Panasonic has said demand for backup batteries is rising quickly, and it is largely driven by the expansion of AI infrastructure that requires stable, continuous power. It has already allocated around 80% of its planned output to existing customers, leaving only a limited share for new buyers attempting to scale systems.
If there’s a shortage of AAAs, and my TV remote stops working, we’re gonna have a problem.
Get yourself some rechargeables. Yeah they don’t last as long per charge. But I’ve got a stockpile and I keep rotating them out so I’ve always got a fresh pair ready to go.
Honestly? I’m on the 3rd cycle with my AAAs (used for an MP3 and small electronics) and the 2nd for my AAs.
I’ve not noticed them lasting less, and I’ve already made back what disposables would cost.
Bonus: I charge them at work because why not.
I do this with underwear.
You recharge your underwear? Is it “smart”?
In a sense? I refill before each fresh pair.
I doubt that there’s actually a substantial impact on battery cell production. Might be on rack-mountable batteries containing those cells. But setting that aside:
Non-rechargable AAA batteries are typically alkaline, and rechargeables are typically NiMH, not lithium-ion.
EDIT: Looking at a handful of rack-mount lithium-ion batteries on Amazon price history using camelcamelcamel, prices are either unchanged or very slightly up. Could be Panasonic looking to get into the news, but it’s not clear to me that there’s a shortage of even rack-mount lithium-ion batteries.
Hit up Costco while you still can