A rechargeable battery and its fabrication method prevents electrical shorts between the electrode plates by decreasing shrinkage of the separator, the battery includes: an electrode assembly including: a wound electrode jelly roll having a first electrode plate with a first electrode tab attached thereto, a second electrode plate with a second electrode tab attached thereto and a separator interposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, and an upper tape arranged to surround an upper end of the electrode jelly roll where the first electrode tab and second electrode tab extend outward therefrom; a case having an upper end opening arranged to receive the electrode assembly and an electrolyte; and a cap assembly arranged to seal the upper end opening of the case after the electrode assembly has been received in the case; the upper tape is attached to the upper end of the electrode jelly roll and surrounds the separator adjacent to an end of an innermost electrode plate of the first and second electrode plates.