An energy management system and method for a vehicle monitors the state and/or condition of at least one energy storage device. A connection element is included that is adapted to connect to a first terminal of the energy storage device. A terminal body is included having a terminal connection point configured to connect to a second terminal of the energy storage device. At least one electrical shunt is also coupled to the terminal body and the connection element wherein the electrical shunt provides a path for the flow of current from the terminal connection point to the connection element. This system further includes an electrical circuit coupled to the shunt that is configured to determine predetermined parameters of the energy storage device based on the flow of current through the electrical shunt.