NOVELTY - An alloy powder comprises hydrogen storage alloy containing element (L), magnesium, nickel, aluminum, element (Ma) and element (Mb). The element (L) is element of group 3 and/or 4 (excluding yttrium). The element (Ma) is germanium, yttrium and tin. The element (Ma) is vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, manganese, iron, copper, silver, zinc, boron, gallium, indium, silicon and phosphorus. The molar ratio of magnesium with respect to total content of elements (L) and magnesium is 0.008-0.54.    USE - Alloy powder is used for negative electrode for alkaline storage battery (all claimed) for electric vehicle.    ADVANTAGE - The alloy powder provides alkaline storage battery with excellent lifetime characteristics and discharge characteristics.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An alloy powder comprises hydrogen storage alloy containing element (L), magnesium, nickel, aluminum, element (Ma) and element (Mb). The element (L) is element of group 3 and/or 4 (excluding yttrium). The element (Ma) is germanium, yttrium and tin. The element (Ma) is vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, manganese, iron, copper, silver, zinc, boron, gallium, indium, silicon and phosphorus. The molar ratio of magnesium with respect to total content of elements (L) and magnesium is 0.008-0.54. The molar ratio of nickel with respect to the total content of elements (L) and magnesium is 1.6-4. The molar ratio of aluminum with respect to the total content of elements (L) and magnesium is 0.008-0.32. The molar ratio of element (Ma) with respect to the total content of the element (L) and magnesium is 0.01-0.12. The molar ratio of element (Mb) with respect to total content of the elements (L) and magnesium is 0.01-0.8. INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for the following:    (1) negative electrode, which contains alloy powder as negative electrode active material; and    (2) alkaline storage battery.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows longitudinal cross-sectional view of alkaline storage battery.    Negative electrode (1)    Positive electrode (2)    Separator (3)    Battery case (4)    Safety valve (6)