Battery assembly internal connection device

A battery assembly internal connection device (10) for making an electrical connection within a battery assembly (12) that includes a plurality of cells (14). The device (10) is operable from a pre-stage position (18) where no electrical connection is made to a final position (20) where an electrical connection is made. The device (10) includes a terminal (30A) configured to make electrical contact with a first electrode (16A) of a cell (14A) when the device (10) is operated to the final position (20). The terminal (30A) may optionally include a sharp portion (40A) configured to cut through dielectric material (36) covering the first electrode (16A) as the device (10) is operated from the pre-stage position (18) to the final position (20).