20 x Energizer Ultimate L91 AA @ Costco $13.99

Just heads up, saw a post elsewhere and thought some might appreciate here.

https://www.reddit.com/r/flashlight/comm..._l91_14_for_20/

Expiry date is 2036.

Nice! Thank you!

Wow! I'll have to check my local Costco! That's an epic bargain!

What is the typical use case for primary lithiums? I use rechargeable NiMH for high current drain devices and frequently used devices. I keep alkalines for backup (not left half-used in a device, since they leak). I use rechargeable lithiums for high draw devices that can take the higher voltage (usually means a higher end flashlight).

I can see a use case for primary lithiums for devices that sit around and are used seldom (years of sitting around), devices that may sit around with half-drained batteries where you don't want leakage, devices that have high current drains - I'm thinking maybe a home defense shotgun mounted flashlight fits for these three example criteria.

What are other good use cases for primary lithiums?

I want to buy some at this good price, but I'm struggling a little in deciding where I might use them.

I use them in flashlights where high performance in cold temps or storage in cold temps is important. Anything left in my car has a good chance of being exposed to freezing times 7 months of the year (Montana). I have had alkaleaks ruin cameras, lights, etc so I don't use them in any application.

I am not a big user of rechargeables but I suppose that's habit and maybe ignorance on my part. About all I use 'em for is my computer mouse.

TL;DR version- about all I use is lithiums. For virtually all applications.

Energiser ultimate lithium cells are good in low temperatures as has already been said.

Also, IMHO, good for long term storage in case of any future emergency. The latest versions have a 20 year shelf life from production, typically 19 years from retail sale.

Alkaline cells are fine for everyday use in low price appliances.
Rechargeable cells have their merits, but remember that the means of charging may not be available in an emergency.
L91 lithium cells can be simply stored away and ignored and work reliably 20 years later. And might well work after 40 years, but don't count on that.

Some people bury or otherwise conceal a stash of emergency supplies for use after any major disaster. Contents might include firearms, freeze dried food, matches, water filters, and these days flashlights with L91 batteries.

Many years ago, there where available ultra long shelf life zinc carbon cells. These were truly dry in storage and therefore almost immune to spoiling. The required electrolyte was stored in a separate vial within the cell, to use the cell, this vial was fractured and after 30 minutes the cell was ready for use. No longer manufactured AFAIK, perhaps due to long shelf alternatives.

Alkaline cells are obsolete,IMO. I have been replacing them with rechargeables (NiMH and Lith-ion) over the last few years with completely satisfactory results.

How to recharge? In the unlikely event of widespread, prolonged power outages, especially in highly developed California, there are feasible alternatives - at least for most battery powered devices (phones, lights, GPS, etc).

Aside from dedicated generators, you have motor vehicles, easily equipped to charge batteries. Going beyond that, get solar panels. I have kept all my stuff running for up to a week in isolated field situations with a moderate size panel which I could back pack, if necessary. Power banks are another option, very sensible, depending on situations.

primary lithium batteries are defintely useful, but shun alkalines!

Talking of power banks, there are ones that typically take 4 AAs and provide USB output, to charge phones and the like.

Eg (just first found on amazon.com)

https://www.amazon.com/POW1-EMERGENCY-PORTABLE-BATTERIES-SMARTPHONES/dp/B0168O5GOG

Also a handy battery holder.

Well, just got back from Costco...wouldn't you know it, they don't carry them at all.

I see Woot has battery deals again

Thanks! Not quite as good as the Costco deal but better than I can find locally.