Apparatus for increasing the efficiency and safety of a starter battery for a starter motor of an internal combustion engine in a battery pack arrangement with one or more lithium based cells. The invention includes a solid state switching configuration for high powered battery systems for protecting against over-charging, over-discharging and short circuiting of batteries, especially starter batteries for internal combustion engines. The invention is also useful as a portable jump starter for internal combustion engines, as well as a charger for batteries and battery-operated electronic devices.