A series of multi-component Zr1-xTixV0.4Ni1.2Mn0.4LMy (x = 0.3, 0.4; y = 0.0, 0.02,0.05,0.1,0.2,0.3, LM; lantanum-rich-mischmetal) alloys are prepared and their crystal structure and P-C-T curves are analyzed. The alloys have been modified by adding LM and their gaseous and electrochemical hydrogenation properties are studied to find out the effect of LM elements. Also, the second phase and initial activation performance are investigated. The Zr1-xTixV0.4Ni1.2Mn0.4LMy (x = 0.3,0.4; y = 0.0, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) alloys have C14 Laves phase hexagonal structure, so the volume expansion ratio of lattice parameters with LM has increased. As the amount of LM in alloy has increased, correspondingly the second phase is also increased. The second phase is LM, Ti and V-rich. The second phase improve the activation of La-rich misch-metal, and also the concentration of elements Ti, V>LM> matrix in alloys. The addition of LM in Zr1-xTixV0.4Ni1.2Mn0.4LMy (x = 0.3, 0.4) alloys have increased the activation rate and hydrogen storage capacity significantly, but the plateau pressure and the discharge capacity have been decreased due to the formation of second phase. For more Zr in electrode alloys, the activation of rate becomes slow. (C) 2003 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.