Rechargeable batteries - Lead-acid batteries

French engineer Gaston Planté developed the first lead-acid battery in 1860. Thanks to the automobile, this device has undergone considerable development, since in an internal combustion vehicle, a lead-acid battery starts the engine (starting) and plays a part in lighting and ignition. In addition to this market, known as "SLI batteries", there is the equally important one of stationary batteries (telephone, emergency, etc.), as well as the more limited one of heavy-duty traction (trucks, electric buses, hoists, etc.). Finally, the intermediate storage that generally accompanies the use of renewable energies, such as solar and wind power, suggests a new and important market. We'll come back to these points later, but we thought it would be useful to mention them as a preamble, given their implications. Economic interests in these fields are so strong, and competition so fierce, that despite the prospect of increased or new outlets, companies remain very cautious when it comes to innovation.