Gaston Plant, a French physicist, devised the lead-acid battery in 1859. This is the first rechargeable battery ever made. In comparison to modern rechargeable batteries, lead-acid batteries have a poor energy density. However, because of their capacity to deliver strong inrush current, batteries have a high power-to-weight ratio. These characteristics, together with their low cost, make them appealing for use in automobiles to supply the high currents required by starter motors.