Patent ID: 8153293

Claim:
An electrochemical cell, which comprises: a) an anode of lithium; b) an elongate cathode having a length extending to opposed first and second distal ends extending to spaced apart edges, the cathode comprising: i) a first cathode active material/first current collector/second cathode active material/second current collector/third cathode active material; ii) wherein the first and third cathode active materials are the same or different and are of a material or materials that have a relatively higher rate capability, but a lower energy density than the second cathode active material, wherein the first cathode active material is contiguous with the second cathode active material along a first portion of a length of the cathode between the opposed first and second cathode ends and disposed on opposite sides of the first current collector along the remainder of the length of the cathode; and iii) wherein the third cathode active material is contiguous with the second cathode active material along a second portion. of the length of the cathode between the opposed first and second cathode ends and disposed on opposite sides of the second current collector along the remainder of the length of the cathode; and iv) wherein the first and second current collectors are vertically aligned one on top of the other only in a middle region about midway between the first and second cathode ends and wherein the middle region is intermediate the first and second contiguous portions; and d) a nonaqueous electrolyte activating the anode and the cathode.