a) a casing comprising an open ended container closed by a lid;

b) a first electrode comprising:

i) a rod-shaped current collector having a length extending along a longitudinal axis from an upper rod end to a lower rod end, wherein the rod has a first cross-section perpendicular to its longitudinal axis at the upper end and at least two irregularly shaped areas characterized as deformations of the rod material to alter the cross-sectional shape from that of the first cross-section at the upper end, the at least two irregularly shaped areas being at two different perpendicular locations between the upper and lower rod ends, wherein the irregularly shaped areas are axially offset from each other in a range from 5° to 90°;

ii) a first active material contacted to the rod-shaped current collector between the upper and lower ends thereof; and

iii) wherein the upper rod end is connected to a terminal pin supported in the lid by a sealing glass and the terminal pin connected to the rod serves as a terminal for the first electrode with the distal end of the terminal pin extending outside the casing from the lid;

c) a second, counter electrode comprising a second active material contacted to a second current collector;

d) a separator segregating the first electrode from direct physical contact with the second electrode housed inside the casing, wherein the second electrode is positioned between the first electrode and at least part of the casing serving as its terminal; and

e) an electrolyte activating the first and second electrodes housed in the casing.