Apparatus and method for stacking electrode assembly

An apparatus for stacking electrode assemblies includes: a magazine, a loading plate, a lifting member, a receiver, and an auxiliary lifting mechanism. The magazine has a magazine frame defines a storage space within which electrode assemblies can be stacked and stored. The loading plate is configured to support the electrode assemblies and has a through hole. The lifting member is positioned in the magazine frame and is coupled to the loading plate so as to vertically displace the loading plate within the magazine frame. The receiver is positioned above the magazine frame and is movable between a loading position (to temporarily support the electrode assemblies) and a retracted position (to transfer the electrode assemblies to the loading plate). The auxiliary lifting mechanism is coupled to the loading plate and includes an auxiliary lift configured to advance through the through hole of the loading plate.