Abstract: The container or casing of a storage battery for automobiles and the like is so constructed as to be universally compatible for use with various types of securing mechanisms. Positive and negative terminals are provided on both the top and on one of the side walls. The battery may be secured by a peripheral frame which engages the periphery of the top wall, a central bail which overlies the medial portion of the top wall, or lower opposed clips which engage and clamp onto ledges on opposed side walls or opposed end walls. The top wall and bottom wall are so constructed as to nest to the adjacent housing in a stack when stored or displayed, and a space between adjacent housings allows visual inspection of a color coded handle. In addition, a unique vent cover construction elevates the wells surrounding the vent openings to maximize the vertical dimension of the plates therebeneath.