Abstract: A system for modifying the range capability of an electric vehicle includes a vehicle body having a front axle and a rear module secured to the vehicle body. The rear module includes a rear axle and the rear module is detachable from the vehicle body and replaceable with another rear module. The rear modules may include different range extension capabilities. The rear modules may include a battery or a combustion engine that may supplement the standard battery and electric motor of the vehicle. A pair of laterally translatable pins of the rear module may be moveable into and out of engagement with the vehicle body. The rear module may also include vertically extending posts that engage with the vehicle body. The vehicle body may be raised to disengage the posts from the vehicle body.

Abstract: A vehicle door system includes doors with a door module attached to a hinge module, which is attached to the vehicle body. The door module includes a latch mechanism configured to engage a striker pin of the vehicle body, with a pawl that pivots to accommodate a misalignment with the striker pin during a door closing operation, with the latch mechanism shifting following engagement with the striker pin. A door check mechanism includes a permanent magnet and a steel plate. Activation of the permanent magnet shifts the steel plate from a closed position to an open position permitting the hinge module to move from a locked position. An interface between doors includes a primary and secondary seal each having a constant cross section, with filler pieces disposed between the door and the secondary seal along a portion of the interface.

Abstract: A system for modifying the range capability of an electric vehicle includes a vehicle body having a front axle and a rear module secured to the vehicle body. The rear module includes a rear axle and the rear module is detachable from the vehicle body and replaceable with another rear module. The rear modules may include different range extension capabilities. The rear modules may include a battery or a combustion engine that may supplement the standard battery and electric motor of the vehicle. A pair of laterally translatable pins of the rear module may be moveable into and out of engagement with the vehicle body. The rear module may also include vertically extending posts that engage with the vehicle body. The vehicle body may be raised to disengage the posts from the vehicle body.

Abstract: A system for opening and closing a closure of a vehicle, such as a door or a tailgate, is provided. The system includes a motor such as an electric motor which may be coupled to the closure via an output linkage, with the output linkage mechanically coupled to the closure and operable to move the closure between a closed position and an open position. The output linkage may include a driven pulley which may be coupled to the motor. The output linkage may include a driven pulley and a cable. The output linkage may include a leadscrew threadedly engaging a nut. A high-bandwidth MR clutch having a high dynamic response may selectively couple the motor with the closure to provide a haptic or tactile feedback to a user interacting with the closure as it is opened or closed.