Low nickel, multiple layer laminate system

A metallic laminate composite comprising:

• a central metallic layer having low electrical resistivity, selected from copper or copper alloys, the metallic alloy having a first and second side;
• a first and second internal metallic layer, the first internal metallic layer positioned along the first side of the central metallic layer and the second internal metallic layer positioned along the second side of the central metallic layer, the first and second internal metallic layer selected from stainless steels;
• and
• a first and second outer metallic layer, wherein the first outer metallic layer adjacent the first internal metallic layer and the second outer metallic layer adjacent the second internal metallic layer, the first and second outer metallic layers selected from nickel or nickel alloys having good soldering properties, wherein good soldering properties is defined by having a better than average ability to be wetted by molten solder, wherein the conductivity of the laminate composite ranges from 30% to 80% IACS, and wherein the tensile strength of the metallic laminate composite ranges from 52.3 to 79.7 Ksi.

A metallic laminate composite for use as a connector tab for a pack of lithium ion batteries, the metallic laminate composite comprising:

• a central metallic layer having low electrical resistivity, selected from copper or copper alloys, the central metallic layer having a first and second side;
• a first internal metallic layer and a second internal metallic layer, the first internal metallic layer positioned along the first side of the central metallic layer and the second internal metallic layer positioned along the second side of the central metallic layer, the first and second internal metallic layers selected from steels or stainless steels;
• and
• a first outer metallic layer and a second outer metallic layer, wherein the first outer metallic layer abuts the first internal metallic layer and the second outer metallic layer abuts the second internal metallic layer, the first and second outer metallic layers selected from nickel or nickel alloys;
• wherein the first and second outer metallic layers, based on volume, comprise substantially 0.3% to 8% of the laminate composite, the first and second internal metallic layers comprise substantially 8.2% to 34.7% of the laminate composite and the central metallic layer comprises substantially 30% to 83% of the laminate composite, wherein the conductivity of the composite ranges from 30% to 80% IACS, and wherein the tensile strength of the metallic laminate composite ranges from 52.3 to 79.7 Ksi.