Accumulators & Batteries

The words accumulator and battery are often used for the same concept. But there is certainly a difference between batteries and accumulators. Most professionals, distinguish between primary batteries (non-rechargeable) and secondary batteries (rechargeable).

The difference

The word ‘accumulator’ is derived from the English ‘accumulator’, which means ‘something that collects or builds up’. So a battery stores energy, for example electricity, and can release it again when needed. Back in the days when rechargeable batteries did not exist, the difference between the two was that accumulators could be recharged and batteries could not. Nowadays, people often talk about rechargeable batteries. So basically these are accumulators in a battery form. However, in reality, a distinction is made based on the form.

Distinguish based on the shape

Most people distinguish between batteries and accumulators based on their shape. Batteries often have a standard shape (coin cell, AA, AAA, C, D, 4.5V and 9V), while accumulators are often specially designed for a particular device (such as a car).

Primary batteries and secondary batteries

Because the main difference between the different cells is whether they can be recharged after use, most professionals distinguish between primary batteries (non-rechargeable) and secondary batteries (rechargeable).