NOVELTY - The rechargeable electrochemical cell comprises a positive electrode (302) having a positive electrode lithiation capacity, a negative electrode (304) containing a high capacity active material and having a negative electrode lithiation capacity greater than the positive electrode lithiation capacity, an auxiliary electrode (308) in ionic communication with the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a cell management circuit in electrical communication with the positive electrode, the negative electrode and the auxiliary electrode, and a second auxiliary electrode.    USE - The rechargeable electrochemical cell is useful in a lithium ion battery apparatus (claimed) for aerospace, medical devices, portable electronics and automotive applications, where the electrochemical cell is a lithium ion cell.    ADVANTAGE - The rechargeable electrochemical cell can be simply, easily and efficiently manufactured with high gravimetric and/or volumetric capacity, long service life, and improved cycling performance and safety characteristics thus prevent overcharges, deep discharges and run-away conditions of the cell.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The rechargeable electrochemical cell comprises a positive electrode (302) having a positive electrode lithiation capacity, a negative electrode (304) containing a high capacity active material and having a negative electrode lithiation capacity greater than the positive electrode lithiation capacity, an auxiliary electrode (308) in ionic communication with the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a cell management circuit in electrical communication with the positive electrode, the negative electrode and the auxiliary electrode, and a second auxiliary electrode. A total amount of lithium present in the rechargeable electrochemical cell is contained in the positive electrode, where the negative electrode exceeds the positive electrode lithiation capacity. The negative electrode: retains a predetermined minimal amount of lithium at any point during cycling of the rechargeable electrochemical cell; and is maintained such that the voltage between the negative electrode and the auxiliary electrode is less than 200 mV. The predetermined minimal amount of lithium corresponds to: 500 mAh/g based on the mass of the high capacity active material; and a voltage of the negative electrode versus lithium of less than 200 mV. The cell management circuit is configured to independently measure and maintain voltages at predetermined levels between the negative electrode and the auxiliary electrode and between the positive electrode and the auxiliary electrode. The auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode are positioned adjacent to two opposite edges of the negative electrode. The positive and negative electrodes are arranged into a jelly roll. The auxiliary electrode comprises lithium foil, and is positioned adjacent to an end of the jelly roll. The positive and negative electrodes are arranged into a stack, where the auxiliary electrode is positioned along an edge of the stack. INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for:    (1) a method of fabricating a rechargeable electrochemical cell; and    (2) a lithium ion battery apparatus.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a schematic view of a cell assembly with an auxiliary electrode.    Cell assembly (300)    Positive electrode (302)    Negative electrodes (304)    Separator sheets (306)    Auxiliary electrode. (308)