Abstract: A maintenance-free, lead-acid cell that is capable of achieving long cycle life in deep discharge rapid recharge applications is sealed, has positive grids formed from antimony-lead alloys containing no more than about 2 wt. % of antimony, has negative grids formed from alloys that are essentially antimony-free, has highly porous, easily wetted separator material interposed between the plates which is capable of wicking the electrolyte, and provides a sufficient void volume to facilitate gaseous oxygen transport, and has the electrolyte required for operation of the cell substantially completely absorbed in the plates and separators, with the separators not being completely saturated.