Development of advanced nickel/metal hydride batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles

Nickel/metal hydride (Ni/MH) batteries have emerged as the battery technology of choice for electric vehicles. GM Ovonic L.L.C., a joint venture between General Motors and Ovonic Battery was established in 1994 to manufacture and commercialize Ovonicʹs proprietary Ni/MH batteries for electric and hybrid vehicle applications. GM Ovonic is developing a ‘family of batteriesʹ aimed at product improvement and cost reduction. Current performance of these new battery designs is described, as well as projections for future improvements. In addition, advances in cell and battery power have allowed further product diversification into cells and batteries specifically designed for a range of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).