While the recent advancements in lead-acid battery technology have been impressive, there is still room for improvement. One area of focus is improving the overall efficiency of lead-acid batteries. While they have improved in this regard in recent years, they still lag behind other battery technologies like lithium-ion batteries. One potential solution is the use of hybrid lead-acid batteries, which combine lead-acid technology with other battery chemistries like lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride. This could result in batteries that offer the best of both worlds, with the high energy density of lithium-ion batteries and the durability and reliability of lead-acid batteries.
Another area of focus is improving the environmental impact of lead-acid batteries. Lead is a toxic substance, and the manufacture and disposal of lead-acid batteries can have significant environmental consequences. However, recent developments in lead recycling technology have made it possible to recover up to 99% of the lead in a used battery, reducing the environmental impact of lead-acid batteries. Additionally, the use of alternative materials like carbon fiber instead of lead could further reduce the environmental impact of lead-acid batteries.