Connectors for thin-film functional separators in battery cells

A battery cell, comprising:

• an anode;
• a cathode;
• and
• a thin-film functional separator disposed between the anode and the cathode, the thin-film functional separator comprising:
• a porous composite membrane that includes a microporous substrate and a coating layer, and includes a lead extending from the porous composite membrane;
• an external conductive tab;
• and
• a mechanical connector that electrically couples the external conductive tab to the lead extending from the porous composite membrane.

A vehicle comprising:

• an electric motor;
• and
• a battery cell coupled to the electric motor, the battery cell comprising:
• an anode;
• a cathode;
• and
• a thin-film functional separator disposed between the anode and the cathode, the thin-film functional separator comprising:
• a porous composite membrane that includes a microporous substrate and a coating layer, and includes a lead extending from the porous composite membrane;
• an external conductive tab;
• and
• a mechanical connector that electrically couples the external conductive tab to the lead extending from the porous composite membrane.