NOVELTY - The storage battery (4) comprises first, second and third branches (Br1, Br2, Br3) each having a first lithium ion storage cell (E1,1, E1, 2) and a second lithium ion storage cell (E2, 1, E2, 2) connected in series, a switch by which the first and second storage cells are connected in parallel, and a load balancing circuit (5). The cut-off threshold of the switch is designed to conduct the current when one of the storage cells forms an open circuit. The first and second storage cells form first and second stages of the battery, respectively.    USE - The storage battery is useful in transport industry including hybrid electric vehicles.    ADVANTAGE - The storage battery is capable of producing maximum power by minimizing its internal parasitic resistance, and ensures high level of intrinsic safety during operation, and avoids the performance degradation.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The storage battery (4) comprises first, second and third branches (Br1, Br2, Br3) each having a first lithium ion storage cell (E1,1, E1, 2) and a second lithium ion storage cell (E2, 1, E2, 2) connected in series, a switch by which the first and second storage cells are connected in parallel, and a load balancing circuit (5). The cut-off threshold of the switch is designed to conduct the current when one of the storage cells forms an open circuit. The first and second storage cells form first and second stages of the battery, respectively. The balancing circuit is used for charging the batteries connected across each ends. Each junction between the cells in connected to the balancing circuit. The first and third branches are non-adjacent. The balancing circuit is connected to the each node of the branches of the cell terminals. The switch comprises a fusible electrical connection, where the threshold of the circuit breaker is sized to open when one of the cells is shorted. A voltage (greater than 15%) is applied across the cell terminals. The branches are devoid of circuit breakers in series with the battery. Internal resistance of the cells is lower than internal resistance of the switch.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a schematic view of a storage battery.    Storage battery (4)    Balancing circuit (5)    Three branches (Br1, Br2, Br3)    First storage cell (E1,1, E1, 2)    Second storage cell. (E2, 1, E2, 2)