NOVELTY - The device has housings (16, 18) for accommodating an electrochemical energy storage cell (10) and a current arrester (12). A contact element (20) includes a first contact portion (20a), which is partially arranged within the housings and in electrical conductive connection with a contact section (12a) of the arrester, and a second contact portion (20c), which is partially arranged outside the housings. The first contact portion exhibits small material thickness when compared to the second contact portion in a connection direction with the contact section.    USE - Energy storage device i.e. electrochemical energy storage device such as battery assembly e.g. lithium ion battery, for supplying energy to an electric- or hybrid drive integrated motor car (all claimed) for driving the motor car.    ADVANTAGE - The first contact portion exhibits small material thickness when compared to the second contact portion in the connection direction with the contact section, thus establishing connection between the current arrester and the contact element in a simple and functionally-reliable manner while improving performance of the storage device during charging and discharging energy storage cells and lifespan of the storage device. The design of the storage device prevents emission of chemicals from an electrode stack in an environment and protects components of the electrode stack against external influences. The utilization of the contact element ensures sufficient current flow for charging and discharging the storage cells of the storage device. The arrangement of the contact portions of the contact element enables simple design and manufacturing of the contact element.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for a method for manufacturing an energy storage device.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a schematic partial sectional view of an upper section of an electrochemical energy storage device.    Electrochemical energy storage cell (10)    Current arrester (12)    Contact section (12a)    Housings (16, 18)    Contact element (20)    Contact portions (20a, 20c)