FRAME ASSEMBLY AND INTEGRAL BATTERY STRUCTURE

A frame assembly for an automobile includes a pair of front frame rails disposed in spaced relationship with a pair of rear frame rails. An upper cover is connected to and extends between the pair of front frame rails and the pair of rear frame rails to define a roof portion. The upper cover includes a pair of longitudinal sidewalls and a pair of cross sidewalls each extending downwardly from the roof portion to define an upper pocket bounded by each of the roof portion, the pair of longitudinal sidewalls and the pair of cross sidewalls. A base plate includes a plate portion for supporting at least one battery module. The base plate is disposed in abutting and connected relationship with the upper cover to dispose the at least one battery module within the upper pocket.