Abstract: A traction battery assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes a traction battery, an electric machine, an electrical harness assembly, a protrusion adjacent the electrical harness assembly. The protrusion is configured to move from a first position to a second position in response to a loading event. When the protrusion is in the first position, the electric machine is electrically coupled to the traction battery through the electrical harness assembly. When the protrusion is in the second position, the electric machine is electrically decoupled from the traction battery.

Abstract: An exemplary reinforcement assembly includes, among other things, a heel kick that extends horizontally between rockers of an electrified vehicle, and a reinforcement bracket that horizontally overlaps with the heel kick and is secured to an outboard portion of the heel kick. An exemplary reinforcement method includes, among other things, resisting a load applied to a side of an electrified vehicle using a reinforcement bracket secured to an outboard portion of a heel kick. The heel kick extends horizontally between rockers of the electrified vehicle. The heel kick and the reinforcement bracket are horizontally overlapped with each other.

Abstract: An electrified vehicle includes a body structure defining a support surface and a crush space adjacent the support surface. The electrified vehicle further includes a traction battery for providing power to a powertrain. The electrified vehicle further includes a battery support structure having at least one hinge mechanism secured to the traction battery and to the support surface to permit rotational movement of the traction battery relative to the support surface. The battery support structure further includes a guide rail secured to the support surface. The battery support structure further includes a slide rail disposed in engagement with the guide rail and slidable relative to the guide rail. The battery support structure further includes at least one linkage rotatably secured at a first end to the slide rail and rotatably secured at a second end to the traction battery.