Abstract: An electrochemical cell including a prismatic electrode stack extending in a prismatic plane and having a plurality of positive electrode plates and a plurality of negative electrode plates stacked alternately with intervening separators therebetween. The positive electrode plates and the negative electrode plates are laterally offset so that end leads of the positive electrode plates extend from one side of the electrode stack and end leads of the negative electrode plates extend from an opposite side of the electrode stack. A positive bus strap is joined to the end leads of the positive electrode plates and a negative bus strap is joined to the end leads of the negative electrode plates such that said positive and negative bus straps and attaching portions of said end leads of the positive and negative electrode plates are disposed parallel to each other and perpendicular to the prismatic plane of the prismatic electrode stack.