The disclosure is directed to a battery assembly that includes a protective cover. The protective cover is positioned over a side plate that includes connections, such as a bus bar and a fixing member, that allow for battery operation. One or more flexible openings within the protective cover open to accept the fixing member, such as a screw or bolt, and close once the fixing member has passed. In this manner, the flexible opening allows for easy assembly and maintenance of the battery assembly while providing a mechanism of protecting the battery components from environmental elements. In addition, the flexible opening may be made by one or more cuts in the protective cover, wherein material elasticity enables the flexible opening to open and close.