Why are batteries suddenly so expensive?

[grsthegreat]

I bought a green top interstate for my tractor that didnt last 1 year. I think its the bouncing around, but the original battery was the same green top battery and that lasted almost 10 years. Something changed. I switched to a AGM on the tractor, so far its now entering 2nd winter, time will tell.

 

[rontaki]

Technically my bike battery is a LiFepo4

As far as I can find, LiFepo4 is the safest and longest lasting of the rechargeable lithium battery chemistries.
My bike and house photovoltaic system storage batteries are LiFepo4.

 

[ultrarunner]

I bought a green top interstate for my tractor that didnt last 1 year. I think its the bouncing around, but the original battery was the same green top battery and that lasted almost 10 years. Something changed. I switched to a AGM on the tractor, so far its now entering 2nd winter, time will tell.

We were told Interstate switched manufacturers some time back… I don’t have a way to verify.

Another thing I have heard is virgin lead performed better than recycled but again it’s only hearsay.

 

[Bill Stecik]

Long gone are the days of swinging into your local Wally and grabbing an EverStart group 51 (or whatever) for $60-70. They're 2-3x that cost now. More at car parts stores.

Buy a nickel/iron battery. A little expensive but they will last 100 years

 

[Skypuppy]

And still coming down

 

[JLinOK]

Is it a common size, or is it rare size today?

If item was $105 year 2000 it's about same as $200 in today's money.

Inflation calculator is here...

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Gasoline for $3 - 3.50 a gallon today is actually a bargain!


If in doubt, ask Europeans or Canadians

Gas is under $2.30 in small town Oklahoma today...$2.00 at cheapest OKC today.

 

[JLinOK]

I noticed this with an older car I had. Today I'm trying to replace a 1979 VW Beetle battery and I'm seeing $200!
Are they filling batteries with gold now?


WTH ???

Some newer batteries also have upgraded materials (such as rare-earth)...just a thought.

 

[DarkBlack]

Bought 3 gallon of Prestone concentrate at Walmart last week for 12.97/gallon. Had 50/50 mix for 9.97/gallon. Local part stores are 18-20.00 range

Yup, and the undiluted Supertech house brand is $10.88

 

[akadave]

Bidenflation was significant and it's not going away. Think about that when you pull the lever in the voting booth.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Bidenflation was significant and it's not going away. Think about that when you pull the lever in the voting booth.

Yep, that 20% inflation is the new floor.