Batteries according to embodiments of the present technology may include a pouch, a battery cell housed in the pouch, and an electrolyte. The battery cell may include an anode having an anode current collector, and an anode active material disposed on the anode current collector. The anode may define one or more first apertures through the anode. The battery cell may also include a cathode having a cathode current collector, and a cathode active material disposed on the cathode current collector. The cathode may define one or more second apertures through the cathode.