Lead-acid batteries, invented in 1859 by French physicist Gaston Planté, are the oldest type of rechargeable battery. Despite having the second lowest energy-to-weight ratio (next to the nickel-iron battery) and a correspondingly low energy-to-volume ratio, their ability to supply high surge currents means that the cells maintain a relatively large power-to-weight ratio. These features, along with their low cost, makes them attractive for use in cars, as they can provide the high current required by automobile starter motors. They are also used in vehicles such as forklifts, in which the low energy-to-weight ratio may in fact be considered a benefit since the battery can be used as a counterweight. Large arrays of lead-acid cells are used as standby power sources for telecommunications facilities, generating stations, and computer data centers. They are also used to power the electric motors in diesel-electric (conventional) submarines.

Wet cells designed for deep discharge are commonly used in golf carts and other battery electric vehicles, large backup power supplies for telephone and computer centers and off-grid household electric power systems.

Gel batteries are used in back-up power supplies for alarm and smaller computer systems (particularly in uninterruptible power supplies) and for electric scooters, electrified bicycles and marine applications. Unlike wet cells, gel cells are sealed, with pressure relief valves in case of overcharging. In normal use they cannot spill liquid electrolyte.

Absorbed glass mat (AGM) cells are also sealed and used in battery electric vehicles, as well as applications where there is a fairly high risk of the battery being laid on its side or over-turned, such as motorcycles.

The Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) battery is one of many types of lead-acid batteries, also known as Maintenance Free (MF) battery. In a VRLA battery the hydrogen and oxygen produced in the cells recombine back into water. In this way there is no leakage and the battery is maintenance free.

Currently attempts are being made to develop alternatives to the lead-acid battery (particularly for automotive use) because of concerns about the environmental consequences of improper disposal of old batteries and of lead smelting operations. Newer technologies such as nickel-metal hydride batteries (with cooling, if necessary), supercapacitors and barium-titanate battery / supercapacitor hybrids are poised to make lead-acid batteries obsolete for many automotive applications. Ni-Mn is already widely used in hybrid vehicles.

Lead-acid battery recycling is one of the most successful recycling programs in the world, with over 97% of all battery lead recycled between 1997 and 2001.[3] Effective Lead pollution control system is a necessity for sustainable environment. There is a continuous improvement in battery recycling plants and furnace designs for greater efficiencies. These recycling follow all emission standards for lead smelters.