Indeed, the motor car started in its infancy as an electrically powered machine albeit using an unsatisfactory battery made from lead and sulphuric acid.

However, they have other less glamourous roles to play in important areas spurred by a chemistry using lithium and developed in the late 1970s by centenarian professor John Goodenough and commercialised by Akira Yoshino and Sony in 1981.

Today, whilst variations on the theme of lithium abound, there is around the world vigorous research going on to find the holy grail of high energy in a small package combined with high power delivery and vital trio of low cost and longevity using abundant materials.

In lithium batteries' earlier versions there was a real risk of fire should the battery be overcharged. This was vividly demonstrated in some early and embarrassing accidents aboard Boeing B787-8 Dreamliner aircraft with built-in lithium batteries which somehow in the public's mind gave lithium batteries generally a bad name. Lithium iron phosphate, along with another chemistry, Lithium Titanite Oxide (LTO) have assured us that lithium can be synonymous with safety.

Another value case for stationary batteries is that subject addressed in an earlier article; Virtual Power Plants (VPP). In this situation the battery, under internet control, provides either short bursts of power or absorbs bursts of power to provide the grid with valuable stability. All at the cost of trivial energy from and to the battery; a feature which ensures battery longevity. The income the battery owner earns from this service is able to help make the financial case for a battery.