An exploded view of active battery module 20 is shown in FIG. 3. The battery cells 22 are combined into cell packs. Each active battery module includes one or more chargers and one or more cell support systems. In the case of two sets, the placement of the battery cell packs and its associated chargers are staggered so that in the top half of module 20, the charger and cell pack are arranged front to back and in the bottom half of module 20 the cell pack and charger are arranged front to back. The battery (cell) packs are disposed in opposite corners to maximize spacing between them. Accordingly, when the cell packs are discharged the heat generated by them is distributed at the diagonal corners of module 20. By corollary, when the chargers are operating, the heat generated by them is distributed at the other diagonal corners of module 20.