Abstract: There are provided electrochemical cells resistant to abusive charging and overdischarging which comprise an anode made of calcium or magnesium, an inert current collector and a liquid cathode constituted by an inorganic oxyhalide wherein there is dissolved a soluble calcium salt.

Abstract: There is provided an electrochemical reserve cell of short activation time, which comprises a calcium dischargeable calcium alloy anode essentially devoid of alkali metal, an inorganic oxyhalide liquid cathode serving also as solvent for the electrolyte salt, an electrolyte salt consisting of Lewis acid and a calcium Lewis base, said Lewis acid being in excess of the Lewis base, and an inert current collector, said electrolyte solution being stored separately from said electrode compartment, means being provided for contacting said solution with said electrodes when the cell is to be activated.