A normally sealed multi-cell, lead-acid battery of the starved electrolyte type has each cell filled with a metered quantity of electrolyte by drawing down a vacuum on one or more of the cells; releasing the vacuum; and simultaneously drawing, through a filling port in the lid of each cell under vacuum, the metered quantity of electrolyte. Each cell houses a cell pack comprising at least one porous positive plate; at least one porous negative plate; and a porous, relatively fragile microfiber glass mat separator interleaved between the plates. A deflector platform, integral with the lid and having a deflecting surface, is positioned between the filling port and the cell pack of each cell of the battery. During filling, the electrolyte impinges upon the deflecting surface and is deflected laterally so that the electrolyte does not directly impinge upon and damage the cell pack.