What is the difference between a NiCd battery and a NiMh battery? Can I substitute a NiMh battery for a NiCd battery? Do NiCd and NiMh batteries self-discharge? Must these batteries be recycled when they are no longer working? What is the difference between a NiCd (nickel cadmium) battery and a NiMh (nickel metal hydride) battery? There are two main differences between the two. The NiMh battery offers a capacity that is almost twice that of the NiCd. This means longer run times without additional weight. NiMh batteries are less prone to develop a memory effect. In addition, NiMh batteries are environmentally friendlier than the NiCd since they do not contain heavy metals. Back to Top Can I substitute a NiMh battery for a NiCd battery? NiCd and NiMh batteries are different from one another and cannot be substituted unless your device has been pre-configured from the factory to accept more than one chemistry type. Back to Top Do NiCd and NiMh batteries self-discharge? Yes, these batteries will self-discharge a small amount each day. The amount of self-discharge depends on many factors including ambient temperature. Back to Top Must these batteries be recycled when they are no longer working? Yes. NiMh and NiCd batteries must be recycled properly. Back to Top