Load transferring battery cell arrangement for traction battery pack

A traction battery assembly, comprising:

• a plurality of battery cells configured to be positioned between a first frame rail of an electrified vehicle and an opposite, second frame rail of the electrified vehicle, the plurality of battery cells arranged to transfer a load from the first frame rail to the second frame rail, and a frame assembly having a plurality of apertures, the frame assembly spanning from the first rail to the second rail, each of the apertures within the plurality of apertures holds a respective one of the battery cells within the plurality of battery cells, the frame assembly includes an upper plate and a lower plate that is spaced from the upper plate, the plurality of apertures are provided by pockets in the upper plate and pockets in the lower plate, wherein an outer case of each battery cell within the plurality of battery cells is welded to at least one outer case of another battery cell within the plurality of battery cells.

A method of securing a plurality of battery cells, comprising:

• positioning a plurality of battery cells between a first frame rail of an electrified vehicle and an opposite, second frame rail of the electrified vehicle, the plurality of battery cells positioned to transfer a load from the first frame rail to the second frame rail, wherein the plurality of battery cells are directly secured to one another.