A battery module with a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction in a battery array, the battery module including a plurality of barriers in which a pair of adjoining ones of the barriers mount a battery cell therebetween, a frame having at least a pair of opposed frame members, the battery array and the barriers being between the opposed frame members and disposed internally thereof, the frame including a pair of end blocks at outermost sides of the battery array, side frames connecting the end blocks, and a degassing portion overlying vent portions of each of the plurality of battery cells and providing a passage for directing vented gas from the battery cells away from the battery module, the degassing portion rigidly supporting the battery cells and barriers of the battery array within the frame.