Industrial batteries translate chemical energy into electricity. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit a wide range of applications. There are two main industrial battery types: primary (disposable) or secondary (rechargeable). Primary batteries are nonrechargeable devices. They must be replaced once the energy supply is depleted. Secondary batteries or rechargeable batteries contain active materials that can be regenerated. When the energy produced by these industrial batteries drops below optimum efficiency, they may be recharged according to various methods, depending the industrial battery construction. Additional classifications for industrial batteries include lead acid industrial batteries, reserve industrial batteries, and lithium batteries.

Lead acid industrial batteries are rechargeable batteries that represent about 60% of all industrial batteries sold worldwide. All lead batteries work on the same set of reactions and use the same active materials. At the positive electrode, lead dioxide (PbO₂) is converted to lead sulfate (PbSO₄). At the negative electrode, sponge metallic lead (Pb) is also converted to lead sulfate (PbSO₄). The electrolyte is a dilute mixture of sulfuric acid that provides the sulfate ion for the discharge reactions. Lead acid industrial batteries are separated in two ways: application and construction. The major industrial battery applications are starting (automotive), deep-cycle, and dual-purpose (marine). The major construction types are flooded (wet), gel cell, and absorbed glass mat (AGM).

Industrial batteries translate chemical energy into electricity. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit a wide range of applications. There are two main industrial battery types: primary (disposable) or secondary (rechargeable). Primary batteries are nonrechargeable devices. They must be replaced once the energy supply is depleted. Secondary batteries or rechargeable batteries contain active materials that can be regenerated. When the energy produced by these industrial batteries drops below optimum efficiency, they may be recharged according to various methods, depending the industrial battery construction. Additional classifications for industrial batteries include lead acid industrial batteries, reserve industrial batteries, and lithium batteries.

Lead acid industrial batteries are rechargeable batteries that represent about 60% of all industrial batteries sold worldwide. All lead batteries work on the same set of reactions and use the same active materials. At the positive electrode, lead dioxide (PbO₂) is converted to lead sulfate (PbSO₄). At the negative electrode, sponge metallic lead (Pb) is also converted to lead sulfate (PbSO₄). The electrolyte is a dilute mixture of sulfuric acid that provides the sulfate ion for the discharge reactions. Lead acid industrial batteries are separated in two ways: application and construction. The major industrial battery applications are starting (automotive), deep-cycle, and dual-purpose (marine). The major construction types are flooded (wet), gel cell, and absorbed glass mat (AGM).

Reserve industrial batteries and lithium industrial batteries are also available. In a reserve industrial battery, the electrolyte is kept separate from the rest of the battery so that it is inert. This type of industrial battery has a long shelf and can live up to 20 years. Lithium batteries are available in both primary and secondary styles. These industrial batteries are used for backup power sources in electronic equipment.

Prismatic cells, coin or button cells, and sachet cells are all types of nonstandard industrial batteries. Prismatic cells have slightly lower energy densities than cylindrical cells and are more expensive to manufacture. The design of their venting systems may cause them to bulge if the industrial battery is not used or charged correctly. Coin or button cells are a type of industrial batteries that are available in over forty different sizes. They are often used in devices such as watches and calculators. The sachet or "pouch" cell is a newer packaging design for industrial batteries. In sachet cells, the typical hard casing that surrounds the electrodes is replaced by flexible foil packaging. This foil reduces weight and maximizes the use of space.

Lantern industrial batteries and battery packs are industrial battery types. Common lantern batteries include ANSI / NEDA 918A, 915A, 908A. Battery packs are primary or rechargeable industrial batteries packed together with a connector for cellular phones, camcorders, cordless phones, and other applications that require industrial batteries. In the United States, standard industrial batteries have designations such as AAAA, AAA, N, 1/3 AA, 2/3 AA, AA, 1/2 A, 2/3 A, A, 4/5 Cs, Cs, C, 1/2 D, D. Nonstandard disposable primary battery include prismatic cells, coin or button cells, sachet cells, lantern batteries, and battery packs.