Abstract: An end cover assembly for a battery with a core comprises a contact terminal, a conductive element, and a thermistor. The conductive element is in electrical communication with the core of the battery. The thermistor is disposed between the terminal and the conductive element. The thermistor electrically connects the terminal and the conductive element when the temperature of the battery is below a predetermined temperature. The thermistor electrically disconnects the terminal and the conductive element when the temperature of the battery is above the predetermined temperature.