Improvements in the performance of lithium electrochemical cells comprising a first cathode active material of a relatively high energy density but of a relatively low rate capability, for example CFx, contacted to one side of a current collector and with a second cathode active material having a relatively low energy density but of a relatively high rate capability, for example SVO, contacted to the opposite current collector side are described. An exemplary cathode has the configuration: SVO/first current collector/CFx/second current collector/SVO, and wherein the anodic coulombic capacity does not exceed the total coulombic capacities of the SVO and CFx by greater than 25%. Manganese oxide (MnO2) is another typically used cathode active material in lieu of SVO, and the present invention is applicable to lithium cells of that system as well.