Embodiments of the invention provide an electrochemical cell including an electrode assembly having one or more of the electrodes being coupled to a feedthrough assembly. The one or more electrodes each include a connection tab. The connection tab extends a distance from separation material between the one or more electrodes (e.g., anode and cathode). The connection tab is provided to contact (e.g., electrically connected) a feedthrough pin of the feedthrough assembly by laser welding. The feedthrough pin with respect to the connection tab is oriented in at least one position lying within a 90 degree orientation on the connection tab. The feedthrough pin is coupled to the connection tab by laser welding.