Extended temperature operating range electrochemical cells

An electrochemical cell having a cell can that includes an interior surface, a current collector, a solid cathode contained in the can and in conductive contact therewith, an organic or solid polymer electrolyte comprising lithium salt solutes and aprotic organic solvents has improved storage properties when a coating comprising carbon powder is diposed on the current collector surface and on the adjacent interior surface of the cell can. Further, the cell has advantageous enhanced discharge properties over an expanded temperature range when the cathode additionally comprises a fluoropolymer resin binder.