Abstract: Exemplary thermal barrier systems are provided for traction battery packs. Exemplary battery thermal barrier systems may include one or more thermal barrier structures that are positioned between neighboring groupings of battery cells of a cell bank and/or elsewhere within a battery array of the traction battery pack. The thermal barrier structures may include a foam-insulation-foam multi-layer structure, an insulation-foam-insulation multi-layer structure, or an insulation-foam multi-layer structure. The thermal barrier structures are designed to manage cell-to-cell transfers of heat and electrical energy during battery thermal events.

Abstract: A traction battery includes a battery array having a stack of cells, wherein a first of the cells includes a terminal having a projecting portion extending from a body of the cell and a curved portion disposed on a distal end of the projecting portion. A busbar has a connecting portion defining a slot with a pair of first opposing sides and a pair of second opposing sides. The connecting portion further has a pair of flaps, each pivotally attached to one of the second opposing sides such that the flaps oppose each other. The terminal is mechanically joined to the connecting portion with the curved portion of the terminal in contact with at least one of the flaps.

Abstract: A positive electrode material includes a plurality of particles composed of a positive electrode active material and a passivating layer disposed over each particle of the plurality of particles. The passivating layer is thermally insulating and lithium-ion conducting wherein the passivating layer is composed of a carbonate-phosphate composite.

Abstract: A positive electrode for a lithium-ion battery includes a current collector a positive electrode active layer disposed over the current collector. The positive electrode active layer is composed of a positive electrode composition includes a first positive electrode active material that has been aged for a first predetermined time period.

Abstract: Electrochemical cell arrays such as battery packs having cells of different sizes and/or thicknesses is disclosed. For example, the cells in an array may progressively increase or decrease in size or thickness from a first end to a second end such that a gradient in thickness is created. Alternatively, the gradient may be from the center to the outside. In a variation, the first and second endplates may be of different sizes or thicknesses.

Abstract: A battery pack assembly includes a first battery array, a second battery array adjacent the first battery array, a thermal control assembly that includes a thermal blanket spanning across the first battery array and the second battery array, and a partitioning region of the thermal control assembly. The partitioning region extends to a position between the first battery array and the second battery array. The partitioning region includes a foam core.

Abstract: A battery pack assembly includes a first battery array, a second battery array adjacent the first battery array, and a thermal barrier assembly that blocks transfer of thermal energy between the first battery array and the second battery array. The thermal barrier assembly having a sheet of material that is folded to provide a plurality of layers.

Abstract: A battery pack assembly includes battery cells, a thermal barrier adjacent the battery cells, and at least one scored region of the thermal barrier. The scored region is configured to rupture to provide a vent flap that opens to establish a vent path for gas expelled from at least one of the battery cells.

Abstract: A traction battery assembly includes an array housing that houses battery cells, and a filter layer permitting a flow of gas vented from at least one of the battery cells to an area outside the array housing. The filter layer blocks a flow of particulates vented from the at least one battery cell to the area outside the array housing.

Abstract: A battery module locating tool includes a support pillar and a plurality of fixtures supported on the support pillar. Each fixture is individually translatable along the support pillar and arranged to locate a battery cell according to a longitudinal datum and a lateral datum. The support pillar is movable toward and away from a battery frame onto which the battery cell is located.

Abstract: A battery module locating tool includes a support pillar and a plurality of fixtures supported on the support pillar. Each fixture is individually translatable along the support pillar and arranged to locate a battery cell according to a longitudinal datum and a lateral datum. The support pillar is movable toward and away from a battery frame onto which the battery cell is located.

Abstract: A busbar assembly includes a busbar core configured to electrically couple a first component to a second component. The busbar core has a first connection portion that directly connects the busbar core to the first component, a second connection portion that directly connects the busbar core to the second component. A thermal barrier system covers the busbar core including the first connection portion, the second connection portion, or both.

Abstract: An electrochemical system having a thermal barrier layer is provided. The thermal barrier layer includes a polymer network having an inorganic portion and an organic portion such as silicone or a polysiloxane polymer network. The polymer network may further include filler component dispersed therein such as oxidized polyacrylonitrile milled fiber, Aerogel, hollow glass microspheres, and mica.

Abstract: An example electric vehicle battery current communication device includes a terminal landing and a transition from the terminal landing having an area that is both bent and tapered. The transition can bend toward an interior of a battery cell such that a portion of the transition is closer to the interior than each portion of the terminal landing. The terminal landing can attach to a bus bar. The terminal landing can also weld to a bus bar. The transition can extend from the terminal landing to a current collector extending into an interior of the battery cell.

Abstract: An exemplary retention assembly includes a plurality of battery cells, a heat exchange structure, and a strap that pulls together the heat exchange structure and the plurality of battery cells.

Abstract: A thermistor assembly includes an elastomeric body, a thermistor housed at least partially inside the elastomeric body, and a thermistor tip that protrudes outside of the elastomeric body. The thermistor assembly may be used within a battery assembly of an electrified vehicle.

Abstract: An exemplary electrified vehicle busbar assembly includes a housing, a clamping beam held by the housing, and a plurality of busbars held by the housing.

Abstract: An exemplary assembly of an electrified vehicle includes a compression limiter integrated into a plate of a battery pack array. An exemplary method includes forming a portion of a plate of a battery pack array about a longitudinal axis to provide a compression limiter.

Abstract: An exemplary method of securing battery cells of a battery pack includes limiting upward movement of a separator by blocking movement of a projection with a structure. The projection extends from a spacer section of the separator and has a hook shape with an upwardly extending portion outside the structure. The method further includes limiting upward movement of a battery cell using the separator. Another exemplary method of securing battery cells of a battery pack includes limiting movement of a separator in a direction by blocking movement of a projection in the direction. The projection extends from a spacer section of the separator. The projection has a hook shape with a portion extending in the direction. The spacer section and the portion are on opposite sides of a structure. The method further includes limiting movement of a battery cell in the direction using the separator.

Abstract: A battery assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a terminal holder, a terminal at least partially surrounded by the terminal holder, and a bus bar module connectable to the terminal holder. One of the terminal holder and the bus bar module includes at least one locating feature to position the bus bar module in a welding position relative to the terminal.