How many times a year do you change batteries for your TV remote, kids' toys, or smart door lock? Most people can't answer. When the remote stops working, you dig through a drawer for two replacements; when the toy slows down, you swap another set. Over a year, you spend quite a bit on batteries, and even more end up in the trash.
The first problem is leakage. After sitting for a while, alkaline batteries can seep liquid from the bottom, corroding device contacts and circuit boards. A toy worth hundreds of yuan could be ruined by a few yuan worth of leaking batteries.
The second problem is voltage drop. Halfway through an alkaline battery's life, voltage drops below 1.5V. Smart locks are voltage-sensitive and may simply stop working when power is low, locking you outside. Electric toys also slow down within days of a fresh battery change.
The third problem is frequent replacement. Power-hungry devices like door locks, toys, electric toothbrushes, and shavers need multiple rounds of battery changes per year. Over time, you may spend more on disposable batteries than on the devices themselves.