A battery module having a battery cell assembly that is free from module banding is provided. The assembly includes an expandable battery cell having a first and second face. The assembly further includes a growth plate having a first and second face. The first face of the battery cell contacts the second face of the growth plate. The battery cell assembly further includes a first cell frame securing the growth plate on at least two sides and a second cell frame that contacts the second face of the battery cell. The first face of the growth plate includes a plurality of spacing features disposed along the first face of the growth plate that offset the first face of the growth plate from the first cell frame, which creates a cavity between the growth plate and the first cell frame. The cavity decreases when the battery cell expands.