A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells and a flexible bus. Each of the battery cells has a main body, a first terminal disposed on the main body, and a second terminal disposed on the main body. The main body includes active material configured to generate power from an electrochemical reaction. The bus includes an electrical current harness configured to conduct an electrical current through the battery module and a battery management system configured to detect and transmit status information, as well as selectively control a charging and a discharging of at least one of the battery cells.