This paper addresses recent activities relating to energy storage systems capable of delivering very high power. Specific power in the range of 2.0-2.2 kW/kg and power density in the range of 5.0-6.5 kW/l were obtained at current densities of 0.43-0.86 A/cm(2) (400-800 A/ft(2)). The designs incorporate the use of thin, plastic bound electrodes laminated to nickel foil substrates. The units tested were nominal 28 V, 24 Ah batteries, as well as individual cells. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.