Wet (Nickel-Cadmium)
These are one of the best batteries available, but since technology is based on wet structure - not for wheelchairs. Ni-Cad cells with pocket type plate electrodes have been successfully used for many decades. Robust & reliable, they can withstand temperature extremes from -4 degrees F to + 131 degrees F. Pocket plates drastically reduce grid shedding & are quick to recharge. Like all flooded batteries even with NiCads equalizing routines are not only tolerated but beneficial to the battery longevity.They are not prone to corrosion. They have higher charging and storage efficiency at temperature extremes than lead acid batteries. They are more resistant to over-discharge and over-charge than lead acid batteries. The maximum lifetime for a properly maintained nickel cadmium cell can be as long as fifty years. Average life expectancy is around twenty to twenty-five years. There is no need to equalize them. Nicad will deliver about 2,000 full charge-discharge cycles.
Its drawbacks include:
- price! These batteries cost between six to ten times the amount of a similar capacity lead acid pack.
- require little maintenance.
- not allowed on board airplanes.
- they are difficult to recycle.
