Provided are cooling subsystems for energy-storage systems comprising: a coolant section having a coolant circulated therein; a plurality of battery cells having a coated portion, the coated portion being disposed in the coolant section, the coolant section configured so that the plurality of battery cells are substantially fully covered by the coolant; and a retainer disposed in the coolant section, the retainer holding the plurality of battery cells, the retainer having a plurality of flow channels, the coolant flowing through the flow channels.