Traction battery enclosure and load directing method

A battery pack assembly, comprising:

• a battery array having a sense lead connector assembly and a plurality of battery assemblies, the sense lead connector assembly disposed within the battery array at a position that is vertically above the plurality of battery assemblies;
• a cover of an enclosure;
• a tray of the enclosure, the tray secured to the cover to provide an interior that houses the battery array, the enclosure disposed vertically beneath a floor of a vehicle;
• and
• at least one rib of the cover that contacts a component of the battery array other than the sense lead connector assembly to direct a load around the sense lead connector assembly.

A battery pack assembly of an electrified vehicle, comprising:

• first and second battery arrays each having a plurality of battery cells and a sense lead connector assembly, the first battery array spaced a distance from all portions the second battery array;
• an enclosure having a tray and a cover, the tray secured to the cover to provide an interior that houses the first and second battery array;
• and
• a rib of the cover, the rib disposed vertically above the first battery array, the rib spaced a distance from all portions of the first and second battery arrays, the rib configured to move to contact a component of the first battery array other than the sense lead connector assembly of the first battery array to direct a load around the sense lead connector assembly of the first battery array.