The present disclosure includes a group of electrically interconnected battery cells disposed within a housing. The disclosure also includes a major terminal of a battery module configured to be coupled to a load for powering the load. One or more portions of the major terminal are disposed within a recess in a surface of the housing. The present disclosure also includes a bus bar that provides an electrical pathway between the group of electrically interconnected battery cells and the major terminal. The bus bar is disposed within the housing.