STRUCTURAL MEMBER WITH INTEGRATED COOLING

A motor vehicle includes a vehicle body structure including a vehicle frame having parallel frame rails. The motor vehicle also includes a powerplant supported by the vehicle frame and configured to generate torque and a multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) having a plurality of battery cells configured to supply electrical energy to the powerplant. The motor vehicle additionally includes a structural member positioned perpendicular to and fixed to each of the parallel frame rails, thereby reinforcing the vehicle frame. The structural member is arranged proximate to the RESS. At least one coolant passage is arranged within the structural member and is configured to circulate coolant to adjust temperature of the plurality of battery cells.