Abstract: Embodiments of encapsulated battery packs, control circuitry, and their methods of manufacture are described. In one such embodiment, a battery pack includes a plurality of electrochemical pouch cells and an elastomeric encapsulant that forms at least one external surface of the battery pack. In another embodiment, a battery pack includes a plurality of electrochemical pouch cells with a portion of an encapsulant disposed between the electrochemical pouch cells and the outer housing. In yet another embodiment, a method of controlling an operation of a system includes using a current threshold of one or more electrochemical cells determined at least in part on at least one of a temperature and a state of charge of the one or more electrochemical cells.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for adjusting the squat ratio of electric motorcycles and other electric vehicles, wherein the squat ratio adjustment is isolated from other chassis parameters.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for adjusting the squat ratio of electric motorcycles and other electric vehicles, wherein the squat ratio adjustment is isolated from other chassis parameters.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for preventing over-shifting in electric vehicles having a multi-gear transmission and an electric motor operable in a drive mode and a regenerative braking mode. The method includes: (a) predicting the speed of the electric motor resulting from downshifting from a current gear being used to a next lower gear based on a current speed of the electric vehicle, a current speed of the electric motor, and a gear ratio of the next lower gear; (b) determining if the speed of the electric motor predicted in (a) will cause an overvoltage condition from regenerative braking or an overspin condition in the electric motor; (c) preventing downshifting to the next lower gear when it is determined that the downshifting will cause an overvoltage condition or an overspin condition in the electric motor; and (d) repeating steps (a), (b), and (c) a plurality of times.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for securing an electric vehicle from unwanted movement when the electric vehicle is parked. The electric vehicle includes a drive wheel and an electric motor for driving the drive wheel. The method includes the steps of: (a) placing the electric vehicle in an electronic park brake mode; (b) automatically detecting that the electric vehicle is rolling from an initial position; and (c) automatically causing the electric motor to apply a reverse torque to the drive wheel to return the electric vehicle to the initial position or automatically causing the electric motor to lock the drive wheel to inhibit further movement of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for securing an electric vehicle from unwanted movement when the electric vehicle is parked. The electric vehicle includes a drive wheel and an electric motor for driving the drive wheel. The method includes the steps of: (a) placing the electric vehicle in an electronic park brake mode; (b) automatically detecting that the electric vehicle is rolling from an initial position; and (c) automatically causing the electric motor to apply a reverse torque to the drive wheel to return the electric vehicle to the initial position or automatically causing the electric motor to lock the drive wheel to inhibit further movement of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for preventing over-shifting in electric vehicles having a multi-gear transmission and an electric motor operable in a drive mode and a regenerative braking mode. The method includes: (a) predicting the speed of the electric motor resulting from downshifting from a current gear being used to a next lower gear based on a current speed of the electric vehicle, a current speed of the electric motor, and a gear ratio of the next lower gear; (b) determining if the speed of the electric motor predicted in (a) will cause an overvoltage condition from regenerative braking or an overspin condition in the electric motor; (c) preventing downshifting to the next lower gear when it is determined that the downshifting will cause an overvoltage condition or an overspin condition in the electric motor; and (d) repeating steps (a), (b), and (c) a plurality of times.

Abstract: A fluid-cooled electric motor includes a generally tubular-shaped motor housing having a plurality of channels through which a coolant can flow. The channels are spaced apart from each other in an annular arrangement around the housing and extend through the housing in an axial direction. Each of the channels is surrounded by a portion of the housing defining walls of the channel forming a cooling surface area.

Abstract: A battery module in accordance with one or more embodiments includes a plurality of electrically connected battery cells and one or more heating devices in contact with each battery cell. Each of the heating devices includes one or more resistive heating elements configured for use in measuring and regulating temperature of the battery cells and for passively balancing electrical charge among battery cells.

Abstract: A control apparatus is provided for use in an electric vehicle having a throttle input device. The throttle input device is operable by a rider for generating a throttle signal for controlling the speed of the electric vehicle. The control apparatus, which adjusts the throttle signal, includes a rider input mechanism and a control device. The rider input mechanism can be manipulated by the rider to provide a given input. The control device is coupled to the rider input mechanism and to the output of the throttle input device. The control device adjusts the throttle signal based on the given input provided by the rider input mechanism.

Abstract: A throttle control system is provided for generating a throttle control signal in an electric vehicle. The throttle control system includes: a throttle position sensor operable to detect a throttle twist input by an operator and to responsively generate a throttle twist input signal; a controller operatively coupled to the throttle position sensor for receiving the throttle twist input signal and responsively generating a throttle control signal; and a feedback circuit operatively coupled to the controller for receiving the throttle control signal and outputting a corresponding feedback signal to the controller; wherein the controller compares the feedback signal and the throttle control signal to detect an error condition in the throttle control signal, and when an error condition is detected, determines a responsive action corresponding to the severity of the error condition.

Abstract: A braking system for a wheel of a vehicle includes a regenerative brake unit and a friction brake unit. The regenerative brake unit comprises a generator including a rotor and a stator. The rotor is fixedly attached to the wheel and includes a moving friction surface integrally constructed thereon. The friction brake unit includes a stationary friction surface that engages the moving friction surface of the rotor when the friction brake unit is actuated.

Abstract: A control apparatus is provided for use in an electric vehicle having a throttle input device. The throttle input device is operable by a rider for generating a throttle signal for controlling the speed of the electric vehicle. The control apparatus, which adjusts the throttle signal, includes a rider input mechanism and a control device. The rider input mechanism can be manipulated by the rider to provide a given input. The control device is coupled to the rider input mechanism and to the output of the throttle input device. The control device adjusts the throttle signal based on the given input provided by the rider input mechanism.

Abstract: A chassis for an electric vehicle includes a frame structure comprising two beam members arranged side-by-side with a gap therebetween. Each of the beam members includes a front end connected to the front end of the other beam member and forms a head tube for pivotally retaining a portion of a fork assembly holding a front wheel of the electric vehicle. Each of the beam members includes a rear end fixedly connected to a motor housing. The gap between the beam members is configured for holding one or more battery modules therein. The chassis also includes a swing arm assembly including a front end connected at a pivot point to the motor housing. The swing arm assembly includes a rear end holding a rear wheel of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A throttle control system is provided for generating a throttle control signal in an electric vehicle. The throttle control system includes: a throttle position sensor operable to detect a throttle twist input by an operator and to responsively generate a throttle twist input signal; a controller operatively coupled to the throttle position sensor for receiving the throttle twist input signal and responsively generating a throttle control signal; and a feedback circuit operatively coupled to the controller for receiving the throttle control signal and outputting a corresponding feedback signal to the controller; wherein the controller compares the feedback signal and the throttle control signal to detect an error condition in the throttle control signal, and when an error condition is detected, determines a responsive action corresponding to the severity of the error condition.