Why are laptop batteries more expensive than lawnmower batteries?

Found on PC Pro on Monday, 14 December 2009
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If you browse the Screwfix catalogue, you'll see there's recently been a flood of new lithium-ion-powered garden and workshop tools - they're rapidly taking over from NiCd and NiMH thanks to lighter weight, longer life and lack of the pernicious "memory effect".

66% premium on laptop batteries would be annoying enough - perhaps not enough to power a full-blown rant - but I also have a few power and garden tools made by Ryobi from its excellent ONE+ range, which are also powered by lithium-ion batteries.

Simply spoken: because customers will pay for it. If lawnmovers get too expensive thanks to pricey batteries, people will prefer the classic combustion engine models.