Single conductor layer cell-to-cell interconnect for electric vehicle power supply or other power supply

An interconnect assembly configured to receive and retain a plurality of batteries, the interconnect assembly comprising:

• a plurality of electrically coupled sub-assemblies, each comprising
• a retainer configured to receive portions of the plurality of batteries,
• a conductive interconnect layer carried by the retainer and comprising a conductive layer carried between first and second insulative layers, the conductive layer having a plurality of interconnects configured to couple to the plurality of the batteries, and
• a terminal bar configured to transport electrical currents to and from the conductive interconnect layer;
• and
• a hot plate electrical conductor electrically coupled to the plurality of sub-assemblies, the hot plate electrical conductor having an opening therein configured to cause a path of least electrical resistance through the plurality of sub-assemblies to pass through a middle portion of the hot plate electrical conductor.