The initial stage of the hydrogen absorption/desorption process in ceramic electrodes is discussed in this work. The experiments were carried out at 25 °C in a concentrated alkaline medium. The electrodes were prepared using LaB6 and LaBO3. Pd nanoparticles were incorporated into the electrodes to activate them electrochemically. The results showed that the electrodes could absorb hydrogen electrochemically at room temperature. The LaBO3 electrode showed better hydrogen absorption characteristics than LaB6. The morphological and volumetric properties were crucial in achieving the hydrogen storage in the electrode. The discharge capacity was similar in both electrodes. However, the LaBO3 electrode supplied more energy than the LaB6-based electrode. The charge absorption reaction prevailed in both electrodes instead of the hydrogen evolution reaction. The capability of the ceramic electrodes to absorb/desorb hydrogen electrochemically is controlled by the diffusion processes that occur at the electrode/electrolyte interface and the crystalline planes of the ceramic materials. •LaBO3 powders were synthesized by combustion method.•Ceramic electrodes were fabricated using synthesized LaBO3 and commercial LaB6.•Pd/C activated the ceramic electrodes.•Electrochemical techniques evaluated the hydrogen absorption in ceramic electrodes.•Ceramic hydrides absorbed and desorbed energy electrochemically.