Getting the Lead Out: Battery Developer Puts New Spin on Old Chemistry

Long relegated to commodity status, the lead-acid battery could be poised for a high-tech comeback.

At least, that’s the hope of executives at fledgling developer Firefly Energy Inc., who say there still are gains to be made with age-old lead-acid chemistry.

And although some auto industry insiders remain skeptical, Firefly officials contend their company’s new cells ultimately might compete with now-favored lithium-ion in future hybrid- and electric-vehicle ...