A New High Energy Stabilized Nickel-Zinc Rechargeable Battery System for SLI and EV Applications

The nickel oxide-zinc rechargeable battery system is a serious candidate for a high power economical EV battery. The introduction of a new chemistry has resulted in stabilization of the performance of the zinc anode without adversely affecting the nickel electrode. The result has been a major enhancement of the cycle life capability with retention of the remarkably high practical energy density (both gravimetric and volumetric) of the nickel-zinc system. Advanced development prototype vented prismatic cells of 15, 60 and 225 AH capacities have been cycled at an 80% DOD and have demonstrated a life of 600-1000 cycles with a capacity retention of 55 to 75% depending on conditions of use. Superior low temperature high rate performance has been obtained at −20°F and −40°F and the delivered capacities shown to be of the order of 60% of room temperature capacity.

Near term practical applications for both passenger car and truck SLI batteries as well as long term deep cycle applications for electric vehicles are discussed.