# Nickel-based batteries

Nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride and nickel-iron cells.

Source page: https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_nickel_batt/

Storage · Electrochemical · No. 73

- Storage
- Duration: Hours
 Storage · Electrochemical · Foundation · Energy

The tough nickel battery in many Toyota hybrids also runs rail signals and aircraft, working from -50 C to +70 C.

Chart: Illustration: Nickel-based batteries

##### Where it comes from

Chart: Map of where it comes from

All three types pair a nickel electrode with cadmium, a metal hydride alloy or iron in an alkaline liquid; Indonesia mined about 67% of nickel in 2025.

##### Three things to know

1. These cells store 40 to 80 Wh/kg, well under half of lithium-ion's 100 to 200, so they are heavy for their energy.
2. World cadmium output was about 23,000 t in 2025, and nickel-cadmium batteries remain its main use.
3. The EU limits cadmium in portable batteries to 0.002% by weight, leaving nickel-cadmium to industrial roles.

##### The journey

1. 1 **Nickel and partners**Nickel with cadmium, metal hydride or iron
2. 2 **Alkaline cell**Protons shuttle in potassium hydroxide
3. 3 **Rugged pack**Survives deep discharge, heat and cold
4. 4 **Backup power**Substations, telecom, rail, aviation, hybrids
5. 5 **Recycling**Cadmium and nickel recovered and reused

##### Go deeper pick a tab to open it in full

## Other sections

- [Overview](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_nickel_batt/overview/index.md)
- [Correlation](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_nickel_batt/correlation/index.md)
- [Science and technology](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_nickel_batt/sg-sci/index.md)
- [Engineering and performance](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_nickel_batt/sg-eng/index.md)
- [Economics](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_nickel_batt/sg-econ/index.md)
- [Impact and additionality](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_nickel_batt/sg-impact/index.md)
- [What to track](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_nickel_batt/tracking/index.md)
- [Relationships](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_nickel_batt/links/index.md)