Small spiral-wound lithium-carbon monofluoride (Li/CFx) cells, which were discharged at the C/40 rate, had a nominal capacity of 300 mAh and a gravimetric energy density of about 464 Wh kg(-1). These cells delivered pulse current loads (> 22 mA) with good capacity (> 200 mAh) if they were subjected to a pre-discharge step. A 17V, 2.2 kW battery based on Li/CFx flat cell technology has also been fabricated and tested. The battery had gravimetric and volumetric energy densities of 360 Wh kg(-1) and 700 Wh dm(-3), respectively. This compares with a value of 330 Wh kg(-1) and 522 Wh dm(-3) for an equivalent battery based on Li/SOCl2. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.