A battery module includes a housing having an interior defined by multiple sides, one side of which is a lid. The battery module also includes lithium ion electrochemical cells disposed in the housing, each cell having a vent through which gases may be vented. Moreover, the battery module includes a first chamber defined by interior aspects of the housing. Furthermore, the first chamber receives vented gases directed in a first direction from the electrochemical cells. In addition, the battery module includes a surface of the first chamber. The surface is configured to direct the vented gases in a second direction. The battery module also includes a second chamber defined partially by the lid. The second chamber receives the vented gases from the first chamber and directs the vented gases from the housing.