Abstract: A structural assembly for an electric vehicle that includes a vehicle frame, a pair of suspension mounts and a deflector beam. The vehicle frame has a pair of longitudinal rails. The pair of suspension mounts are configured to support a vehicle suspension system. Each suspension mount is secured to a respective longitudinal rail of the pair of longitudinal rails. The deflector beam includes a body portion and opposing end portions. The body portion extends in a transverse direction relative to a longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle and is configured to support an electrical module between the pair of longitudinal rails. The deflector beam is secured to the pair of suspension mounts or the vehicle frame. Each end portion extends from the body portion to a respective location that is outboard of a respective suspension mount of the pair of suspension mounts.

Abstract: A structural assembly for use in a motor vehicle includes a rocker and a running board. The motor vehicle includes a vehicle frame and a door. The rocker extends in a longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle. The running board is movably coupled to the vehicle frame between a deployed position and a stowed position in which an upper portion of the running board extends vertically above the rocker. The running board is configured to be positioned underneath the door and substantially flush with a lower portion of the door when the door is in a closed position and the running board is in the stowed position.

Abstract: This disclosure details systems and methods for supporting and protecting vehicle underbody-mounted battery packs. An exemplary electrified vehicle may include a frame, a battery support structure mounted to the frame, and a battery pack. The battery pack is supported relative to the frame by the battery support structure but is not itself directly coupled to the frame. The battery support structure may be configured to provide an under-frame mounting configuration, cross member positioning, skid plate positioning for battery pack protection, weight optimized sub-components, unique shapes for ground clearances, etc.

Abstract: Barriers for rear frame mounted spare tires are disclosed. An example vehicle disclosed herein includes a frame including a cross member, a spare tire, a skid plate, and a barrier extending between the skid plate and the cross member, the barrier abutting the spare tire, the barrier including a first surface having a first curvature, the first curvature concave relative to a rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: Barriers for rear frame mounted spare tires are disclosed. An example vehicle disclosed herein includes a frame including a cross member, a spare tire, a skid plate, and a barrier extending between the skid plate and the cross member, the barrier abutting the spare tire, the barrier including a first surface having a first curvature, the first curvature concave relative to a rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: This disclosure details systems and methods for supporting and protecting vehicle underbody-mounted battery packs. An exemplary electrified vehicle may include a frame, a battery support structure mounted to the frame, and a battery pack. The battery pack is supported relative to the frame by the battery support structure but is not itself directly coupled to the frame. The battery support structure may be configured to provide an under-frame mounting configuration, cross member positioning, skid plate positioning for battery pack protection, weight optimized sub-components, unique shapes for ground clearances, etc.