The present invention relates to rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries and methods for making the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries having a precharge in the negative electrode sufficient for oxidation prevention in the negative electrode. The present invention discloses a nickel metal hydride battery, wherein the precharge of the negative electrode may be supplied by a variety of sources. The positive active material of the positive electrode may have positive active particles, such as nickel hydroxide, having a precursor coating that incorporates cobalt material capable of forming a conductive network. Sources other than cobalt-containing materials in the positive electrode include hydrogen gas provided directly to the negative active material, nickel aluminum mixed with the negative active material, the etching of the negative active material with an alkaline solution and borohydride chemically charging the negative active material. Preferably, a majority of the precharge of the negative electrode is supplied by sources other than cobalt-containing materials in the positive electrode.