TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The negative electrode has a negative electrode oxidizable additive providing long cycle life upon oxidation and having conductivity, the negative electrode oxidizable additive having a component that harmlessly leaches out into the electrolyte upon cycling of the battery. The precharge is supplied by exposing the negative active material to hydrogen gas. It is supplied by chemically reducing the negative active material. Chemically reducing comprises an amount of nickel aluminum in the negative electrode reacting with the electrolyte producing hydrogen gas. It comprises amount of electrolyte having a strong reducing agent reacting, with the negative active material producing hydrogen gas. The negative active material comprises an alloy having elements reactive with an alkaline solution, chemically reducing comprises etching the negative active material in the alkaline solution. The negative electrode oxidizable additive comprises nickel aluminum.Preferred Compound: The strong reducing agent is sodium borohydride or potassium borohydride. It is sodium hypophosphites or hypophosphorus acid.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Component: The negative electrode has a negative electrode oxidizable additive providing long cycle life upon oxidation and having conductivity, the negative electrode oxidizable additive having a component that harmlessly leaches out into the electrolyte upon cycling of the battery. The precharge is supplied by exposing the negative active material to hydrogen gas. It is supplied by chemically reducing the negative active material. Chemically reducing comprises an amount of nickel aluminum in the negative electrode reacting with the electrolyte producing hydrogen gas. It comprises amount of electrolyte having a strong reducing agent reacting, with the negative active material producing hydrogen gas. The negative active material comprises an alloy having elements reactive with an alkaline solution, chemically reducing comprises etching the negative active material in the alkaline solution. The negative electrode oxidizable additive comprises nickel aluminum.Preferred Compound: The strong reducing agent is sodium borohydride or potassium borohydride. It is sodium hypophosphites or hypophosphorus acid.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Component: The positive electrode binder includes carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl acetate,