A battery for an electric vehicle includes first and second pairs of modules in electrical communication with each other. The first pair of modules includes a first module and a second module. The second module is in electrical and thermal communication with the first module via a first plurality of outer bus bars. The second pair of modules includes a third module and a fourth module. The fourth module is in electrical and thermal communication with the third module via a second plurality of outer bus bars. The first and second pairs of modules are coupled to each other via a first inner connecting bus bar and a second inner connecting bus bar proximate to a center region of each of the second and third modules.