Why depend upon nickel metal hydride and battery charging in case of a widespread, regional problem? Get the FBA-25 alkaline battery tray, and use either AA Alkalines, or, if you have AC power, nickel metal hydride, rechargeable, AA cells.
The Yaesu, FT-60R is one of the few HTs on the market that allows up to full transmit power using AA Alkalines. Of course, one really doesn't need full 4or 5 W if they improve their antenna.
--
Clint Bradford K6LCS
http//www.work-sat.com
Clint Bradford