Abstract: A support structure is provided for a battery cell array which may include a pair of triangular prism shaped endplates having opposing parallel inner faces configured to exert a compression force on battery cells disposed therebetween and parallel outer faces not parallel with the inner faces. The support structure may also include a pair of opposing retention supports spanning between the endplates. The endplates and supports may be arranged such that the outer faces and supports define a rectangular prism. The inner faces may be oriented at an acute angle relative to at least one of the supports, and the acute angle may have a slippage angle value. Each retention support may define retention featured to orient battery cells and cell spacers such that the battery cells and spacers are parallel with the inner faces.

Abstract: A support structure is provided for a battery cell array which may include a pair of triangular prism shaped endplates having opposing parallel inner faces configured to exert a compression force on battery cells disposed therebetween and parallel outer faces not parallel with the inner faces. The support structure may also include a pair of opposing retention supports spanning between the endplates. The endplates and supports may be arranged such that the outer faces and supports define a rectangular prism. The inner faces may be oriented at an acute angle relative to at least one of the supports, and the acute angle may have a slippage angle value. Each retention support may define retention featured to orient battery cells and cell spacers such that the battery cells and spacers are parallel with the inner faces.

Abstract: A traction battery assembly is provided which may include a battery cell array having a plurality of cells stacked in a fletched formation such that outer portions of the cells form a substantially uniform step configuration extending longitudinally along both sides of the array. The cells may be arranged to define a plurality of passageways between one another diagonally oriented relative to a longitudinal array center axis. The battery cell array may be contained within a housing defining an inlet in fluid communication with the plurality of passageways such that airflow from the inlet travels in a first longitudinal direction and across the cells in a second diagonal direction defined by the plurality of passageways. The assembly may include a thermal plate in thermal communication and arranged with the plurality of cells to dissipate heat therefrom.