Abstract: A method to make new improved high capacity rechargeable hydride batteries comprising steps of (1) preparing an improved hydrogen storage material represented by the composition formula: A.sub.a B.sub.b Ni.sub.c D.sub.y M.sub.x R.sub.z, where A is one or more element chosen from the group of Ti, Zr, Mg; B is one or more elements chosen from the group of Al, V, Mn, Nb, Si, Pd, and Ag; D is one or more elements chosen from the group of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Mo, W and Sn; R is one or more elements chosen from the group of C, B, Ca, Sb, Bi, Y, Hf, Ta, N, O, Ge, Ga and Mm, where Mm is mischmetal; M is one or more elements chosen from the group of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, P and S; and where a, b, c, y, x and z are defined by: 0.10.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.0.85, 0.01.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.0.65, 0.02.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.0.75, 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.30, 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.30, 0.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.30 and a+b+c+y+x+z=1.00; (2) preparing a high capacity (1.15-2.