this post was submitted on 17 Jan 2026
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I agree with your points regarding some of the current limitations of aluminum-air batteries. However, I believe they still offer great potential, especially for emergency power and off-grid applications. As you mentioned, the single-use nature is a concern, but it’s important to note that while the aluminum anode is consumed, the air electrode remains intact and can be reused, which makes the battery more sustainable over time. So, while the aluminum needs to be replaced, it’s not as wasteful as it might seem at first glance.
Regarding the electrolyte, yes, it needs to be added before use, but this process is quite simple and quick. For emergency use, it’s actually very convenient, and I don’t think most users will find it cumbersome. For applications like vehicles, as you mentioned, replacing the battery at a station could be faster than recharging an EV, and the light weight and high energy density are significant advantages in such situations.
It would need to be significantly cheaper than lead acid to offset all those disadvantages. With lead acid, it's ready to go immediately in an emergency, you get 500 recharges, and lasts for 5 years.
But lithium iron phosphate is the real leader. Cheap, lightweight, 10-20 year lifespan, thousands of recharges.
Both lead acid and lithium iron are completely recyclable. Lead acid batteries have an established recovery and recycling system at 99% compared to 50% for aluminum recycling.
Thanks for the feedback! You make a great point about the advantages of lead acid and lithium iron phosphate.
That said, the appeal of aluminum-air lies in its safety, zero pollution, and extremely long shelf life (20+ years). It’s designed for specific use cases, especially where weight and recharging are less of a concern, like in emergency scenarios or remote locations where long-term storage matters more.
Lead acid and lithium iron phosphate are also equivalently "zero pollution". I would expect on a life cycle basis that Lead and Lithium batteries are less polluting because they are rechargeable rather than single use. Reprocessing the aluminum hydroxide is energy intensive.
It only has a long shelf life if the electrolyte is kept separate. All batteries have a virtual infinite shelf life if their electrolyte is kept separate.
Thanks for your comment! You’re right that lead-acid and lithium batteries are less polluting due to their rechargeability. Regarding the shelf life, you’re correct that all batteries last longer if their electrolyte is kept separate.You look like a battery expert.jajaja