Evaluation of Zr ( Ni , Mn ) 2 Laves Phase Alloys as Negative Active Material for Ni‐MH Electric Vehicle Batteries

Abstract

Laves phase alloys compositions where M = Cr, V, Co, Al, and with hexagonal C14 or cubic C15 structure have been studied in order to select the most suitable alloys as an active material for nickel‐metal hydride (Ni‐MH) batteries. With the selected alloy, feasibility of MH negative electrodes using industrial technology and containing more than 97% of the alloy powder has been demonstrated. 22 Ah Ni‐MH batteries for electric vehicle application have been assembled, and 600 cycles have been achieved at steady C/3 charge and discharge rates and 80% depth of discharge.