why do “normal” batteries still exist when there are chargeable batteries?
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I guess because (1) having different options is always better than having none; (2) normal batteries are cheaper.
Imagine you are a manufacturer of the kind of device that still uses removable batteries. Installing a cavity in the device to receive batteries is always the cheapest option, which means you can sell your product as cheaply as possible. A consumer can use rechargeable, removable batteries if they wish, that’s not your problem. If you wanted to put in a permanent rechargeable battery that requires wires and transformers and those need to be regionally specific, it’s just cost on cost on cost. So if you’re selling a device that’s cheap, like a flashlight or toy, removable batteries are the way to go. Something more expensive like a cell phone or radio will go the wires and transformers route.
For consumer it boils down to cost and convenience. There is no reason why all removable AA, AAA, C, D, etc. batteries can’t be rechargeable. It’s just the single use are cheaper and people are cost conscious / lazy.
Non-rechargeable batteries are very cheap compared to rechargeable batteries. There are lots of applications where batteries can last for a year or more like a TV remote. It would be hard to break even the extra cost because chargeable batteries age too.
So if batteries in a device last for a very long time Non-rechargeable batteries are often the better choice.
If batteries do not last for a long time rechargeable batteries have a clear advantage. They quickly have a cost advantage and recharging is often quite simple. In applications like that rechargeable batteries are typically used today.
Rechargeable NiMh batteries normally don’t last for more than 2-5 years before they have to be recycled.
In a sufficiently low power or low use scenario, an alkaline battery can last for 10 years. Add the lower cost and lower weight of the alkaline battery, and the NiMh battery can’t compete.
As for Lithium batteries, they can last for a long time, but they require much more complex battery management circuitry. Especially if the device is going to be responsible for charging the battery as well. This adds cost and risk. In addition, Lithium batteries are less chemically stable, which further adds to the risk of catastrophic malfunction (e.g. fire).
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