A rechargeable energy storage includes a battery pack having a plurality of battery modules between a negative terminal and a positive terminal. A backup network is electrically connected between the negative terminal and the positive terminal. The backup network includes a first diode and a second diode. A bypass junction located between a first portion of the battery pack and a second portion of the battery pack. The bypass junction electrically connects the battery pack and the backup network. The backup network is configured such that current flow is directed along a first pathway when open circuit state occurs in the first portion of the battery pack, and the current flow is directed along a second pathway when the open circuit state occurs in the second portion of the battery pack. The backup network enables powering of a designated load and/or a designated function during the open circuit state.