Abstract: A traction battery pack venting system includes an enclosure assembly that provides an interior area; at least one rail assembly; and a shear plate beneath the enclosure. The at least one rail assembly is configured to communicate vent byproducts received from within the enclosure assembly to an area between the shear plate and the enclosure assembly.

Abstract: A thermal management system for a traction battery pack includes a cell stack having a plurality of battery cells, and a thermal exchange device adjacent the at least one cell stack. The thermal exchange device has at least one coolant passageway that communicates a coolant, and a plurality of thermal breaks configured to inhibit thermal energy transfer from a first area of the thermal exchange device to a different, second area of the thermal exchange device.

Abstract: An assembly includes a first piece and a second piece of an enclosure having an interior area. The first piece includes a first flange that projects outward from the interior area. The second piece includes a second flange that projects outward from the interior area. The assembly further includes a gasket seal and an intumescent. The gasket seal is sandwiched between the first and second flanges. The intumescent is sandwiched between the first and second flange at a position that is between the gasket seal and the interior area.

Abstract: A traction battery assembly includes a thermal exchange plate, a battery array disposed on the thermal exchange plate, an enclosure structure supporting the battery array and the thermal exchange plate, and a thermal barrier sandwiched between the thermal exchange plate and the enclosure structure. A method of shielding areas of a traction battery pack from thermal energy includes positioning a thermal barrier between a thermal exchange plate and an enclosure structure. The thermal barrier is configured to block transfer of thermal energy from the thermal exchange plate to the enclosure structure.

Abstract: An assembly includes a first piece of an enclosure having an interior area. The first piece has a first flange that projects outward from the interior area. The assembly also includes a second piece of the enclosure, the second piece including a second flange that projects outward from the interior area. The assembly further includes a gasket seal that is sandwiched between the first and second flanges. The first and second flanges are secured together at a flange-to-flange interface that is between the gasket seal and the interior area.

Abstract: Traction battery pack designs are disclosed for use in electrified vehicles. Exemplary traction battery packs may include an outer enclosure assembly establishing an interior, and a battery array housed within the interior. A pressure equalization device may be disposed within a wall of the outer enclosure assembly and may be configured to both equalize the pressure inside the battery pack during normal battery operations and to prevent the unintended release of battery vent byproducts during battery thermal events.