A rechargeable lithium ion cell (1) of prismatic shape has (a) a metallic housing which is electrically insulated internally by two non-conductive half shells, which cover the electrode plates and their lugs (7), and externally by an insulating coating; (b) a bursting membrane (4) normally located above the electrolyte level; and (c) a skewing preventer which extends over the entire surface of the cover (2) and which also serves for centring and mounting of the electrode plate assembly. Also claimed is production of the above cell by (i) welding the positive and negative electrode plate lugs (7), respectively, to aluminium and copper rivets (9) which are then rivetted to the positive and negative terminals (3) respectively; (ii) enclosing the electrode assembly with the half shells and inserting in the cell housing; (iii) welding the cover (2) onto the cell housing; (iv) filling the cell (1) with electrolyte through the filling socket (5) and cycling to achieve the functional state of the cell; and (v) sealing the filling socket (5) electrolyte-tight.
