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What is a Nickel Metal Hydride Battery?

From Christine & Scott Gable, for About.com

Definition:

NiMH is an acronym for Nickel Metal Hydride batteries. NiMH are batteries similar to the early style rechargeable NiCad (nickel cadmium) batteries except that the positive conductor (anode) is made from the far less toxic hydride alloy as opposed to cadmium. NiMHs also offer approximately three times as much energy storage as comparably sized NiCads, but they do suffer quicker discharge rates under high loads.

NiMH batteries offer good all around performance, but when weight savings becomes an issue, Li-ion batteries steal the show.

Pronunciation: nik-uhl met-l hahy-drahyd
Also Known As: nickel metal hydrides.
Examples: The Toyota Prius uses NiMH batteries to power its electric drive motor.

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