Nickel metal hydride batteries for high power applications

Nickel metal hydride (Ni/MH) is presently the most promising battery system for electric and hybrid vehicle propulsion in the short and mid-term. This paper presents the results obtained in the development of prismatic Ni/MH batteries for high power, mainly hybrid vehicle, applications. Valve regulated Ni/MH cells rated at 25 and 60 Ah have been designed and as sembled using improved positive and negative electrodes. Both types of cell s showed excellent high rate discharge capability and fast rechargeability and a satisfactory charge retention when stored and cycle lift, under deep cycling and hybrid vehicle working conditions. On the other hand, energy an d power efficiency ratios were improved in the 60 Ah cells. (C) 2001 Elsevi er Science B.V. All rights reserved.