Lithium (Li) metal battery technology, renowned for its high energy density, faces practical challenges, particularly concerning large volume change and cell swelling. Despite the profound impact of external pressure on cell performance, there is a notable gap in research regarding the interplay between external pressure and the electroplating behaviours of Li⁺ in large-format pouch cells. Here we delve into the impact of externally applied pressure on electroplating and stripping of Li in 350 Wh kg⁻¹ pouch cells. Employing a hybrid design, we monitor and quantify self-generated pressures, correlating them with observed charge–discharge processes. A two-stage cycling process is proposed, revealing controlled pouch cell swelling of less than 10%, comparable to state-of-the-art Li-ion batteries. The pressure distribution across the cell surface unveils a complex Li⁺ detour behaviour during electroplating, highlighting the need for innovative strategies to address uneven Li plating and enhance Li metal battery technology.

锂（Li）金属电池技术以其高能量密度而闻名，但面临着实际挑战，特别是在体积变化大和电池膨胀方面。尽管外部压力对电池性能产生深远影响，但关于外部压力与大型软包电池中Li ⁺电镀行为之间相互作用的研究仍存在显着差距。在这里，我们深入研究了外部施加的压力对 350 Wh kg ^-1软包电池中锂的电镀和剥离的影响。采用混合设计，我们监测和量化自生压力，将其与观察到的充放电过程相关联。提出了两阶段循环过程，显示受控的软包电池膨胀低于 10%，与最先进的锂离子电池相当。电池表面的压力分布揭示了电镀过程中复杂的Li ⁺绕行行为，凸显了需要创新策略来解决不均匀的Li电镀问题并增强锂金属电池技术。