NOVELTY - The assembly (20) has a rear fuel tank/suspension module (24) with rear and front cross members (34, 36) extending laterally across rear and front edges of a rear sandwich panel (32). The suspension module slides into a rear body cavity. A battery support assembly (22) includes a propulsion battery pack mounted on a front sandwich panel (28) with an upper face sheet adjacent to the battery, a lower face sheet spaced from the upper sheet and a core connecting the face sheets. A structural joining plate (44) secures rear edge of the front panel to the front edge of the rear panel.    USE - Integrated energy storage and rear suspension assembly for use with a vehicle (claimed) i.e. hybrid electric vehicle.    ADVANTAGE - The assembly has less mass for structural support capabilities, and provides efficient packaging of energy storage assemblies into the vehicle body and improves aerodynamic performance by providing a smooth flush surface in underside of the vehicle body. The assembly is easy to attach to the vehicle, and allows easy removal for servicing by using the cored sandwich material for the front and rear sandwich panels for mounting and supporting the propulsion battery pack and a fuel tank assembly while providing increased body stiffness. The sandwich panels can provide additional protection during side and rear vehicle impact. The rear suspension is supported by the assembly so as to improve overall packaging efficiency of the assembly in the vehicle body.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The core is made of urethane foam, Kevlar (RTM: para-aramid synthetic fiber) and aluminum having a honeycomb shape, and balsa wood. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for a vehicle comprising a pair of longitudinally extending frame rails.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a rear perspective view of a vehicle with an integrated energy storage and rear suspension assembly.    Integrated energy storage and rear suspension assembly (20)    Battery support assembly (22)    Rear fuel tank/suspension module (24)    Front sandwich panel (28)    Rear sandwich panel (32)    Rear cross member (34)    Front cross member (36)    Structural joining plate (44)