In the 1990s, nickel-cadmium batteries were ubiquitous in portable electronics like cordless phones, power tools, and early laptops. However, the rise of lithium-ion and NiMH batteries has pushed Ni-Cd technology into near obsolescence in consumer markets.
The primary reason for this shift is energy density—lithium-ion batteries store significantly more energy in a smaller, lighter package. Additionally, Ni-Cd batteries suffer from the memory effect, which reduces usable capacity if not fully discharged before recharging.
Despite these limitations, Ni-Cd batteries still find use in niche applications. For example, low-cost power tools and emergency lighting systems continue to use Ni-Cd due to their robustness and affordability. However, with increasing environmental regulations, even these niches may eventually transition to newer technologies.
