NOVELTY - The module (220) has a discharge circuit (300) including a control signal input, a switch (320) and a resistor (310), and discharging multiple battery cells (140). The discharge circuit closes the switch in reaction to a control signal at the control signal input in order to electrically connect multiple terminals. The switch is formed as an electromechanical switch or a semiconductor switch. The battery cells are grouped in battery cell strings. A withdrawable service disconnect plug is located between two adjacent battery cell strings.    USE - Battery module i.e. lithium-ion battery module, for use in a battery management system of a batter system that is utilized for supplying electrical energy to a drive of a torque generating machine of a motor car (all claimed).    ADVANTAGE - The discharge circuit closes the switch in reaction to the control signal at the control signal input in order to electrically connect the terminals such that the battery module can be reliably discharged by the corresponding control signal. The design of battery module prevents the cells from catching fire in an event of internal short circuits to be occurred even a relatively long time after a mechanical force action. The switch is formed as the electromechanical switch or semiconductor switch such that a simple switching can be allowed. The battery cells are grouped in the battery cell strings such that discharging duration can be reduced. The withdrawable service disconnect plug is located between two adjacent battery cell strings such that an electrical connection is interrupted when the disconnect plug is withdrawn, thus increasing safety from discharge.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are also included for the following:    (1) a battery management system    (2) a batter system    (3) a motor car.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a circuit diagram of a battery module.    Battery cells (140)    Battery module (220)    Discharge circuit (300)    Resistor (310)    Switch (320)