Abstract: A pouch-type battery cell includes a cell electrode having a cell side and a thermally conductive pouch contacting the cell side. The thermally conductive pouch includes a metal layer having a plurality of topographic features, and the features are configured to increase the effective surface area of the pouch. A cover arrangement is included to direct coolant over the pouch.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed that includes a battery and a controller programmed to calculate a battery voltage characteristic from previously measured charge and discharge data. The battery voltage characteristic is based on differences between the previously measured values when state of charge falls in a range in which the differences are approximately equal. Outside of the range, the charge and discharge voltage data are corrected based on a square root of time to obtain the battery voltage characteristic. The characterization may be performed with a high-rate continuous charge and discharge cycle. Also disclosed is an apparatus for generating the battery characteristic that includes a bi-directional power supply. The battery voltage characteristic is obtained based on the differences of the charge and discharge voltage data and corrected data based on the square root of time. A method is also disclosed based on the same.

Abstract: A vehicle may include an electric machine, a battery adapted to provide power to the electric machine, and various embodiments of a gauge adapted to indicate venting of the battery. In one embodiment, the gauge is adapted to permanently deform or burst in response to venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. In another embodiment, the gauge includes an element adapted to change position in response to venting of the battery to indicate venting of the battery. In other embodiments, the gauge includes either a universal paper indicator or a chemically coated cartridge indicator in communication with the battery and adapted to change in color to indicate venting of the battery.