A battery of series-connected rechargeable lithium ion cells each of which
contains a negative electrode; a negative electrode current collector; a
positive electrode; a positive electrode current collector; and an
electrolyte comprising charge carrying medium, lithium salt and cyclable
redox chemical shuttle. The negative electrode has a larger i rreversible
first cycle capacity loss than that of the positive electrode, and is
driven to a potential above that of the positive electrode if the cell is
discharged to a state of cell reversal. The shuttle has an
electrochemical potential above the positive electrode maximum normal
operating potential, and prevents the negative electrode potential from
reaching even higher and more destructive positive values during
overdischarge. The current collector has a lithium alloying potential
below the negative electrode minimum normal operating potential. The
battery chemically limits or eliminates cell damage due to repeated
overdischarge, and may operate without electronic overdischarge
protection circuitry.