Today, we use batteries to power our vehicles, toys, watches, hearing aids, and many other devices. While they’re present almost everywhere, many people don’t know how batteries came to be. The history of batteries is much more vibrant and detailed than you might imagine. Below, you can learn more about how we progressed from basic batteries to the ones we have today.

Humble Beginnings

It’s possible that the oldest known battery dates back to more than 2,000 years ago. Known as the Parthian Battery, it was a clay jar filled with a vinegar mixture that surrounded a copper cylinder with an iron rod in the center. However, there are some debates about whether this device was used to generate energy. Jumping forward, the Leyden jar was invented in 1744. This was a glass jar lined with foil that could conduct static electricity, and this invention helped scientists begin to understand the properties of electricity.

Self-Contained Batteries

At the start of the 19th century, Alessandra Volta, who lends his name to the term “voltage,” found that electrolyte fluid could generate steady electrical power. This led to the discovery of the “flooded battery,” a device that combines an acidic liquid with metal plates. The resulting chemical reaction generates electrons that can power devices. While batteries have come a long way, the basic idea behind the flooded battery is still in use today. This same principle would guide inventors to the lead-acid battery, which is still used for cars and heavy machinery today.

Modern Innovations

As the 19th century drew to a close, a new battery innovation cropped up. Invented by a Swedish scientist, the nickel-cadmium battery was designed and promoted, but it didn’t see much use due to its high cost. Less than 50 years later, several advancements had made the battery longer-lasting and more powerful. With the revolution of smartphones, lithium-ion batteries have become famous for their energy density, low maintenance requirements, and ability to hold a charge for long periods.

A legacy of innovation defines batteries, and discoveries are being made every year in order to provide cheaper and longer-lasting power. If you need new batteries for your car, wheelchair, scooter, or small device, visit Victory Battery Co. in Covington, KY. Since 1957, they’ve served area residents with free vehicle battery installations, battery testing, and help in finding the right small device batteries. To learn more about their services, visit their website or call (859) 581-0343 for an estimate.