These batteries are manufactured to meet specific customer size and electrical specifications. This technology is more expensive to manufacture and the fact that designs are custom or product specific makes them even more expensive. The volume and demand pricing structure is not the same as for the typical standard rechargeable battery configuration ( AAA, AA, C, D ).

There are many applications in which the use of a Lithium rechargeable battery in a design is not the best choice for the consumer. GMRS radios, GPS receivers and other portable handheld devices can use or are sold with AAA or other size NiMH rechargeable batteries and a charging station.

In general, the use of standard rechargeable battery sizes should be used where possible. This gives the consumer a better choice of availabe products on the market. Replacement of these batteries is simple and much less costly than a custom designed Lithium Ion battery pack. These standard NiMH rechargeable batteries are also much more environmentally friendly and easier to recycle.

The energy density of newer NiMH batteries makes the use of standard size rechargeable batteries very desirable. Many consumers would rather buy a digital camera that accepts AA batteries. Lithium rechargeable batteries for digital cameras can easily cost $50 - $70 dollars. You can buy 4 AA batteries for under $10 dollars.