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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