The effects of addition of Zr, Ni and Zr7Ni10 on the crystal structure, microstructure and hydrogen absorption of Body Centred Cubic (BCC) 52Ti-12V-36Cr were investigated. We found that addition of Zr and/or Ni led to the formation of a Ni/Zr rich secondary phase. This secondary phase is responsible for the much faster first hydrogenation of the alloys with additives compared to the bare BCC alloy. Zirconium addition had positive influence on incubation time and intrinsic hydrogenation kinetics while nickel addition improved the hydrogen capacity. Among the additives tested, Zr7Ni10 is the best for optimized hydrogenation kinetics and capacity. (C) 2018 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.