In this study, for the Co-free negative electrode with a highpower and low self-discharge, the RE0.9Mg0.1Ni3.9Al0.2 (AB4.1) alloy was prepared. Moreover, a carbon-coated Ni(OH)2 using an oxidation-resistant carbon material was developed to produce a Co-free Ni–MH battery. The battery performances of the Co-free materials were tested using a large-sized Ni–MH cell with a 205 A h rating