Systems and methods for operating a lithium-ion battery high-voltage distribution system architecture are disclosed. A battery pack includes: a plurality of lithium-ion battery cells; a disconnect mechanism operable in an operational position between a battery bus and the plurality of lithium-ion battery cells and a bypass position between the battery bus and a bus-power pass through; and a battery management system. The battery management system is configured to monitor battery pack performance; and responsive to detecting a triggering event in the battery pack performance, cause the disconnect mechanism to be in the bypass position.