Energy storage device with improved security, automobile with a respective energy storage device and method for operating an energy storage device

The energy storage device (1) has a housing and energy storage elements (BB1-BBn) connected in series and accommodated in the housing. The switching devices (S1-Sn) are arranged between the energy storage elements. A control unit (4) is connected with the switching device so that the energy storage elements are electrically connected in one state of switch device and electrically separated in another state of switch device. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a motor vehicle; and (2) a method of operating the energy storage device.