This study examines the effects of the addition of Mn and LmNi(4.1)Al(0.25)Mn(0.3)CoO(0.65) (Lm: lanthanumrich mischmetal) alloy on the electrochemical characteristics of body centered cubic (BCQ type Ti0.32Cr0.43-MnxV0.25 (x=0-0.08) alloys as negative electrode (anode) materials for nickel-metal-hydride (Ni-MH) batteries. The activation behaviour and discharge capacity of the BCC alloys are improved significantly by ball-milling with LmNi(4.1) Al-0.25 Mn-0.3 Co-0.65 alloy because this AB(5) alloy acts as a path for hydrogen on the surface of the BCC alloy. Among the Mn-substituted alloys, a Ti-0.32 C-r0.38 Mn-0.0 V-0.25 alloy ball-milled with the AB5 alloy yields the greatest discharge capacity of 340 m Ahg(-1). In addition, compared with the alloy without Mn, the Mn-substituted alloys exhibit a lower plateau pressure for hydrogen, a better hydrogen-storage capacity in the pressure-composition isotherms and faster surface activation. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.