In order to improve the activation properties of the $AB_2$ type hydrogen storage alloys for Ni-MH battery, the alloy surface was modified by employing high energy ball milling. The $Zr_{0.54}Ti_{0.45}V_{0.54}Ni_{0.87}Cr_{0.15}Co_{0.21}Mn_{0.24}$ alloy powder was ball milled for various period by using the high energy ball mill. As the ball milling time increased, activation of the $AB_2$ type composite powder electrodes were enhanced regardless of additives. When the ball milling time was small discharge capacities of the $AB_2$ type composite powder electrodes increased with the milling time. On the other hand for large milling time it decreased with increasing milling time. The maximum discharge capacity was obtained by ball milling for 3-4 min.