It produces about 1.1 volts per cell on discharge, and about 40 watthours per kilogram specific energy density.
The first silver–cadmium batteries were developed by Waldemar Jungner around 1900, who used them in a demonstration electric car and whose company commercially manufactured the cells.
[3] Renewed commercial development occurred during the 1950s, to take advantage of the better cycle life of the silver–cadmium system compared to silver-zinc.
To preserve the operating life of cells, they may be shipped "dry" and the end-user adds electrolyte just before use.
Cells are provide with vent caps to prevent reaction of the electrolyte with carbon dioxide in the air.