Terminology » Components » Primary vs. Secondary Battery: Key Differences

Primary vs. Secondary Battery: Key Differences

battery primary secondary rechargeable cell

This article explores the differences between primary and secondary batteries.

Dry Cell vs Wet Cell

Figure 1: Examples of dry and wet cell batteries.

Dry cells are examples of primary batteries (non-rechargeable). Wet cells can be either primary (non-rechargeable) or secondary (rechargeable) batteries.

Let’s delve into a detailed comparison.

Primary vs. Secondary Batteries: A Comparison Table

SpecificationsPrimary BatterySecondary Battery
RechargingCannot be recharged or reused.Can be recharged and reused.
ReactionIrreversible chemical reactions occur.Reversible chemical reactions occur.
UsageSingle use only, until active materials are depleted.Multiple uses possible through recharging.
ApplicationsPortable devices, watches, transistors, radios, etc.Automobiles, digital cameras, laptops, flashlights, electronic equipment, etc.
Self-Discharge RateLowerHigher
Initial CostLowerHigher
Life Cycle CostHigherLower
MaintenanceDisposable, no recharging possible.Regular maintenance needed, periodic recharging required.
ExamplesLeclanche cell, Dry cell, Lithium cellLead storage battery, Ni-Cd battery, Lithium Ion Cell