This article evaluates the behaviour of lithium-ion cells of several chemistries and one nickel-metal hydride cell for automotive applications like (plug-in) hybrid vehicles and battery electric vehicles. The evaluation is based on an enhanced test methodology that enables the comparison of cell behaviour. Tests for high power and high energy application have been integrated. The characterisation tests exist of four test methods. The tests make large differences visible between the cell species. The 5 C efficiency for example is between 75 and 90% while the cell temperature varies from 29 to 52 degrees C. The power density is 80 W/kg for the NiMH cell and lies between 330 and 3100 W/kg for the lithium-ion cells. The cell results have been brought into relation to the material properties, the shape, referring to existing literature. The test plan made it possible to make an initial division in the cells. It appears that the manufacturer's knowhow is more important than the general electrode classification to produce outstanding cells. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.