Characteristics of Ni/MH power batteries and its application to electric vehicles

Development of electric vehicles (EVs) has great significance for protectin g the environment, saving energy and improving energy structure. The Ni/MH power battery is one of the most practical batteries as a power source for EVs. The properties of Ni/MH power batteries are described and the status o f application of Ni/MH power batteries for EVs in Japan, USA and China is r eviewed. A 150 Ah GV battery pack made by Beiljing General Research Institu te for Non-ferrous Metal (GRINM) has passed the test of National Key Labora tory and exhibits superior charge-discharge characteristics. A 100 Ah 120 V battery pack firstly has been fitted on an EVs in China and gained success ful running demonstration. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserv ed.