TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Components: At least one tensioning element having a first end is detachably connected with a first end plate (5). The tensioning element having a second end is detachably connected with end plates. The tensioning element having the first end and the second end is positively connected with the first end plate, where the tensioning element is guided from the first end plate to a first end face of the stack, the second end plate and from a second end face to the first end plate, and the tensioning element is connected at opposite ends with the first end plate. The tensioning element wraps around the stack in U-shaped manner. The length of the tensioning element is the sum of twice the height of the battery, which is measured in the stacking direction of the battery cells and the length of a battery cell. The battery cells of each stack are respectively pressed together by a single or two tensioning elements. A first tensioning element having: first end is connected with the first end plate; and second end is connected with the second end plate in the region of a first side of the stack. At least one first tensioning element having: first end is connected with the first end plate; and second end is connected with the second end plate in the region of a first side of the stack. At least one second tensioning element having: first end is connected with the first end plate; and second end is connected with the second end plate in the region of a second side of the stack. The first and the second tensioning elements are arranged on opposite sides, preferably on opposite end faces of the stack. The length of the tensioning element corresponds to the height of the battery, which is measured in the stacking direction of the battery cell. The positive connection comprises at least one first positive-fit element on the tensioning element and a second positive-fit element on the end plate, where the first and second positive-fit elements are interdigitated, and first and second positive-fit elements are mutually reciprocal shaped. The first and second positive-fit elements are formed by a key-type region projecting from the tensioning element and the second or first positive-fit element is formed by a castle-like region molded in the end plate, where the key-type region is formed by a ball-like projection pins or hooks, and the castle-like region is formed by a groove, recess or loop. The tensioning element exhibits first positive fit element disposed on at least one end, at opposite longitudinal edges of the tensioning element, which cooperate with corresponding second positive fit element of end plate. The tensioning element is at least partially made of metal, preferably made of aluminum or steel sheet. The tensioning element is made of plastic. The first positive-fit element is integrally formed with the tensioning element. The tensioning element has at least one, preferably two, positive-fit elements at each end. The tensioning element is made of one piece. The tensioning element is formed by a flexible and/or elastic strap. At least one elastically deformable intermediate layer, preferably a mat made of an electrically insulating, thermally conductive material, is arranged between at least two stacked battery cells and/or between at least one battery cell and an end plate.