The present invention is drawn to a high power electrochemical energy
storage device in a bipolar configuration, comprising at least n
stackable cells in bipolar configuration wherein subgroups of m cells are
electronically monitored. The storage cells have a lithium ion insertion
anode and a lithium ion insertion cathode, a separator, an electrolyte
system, and a leak-proof seal structure. A number of embodiments are
disclosed, characterized by a favorable range of m values, in combination
with the anode-to-cathode capacity ratio, electrolyte conductivity, and
other battery key features, thereby providing a high power device
providing long cycle life and excellent power performance over many
thousand charge and discharge cycles while minimizing the cost for
electronic monitoring. Additionally, the present invention is drawn to a
device combining two or more groups of stackable cells in bipolar
configuration, either in series or in parallel or any combination
thereof, so as to create a high power, high voltage energy storage
device.