Abstract: 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.