NOVELTY - The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell comprises an electrode assembly, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The electrode assembly has a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator for separating the positive and negative electrode plates. The positive electrode plate has a positive electrode core, and a positive electrode active material layer formed on the positive electrode core. The negative electrode plate has a negative electrode core, and a negative electrode active material layer formed on the negative electrode core.    USE - The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell is useful as a drive power source for electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles and cell-powered vehicles.    ADVANTAGE - The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell has discharge capacity of greater than or equal to 4 Ah, high output and energy density and enhanced productivity, durability, output characteristics, safety and charge/discharge characteristics such as cycle characteristics and low-temperature characteristics.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell comprises an electrode assembly, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The electrode assembly has a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator for separating the positive and negative electrode plates. The positive electrode plate has a positive electrode core, and a positive electrode active material layer formed on the positive electrode core. The negative electrode plate has a negative electrode core, and a negative electrode active material layer formed on the negative electrode core. A protective layer containing insulative inorganic particles is provided on the positive electrode active material layer and/or the negative electrode active material layer in a continuous layer. The total thickness of the protective layers is 10-40% of the thickness of the separator. The porosity of the protective layer is larger than the porosity of any of the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer. The non-aqueous electrolyte contains a non-aqueous solvent, and lithium compounds dissolved in the non-aqueous solvent. The concentration of the lithium compounds in the non-aqueous electrolyte is 0.5-2 M. The negative electrode has a negative electrode core exposed portion in which the negative electrode active material layer is not formed and the negative electrode core is exposed. The positive electrode has a positive electrode core exposed portion in which the positive electrode active material layer is not formed and the positive electrode core is exposed. The protective layer is formed on: the negative electrode active material layer and on the negative electrode core exposed portion that is continuous to the negative electrode active material layer; or the positive electrode active material layer and on the positive electrode core exposed portion that is continuous to the positive electrode active material layer. The porosity of the protective layer is 60-90%. The thickness of the protective layer is 1-10 mu m. The average particle diameter of the insulative inorganic particles is 0.1-10 mu m. The positive electrode active material layer includes a positive electrode active material, and a positive electrode binder. The negative electrode active material layer includes a negative electrode active material, and a negative electrode binder. The protective layer is in contact with: the positive electrode binder at an interface between the protective layer and the positive electrode active material layer; and negative electrode binder at an interface between the protective layer and the negative electrode active material layer.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The diagram shows a schematic perspective view of a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell.    Prismatic outer can (1)    Sealing body (2)    Positive and negative electrode external terminals. (5, 6)