A method for filling a battery cell with electrolyte, comprising: a) connecting the battery cell and a lower portion of a fill head chamber connected through respective first, second, third and fourth valves to a source of high pressure, the free atmosphere, a source of high vacuum and optionally a source of low vacuum, wherein only one of said valves can be open at any time, while said second valve is open; b) opening said third valve for a predetermined first period to discharge air from the interior of said battery cell through said chamber; c) separating the major upper portion of said chamber from the lower portion thereof by a sliding shut-off plunger and opening said second valve; d) dispensing a prescribed amount of electrolyte into said upper portion of said chamber above said plunger, while keeping said second valve open; e) raising said plunger to let a major portion of said dispensed liquid be sucked into said battery cell under the effect of the vacuum established therein in step b) and allowing any gas bubble in said battery cell to get removed through the electrolyte; f) opening said first valve for a second predetermined period to push said electrolyte into said battery cell; g) opening said second valve for a third predetermined period; h) repeating steps f) and g) at least once for the more complete removal of gases from the battery cell and filling the prescribed volume of electrolyte; and, i) disconnecting said battery cell from said fill head.