Go Green With NiMH Rechargeable Hybrid Batteries

The new NiMH rechargeable hybrid batteries have taken the market by storm. If your digicam or TV remote still runs on regular batteries, then you're definitely lagging behind in the technological world. These new Nickel-Metal Hydride are hybridone with complete charge.

They can save their charge for several months, which is not possible with the regular NiMH ones. This makes them ideal for low-drain appliances like remote controls and for high-drain gadgets like digital cameras.

It is safe to say that the creation of NiMH rechargeable with low self-discharge marks the commencement of a new era in battery-run devices. Although the battery capacity is not enormous, these rechargeable hybrid batteries have the power to retain their charge for quite a long time, extending to even a year. This quality makes them perfect for small gadgets as well as for backup power.

NiMH Rechargeable Versus Nicd And Li-Ion

NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) cells are similar to Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) cells. The NiMH battery has hydrogen-absorbing alloy for its negative electrode and not cadmium whereas NiCd cells have nickel oxyhydroxide for their positive electrodes.

NiMH one have 2-3 times more power than that of NiCd batteries with the same capacity. When you compare NiMH cells to Li-Ion cells, you will notice that both have similar volumetric energy density, but the self-discharge of NiMH batteries is higher.

What Is This Hybrid Battery?

In 2005, the market saw the launch of a new Nickel-Metal Hydride battery that featured amazingly low self-discharge. This extended the shelf life of the battery. Manufacturers of this battery used a new separator, which made it possible for the battery to save a whopping 70-85 per cent of its capacity even after a year. This happened when the battery was stored at 68 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 degrees Celsius.

Manufacturers introduced their new product in the market as "hybrid" or "pre-charged" or "ready-to-use" NiMH rechargeable battery packs. The design is similar to the regular NiMH batteries. They can even be charged with a standard NiMH charger. You can get these hybrid batteries from online stores as well as nearby retail stores.

Hybrid batteries are the latest fad, especially in the field of energy. The term has got a lot of attention lately because of endeavors to reduce carbon footprints, use energy efficient appliances and save the earth.

Hybrid means anything that is between traditional and the future technology. Hybrid NiMH rechargeable cells mark one step towards future technology, yet exhibit a hint of conventional battery design. This makes the battery green or environment friendly.

There is no need to worry about the cost, as these NiMH batteries are inexpensive. Besides, the performance and voltage are similar to conventional alkaline batteries of the same size. Alkaline batteries are usually 1.5 volts while NiMH batteries are 1.2 volts. During discharge, the alkaline voltage drops in due course and becomes lower than that of NiMH voltage. NiMH rechargeable hybrid batteries are capable of maintaining their voltage. This is one of the qualities that gives these hybrid cells an edge over the traditional ones.

How Long Should My Honda Civic Hybrid Battery Last?

battery warranty and disposal for your Civic Hybrid.

Introduced in 2002 as a 2003 model, the Honda Civic Hybrid is one of the most fuel efficient vehicles on the road, getting 40 miles to the gallon around town, 45 miles to the gallon on the highway. Like every Honda hybrid, the Civic Hybrid's battery is covered by an extended warranty.

Lengthy Warranty

Honda offers an 8-year, 100,000 mile battery warranty on the Honda Civic Hybrid battery pack in most states. In some states, including California, New Jersey and Vermont, that warranty is extended to 10 years of 150,000 miles. Only your Honda dealer or other authorized repair specialist should perform work on the battery system. Review your warranty to find out what restrictions apply or visit automobiles.honda.com/civic-hybrid/warranty.aspx for that information.

No exact battery lifespan has been determined for you hybrid battery pack, but Honda expects the Honda Civic Hybrid battery pack to last for the life of your vehicle. Toyota, which has been building the Prius longer, says that some of its cars have now passed 300,000 miles on the odometer with the same battery. Both the Civic and the Prius utilize similar nickel-cadmium battery technology.

Battery Recycling

When your hybrid battery wears out, disposal isn't much of a problem either. Honda says that it gets treated as hazardous waste and is sent to a recycling plant for proper disposal. Parts of the battery can be used again and the chemicals inside neutralized. Contact your Honda dealer to make sure that the battery disposal is handled by them instead of something you'll be forced to handle.

With an extended warranty plan in place and disposal not an issue, buying a Honda Civic Hybrid is less of a risky proposition than what some imagine it to be. That's good news for people who want an efficient and environmentally-friendly car to drive.