A:Answer Yes, the battery kit is optional (Canon item #LK-62) and expensive at around $100. However, if you just need to be able to use it in a car, boat, RV, etc., you can get a car cigarette lighter adapter cable pretty cheap. I found one new on eBay for $11 including shipping. It plugs directly into the printer and bypasses the (bulky) AC adapter box that's normally used with the standard AC plug.