incremental category sales are typically in the millions of dollars range,” said Robert Altabet, Owner of Alpha Beta Planning and Senior Consultant at Energy Blues LLC.
Source: scitecheuropa
