Frequently Asked Questions

1). If I want to get NiMH batteries for my consumer products, electric car, or scooter, where should I go?

If you are a consumer and seeking batteries for a consumer product, please consult the manufacturer of the device. They may have a parts and service department to handle your need. If you are seeking standard size batteries like AAA, AA, C, and D sizes, check the camera department in your local department or camera store. You may also find consumer-type NiMH batteries at Wal-Mart, Kmart, Digi-Key, and RadioShack, for example.

If you are looking for industrial NiMH batteries, your choices are limited. There is no distribution network for NiMH batteries above 10 Ampere Hours (Ah). Batteries above 10 Ah are manufactured for specialty uses only. Cobasys does manufacture batteries above 10 Ah; however, they are produced for high-volume systems applications.

The business objective of Cobasys is to support the mass production of NiMH batteries in transportation and stationary applications. NiMH battery technology is very powerful. To get maximum benefit, it requires special knowledge to safely handle batteries above 10 Ah. There are websites that provide general information on NiMH battery technology. Please use a web search engine to find these locations.

2). I have an application for a large quantity of NiMH batteries, whom should I contact?

Your first step should be to contact Cobasys regarding your requirement at [email protected]. You can also fill out a Cobasys (web based) battery questionnaire depending on your transportation or stationary power needs. If your requirement is urgent and you need to speak with someone directly, please contact us by calling the Cobasys’ sales department at 248-620-5700 .

3). How much does it cost to purchase NiMH batteries?

Cobasys does not have a published price list. Pricing is determined based upon many variables such as volume, timing, system requirements, and others. Please complete the appropriate battery information questionnaire and return to Cobasys. We will contact you to discuss your needs further.

4). Where can I get specifications for your batteries?

The current specifications for NiMH batteries are on our website.

5). What things do I need to consider in order to use NiMH batteries in my application?

Temperature, voltage, and state-of-charge (SOC) are measured and used with charge and discharge control algorithms to optimize performance. Battery containment and thermal management systems are designed around the batteries and integrated into the application. Please see our questionnaires, if you would like to see the type of information that we request when designing a battery solution.

6). How much do NiMH batteries weigh?

Cobasys manufactures several types of battery configurations; however, NiMH batteries have over twice the energy density (>65 Wh/kg) and power density (>1,000 W/kg), and more than three times the life of conventional lead-acid battery technologies. Please review the battery specification sheet on our website.

7). How does the NiMH battery work?

Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries consist of two electrodes: the positive uses Nickel-Hydroxide for the cathode and the negative uses Metal Hydride for the anode. The electrodes are sandwiched together with a polymer separator to eliminate shorting. A small amount of water plus potassium hydroxide mixture (electrolyte) is added to the cell, the cell is sealed, and it is charged electrically to form a 1.2 volt electrochemical couple. Individual cells can be connected in series to make batteries in various voltage ranges. A typical module will be 12 volts.

8). How many years will a NiMH battery last in automotive applications?

Advanced battery technologies are typically evaluated in terms of complete discharge cycles. A standard electric vehicle battery can be charged and discharged 1,000 times to 80% depth-of-discharge (DOD) equivalent to over 100,000 miles. Hybrid vehicle applications use batteries very differently. Typically, the emphasis is not on energy storage, but on power density. The battery is, generally, never fully charged or discharged in hybrid applications. NiMH batteries used in hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) applications can be cycled in shallow discharges hundreds of thousands of times and last over 200,000+ miles under a partial charge/discharge regime.

9). How do you dispose the batteries when they have reached end of life?

NiMH batteries are 100% recyclable and use no toxic materials (lead, cadmium, or lithium), making them the only rechargeable battery that can be legally disposed of in a landfill. We can refer several battery disposal facilities to you.