Abstract: Lead-acid batteries with low water consumption and hydrogen gassing, comprise electrodes of a carbon fibre material having a surface area of less than 50 m2/g. The carbon fibre material may also comprise non-carbon functional groups less than 22% by mass in the bulk fibre, and at least 78% carbon by mass in the bulk fibre. The carbon fibre material may be heated to a temperature of at least 1000° C. and cooled in an inert atmosphere to prevent non-carbon functional groups reforming on the carbonised carbon fibre material. The batteries are suitable for use in hybrid vehicles.

Abstract: Batteries comprise a carbon fibre electrode construction of the invention and have improved DCA and/or CCA, and/or may maintain DCA with an increasing number of charge-discharge cycles, and thus may be particularly suitable for use in hybrid vehicles.

Abstract: A method for impregnating an active paste into a fibre material in the manufacture of an electrode of a lead acid battery or cell, comprises moving a fibre material through a confined pasting zone also containing a Pb-based paste, while vibrating and maintaining a pressure on the paste, to continuously impregnate the paste into the fibre material. A paste impregnating machine is also disclosed, with a fibre material feed system, and which may use a lug along the fibre material to draw the fibre material through the paste application stage.

Abstract: A method for forming an electrical connection to a microscale electrically conductive fiber material electrode element, such as a carbon fiber electrode element of a Pb-acid battery, comprises pressure impregnating into the fiber material an electrically conductive lug material, such as molten Pb metal, to surround and/or penetrate fibers and form an electrical connection to the fiber material and provide a lug for external connection of the electrode element. Other methods of forming a lug for external connection are also disclosed.

Abstract: Batteries comprise a carbon fiber electrode construction of the invention and have improved DCA and/or CCA, and/or may maintain DCA with an increasing number of charge-discharge cycles, and thus may be particularly suitable for use in hybrid vehicles.