The Mg-based hydrogen storage alloys Mg1.5Al0.5-xNiVx (x=0, 0. 1, 0. 2, 0. 3, 0.4) were successfully synthesized by means of a diffusion method(MD). The structure of these alloys were examined by X-ray diffraction. A new phase was found in the alloys. Its chemical formula is Mg3AlNi2. Further studies reveal that the new phase has excellent electrochemical properties. The discharge capacity of Mg1.5Al0.5-xNiVx alloys increases owing to V addition and reaches the highest capacity of 333 mA . h . g(-1) (50 mA . g(-1), -0. 5 V vs. Hg/HgO) without any treatment. The improvement of cycle life was ascribed to the partial substitution of Al for Mg in the alloy.