In many lithium-ion battery configurations, each of the negative electrode current collector 32, negative electrode 22, the separator 26, positive electrode 24, and positive electrode current collector 34 are prepared as relatively thin layers (for example, from several microns to a millimeter or less in thickness) and assembled in layers connected in electrical series and/or parallel arrangement to provide a suitable electrical energy and power package. Furthermore, the lithium-ion battery 20 can include a variety of other components that, while not depicted here, are nonetheless known to those of skill in the art. For instance, the lithium-ion battery 20 may include a casing, gaskets, terminal caps, tabs, battery terminals, and any other conventional components or materials that may be situated within the battery 20, including between or around the negative electrode 22, the positive electrode 24, and/or the separator 26, by way of non-limiting example. As noted above, the size and shape of the lithium-ion battery 20 may vary depending on the particular application for which it is designed. Battery-powered vehicles and handheld consumer electronic devices are two examples where the lithium-ion battery 20 would most likely be designed to different size, capacity, and power-output specifications. The lithium-ion battery 20 may also be connected in series or parallel with other similar lithium-ion cells or batteries to produce a greater voltage output, energy, and/or power as required by the load device 42.