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Nickel Battery Technologies
Nickel-Cadmium & Nickel-Metal Hydride

Nickel-based battery packs, including Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) and Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH), offer distinct advantages for custom energy storage solutions. NiCad excels in high-rate discharge and durability, while NiMH provides higher energy density and environmental benefits. Each chemistry has trade-offs in cycle life, memory effect, and self-discharge, making selection dependent on application-specific needs.

See our pros and cons of nickel over lithium based batteries for more information regarding the differences in these battery technology.

At a Glance: NiCad vs NiMH Battery Packs

  • NiCad: Durable, high discharge rates, wide temperature range; affected by memory effect and environmental concerns due to cadmium.
  • NiMH: Higher energy density, environmentally friendly, robust under charge/discharge stress; suffers from higher self-discharge and storage degradation.

Specifications Comparison

Parameter NiCad NiMH Units
Cell Voltage 1.2 1.2 V
Specific Energy Density — ~70 Wh/kg
Volumetric Energy Density — ~300 Wh/L
Cycle Life — Up to 3000 cycles
Discharge Rate Up to 10C (short periods) Up to 1C C-rate
Operating Temperature Up to 70 Wide Range °C

NiCad Battery Pack for Commercial Lighting Application
NiCad Battery Pack for Commercial Lighting Application

Overview of Nickel-Based Battery Chemistries

Nickel-based batteries are available in multiple chemistries, with NiCad and NiMH being the most widely used. While no single chemistry offers a perfect solution, Epec focuses on these two due to their proven performance across commercial and industrial applications.


NiCad Battery Pack Characteristics

Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) batteries use nickel oxide hydroxide and cadmium electrodes. Available in sealed and vented formats, NiCad packs offer:

  • Low internal resistance
  • High-rate charge/discharge (up to 10C)
  • Flat discharge profile
  • Deep discharge tolerance
  • Operation in temperatures up to 70°C

Limitations include susceptibility to memory effect, overcharge damage, and environmental concerns due to cadmium content.


NiMH Battery Pack Characteristics

Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries replace cadmium with a hydrogen-absorbing alloy. They share the nickel oxyhydroxide positive electrode with NiCad but offer:

  • 2-3x capacity of equivalent NiCad cells
  • ~70 Wh/kg specific energy
  • ~300 Wh/L volumetric energy
  • Up to 3000 cycle life
  • Deep discharge capability (80-100% DOD)
  • Resistance to overcharge/discharge
  • Environmentally safe (no cadmium, mercury, or lead)

Challenges include high self-discharge, memory effect (less severe than NiCad), and performance degradation during long-term storage.

Ni-MH Battery Pack for a Medical Device
Ni-MH Battery Pack for a Medical Device

Battery Management and Safety

NiMH cells require safety vents to manage gas generation. Though robust, they benefit from reconditioning (charge/discharge cycles) after extended storage. NiCad cells also need careful charge control to avoid damage. Both chemistries simplify BMS requirements compared to lithium systems.

Energy Storage Solutions Provider

We manufacture cutting-edge products, combining precision engineering with extensive applications expertise to assist customers in integrating energy storage solutions into their products. Epec Engineered Technologies has the proven technology and integration expertise to bring your applications from conception to commercialization.

To learn more about nickel battery technologies, see our blog post on the shelf life of a rechargeable NiMH battery.

Frequently Asked Questions


What does NiCad stand for?

NiCad is a registered trademark of SAFT Corporation, commonly used to refer to nickel-cadmium batteries. The abbreviation NiCd derives from the chemical symbols for nickel (Ni) and cadmium (Cd).


What are the main advantages of NiCad batteries?

NiCad batteries offer low internal resistance, high-rate discharge capability, deep discharge tolerance, and a wide operating temperature range.


What are the drawbacks of NiCad batteries?

They are prone to memory effect, can be damaged by overcharging, and pose environmental risks due to cadmium.


How does NiMH compare to NiCad in energy capacity?

NiMH cells typically provide two to three times the capacity of equivalent NiCad cells.


Do NiMH batteries suffer from memory effects?

Yes, but the effect is less pronounced than in NiCad batteries. Reconditioning through charge/discharge cycles can mitigate this.


Are NiMH batteries environmentally safer than NiCad?

Yes. NiMH batteries contain no cadmium, mercury, or lead, making them more environmentally friendly.


Can NiMH batteries be deep cycled?

Yes. NiMH batteries tolerate deep discharge cycles (80–100% DOD) and maintain robust performance.

Are Nickel-Based Batteries Your Best Option?

Optimize your energy storage with nickel-based batteries. Choose between NiCad and NiMH for your specific needs. Get started with a custom quote today.

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Pros & Cons of Nickel Over Lithium Based Batteries

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