While the initial cost of rechargeable products may be higher, they are an economical alternative to using disposable batteries because the lifetime savings is significant, explains Eric Pike, Streamlight’s director of automotive and e-commerce.
Automotive technicians can rely on rechargeable products because once charged, they are ready for the job at hand and there’s no need to source batteries. For that reason, one of the biggest trends in flashlight technology, for example, is USB-rechargeable products.
USB-rechargeable products give automotive professionals the ability to charge on-the-go from most any USB power source or AC wall adapter, explains Pike.
"Rechargeable flashlights give technicians the confidence that they will never run out of power in any situation," Pike says. "Rechargeable products can be quickly and conveniently charged in their charging units or, for those with USB ports, from a laptop, vehicle or other USB power sources."
Streamlight even took the USB trend one step further by introducing a lithium ion battery (No. 18650) that can be recharged with a micro USB. This new battery is available with newer Streamlight flashlight models that also accept standard lithium batteries.
"This new battery reinvents rechargeability by letting users charge the battery outside of the flashlight, eliminating the need for a separate charger base," Pike says. "The micro USB port charges from a variety of power sources, such as a PC, power pack or 12V DC automotive power."
About the Author
Vesna Brajkovic
Associate Editor - Vehicle Repair Group
Vesna Brajkovic is a former associate editor for the Vehicle Repair Group.
Brajkovic has covered the transportation industry for a number of trade publications, with a focus on the vehicle maintenance and automotive aftermarket industries since 2016. Prior to that, she covered the global aviation industry as assistant editor for Endeavor Business Media's AviationPros.com, and held a number of editorial positions at an award-winning community newspaper.