They gave it to me free of charge.

They have always seemed expensive to me. The rising prices just go unnoticed until we need a new one.

It was a local brand and only lasted 2 years. I decided not to take it back for replacement so went to AutoZone.

no only is lead more expensive, but manufacture costs more due to safety and health regs.

tires are insane now too. last time I got tires for my little car they were what I expect to pay for truck tires.

Lead acid batteries have the highest energy density per dollar of all storage technology. After all these years who'da thought? But they're big and heavy.

You'll notice that new batteries are smaller than 15 years ago but have more amps and capacity. They also die without warning. One start everything's good but you're stranded at the grocery store, right?

Construction of lead acid batteries consists of lead plates suspended in an acid bath. To increase capacity while reducing size the plates are thinner and placed closer together. Manufacturing technology and precision costs money.

As the battery ages the lead plates slouhges off residue which eventually bridges the space between the plates. In the bad old days this happened slowly ' cause there was lots of space between the plates. Now it kind of happens all at once--surprise!

Add the cost of recycling/recovery of all the nasty stuff it takes to make batteries and there ya have it!

It is not a surprise anymore. OE parts are getting expensive also.