Fuel gauge for an alkali metal electrochemical cell

A "fuel gauge" for a pulse dischargeable alkali metal/solid cathode cell is described. The rate of voltage recovery is used to determine the state of charge of the cell. Voltage recovery includes recovery from one load to a second, lighter load, or a loaded condition to OCV. The present invention is particularly useful as an end-of-life indicator for a Li/CFx cell powering an implantable medical device.