Abstract: A rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), in accordance with a non-limiting example, includes a first energy storage cell including a first outer surface, a second outer surface, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side. The second lateral side includes a first structural side plate including a first side member extending from the first outer surface toward the second outer surface. A second energy storage cell includes a first outer surface portion, a second outer surface portion, a first lateral side surface, and a second lateral side surface. The first lateral side surface includes a second structural side plate including a second side member extending from the second outer surface portion toward the first outer surface portion. The first side member stacks with the second side member to form an interface joining the first energy storage cell with the second energy storage cell.

Abstract: A battery cell pack has a plurality of battery cells that are assembled into a prismatic frame, with deformable separators interposed to accommodate elastic and plastic deformation caused by cyclic and acyclic expansion and contraction thereof during charging and discharging over the life of the battery cell pack. The battery cells are arranged in a horizontal stack within the prismatic frame, and the deformable separators are interposed between subsets of the battery cells. The deformable separators exert compressive force on the subsets of the battery cells along a longitudinal axis that is defined by the horizontal stack. The compressive force exerted by the deformable separators is at least a minimum force over a service life of the battery cell pack.

Abstract: A battery cell pack has a plurality of battery cells that are assembled into a prismatic frame, with deformable separators interposed to accommodate elastic and plastic deformation caused by cyclic and acyclic expansion and contraction thereof during charging and discharging over the life of the battery cell pack. The battery cells are arranged in a horizontal stack within the prismatic frame, and the deformable separators are interposed between subsets of the battery cells. The deformable separators exert compressive force on the subsets of the battery cells along a longitudinal axis that is defined by the horizontal stack. The compressive force exerted by the deformable separators is at least a minimum force over a service life of the battery cell pack.

Abstract: An impact deflection and absorption structure for a vehicle having a vehicle body that includes a passenger compartment and an under-hood compartment. The impact deflection and absorption structure includes a frame having a frame rail configured to support the vehicle body. The impact deflection and absorption structure also includes a bumper assembly secured to the frame rail. The bumper assembly includes an impact beam arranged substantially transverse to the frame rail and a lateral member secured to the impact beam. The lateral member projects away from the impact beam and is configured to counteract impact energy that is directed substantially parallel to the frame rail into the frame rail and away from the under-hood compartment and the passenger compartment. A vehicle employing the impact deflection and absorption structure is also disclosed.