Abstract: A method includes identifying a desired path for an ego vehicle. The method also includes determining how to apply steering control and torque vectoring control to cause the ego vehicle to follow the desired path. The determination is based on actuator delays associated with the steering control and the torque vectoring control and one or more limits of the ego vehicle. The method further includes applying at least one of the steering control and the torque vectoring control to create lateral movement of the ego vehicle during travel. Determining how to apply the steering control and the torque vectoring control may include using a state-space model that incorporates first-order time delays associated with the steering control and the torque vectoring control and using a linear quadratic regulator to determine how to control the ego vehicle based on the state-space model and the one or more limits of the ego vehicle.

Abstract: Processes for producing an electric vehicle include manufacture of a lower body skateboard platform including at least energy storage/conversion (batteries within a ladder frame), propulsion, suspension and wheels, steering, crash protection, and braking, and manufacture of a top hat upper portion including at least the vehicle cabin housing various interior components such as passenger seats, frame covers, and a roof headliner, together with steering and acceleration controls. The upper body portion and the lower body platform are manufactured separately in parallel and then merged, which allows for ease of manufacture and a more compact design.

Abstract: Top side view windows are canted between a vehicle cabin roof and sides along a length of the vehicle, truncating a corner between the roof and sides. The top side view windows may open outwardly from an interior of the cabin, and may open outwardly and upwardly similar to a safari windshield. Hinges and a latch allow movement of the top side view windows, with the latch securing the respective window in an open or closed position. The latch may include a strap with a flexible end wrapping around interior trim, optionally with a magnet at the tip to hold the flexible end in position when wrapped. A rigid portion of the strap holds the window when in the open position, and may include openings receiving protrusions from the interior trim or teeth engaging with a tip of a rachet cam.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for battery pack thermal management, such as heating and cooling of individual batteries arranged into battery packs. The methods and systems use thermal control modules, specifically configured to thermally couple to the side wall and the bottom end of each battery in a battery pack. In some examples, a thermal control module comprises a thermal plate and one or two battery engagement components, connected and thermally coupled to the thermal plate. Each battery engagement component comprises a plurality of battery receiving openings. When the batteries are installed into these openings, the side wall and the bottom end of each battery are thermally coupled to the thermal control module. Thermal fluid is circulated through at least the thermal plate to provide cooling or heating to the batteries without any direct contact between the thermal fluid and the batteries.

Abstract: A side facing seat includes a seat back element and a moveable seat base element disposed below the seat back element. The moveable seat base element is moveable at least between a stored position and a seating position. Movement of the moveable seat base element is controlled by an activation element that is configured to engage with a locking mechanism such that the locking mechanism is able to lock the moveable seat base element in the stored position or the seating position.

Abstract: Described herein are steer-by-wire systems and methods of operating these systems in vehicles. A steer-by-wire system comprises a steering wheel assembly, comprising a steering wheel, sensors, and a torque generator. The system comprises a rack assembly, comprising a steering rack, sensors, and a rack actuator. The steering wheel assembly and the rack assembly are communicatively coupled by a steer-by-wire system controller, without having any direct mechanical links between the assemblies. In some examples, the controller instructs the rack assembly to control the steering rack position based on the steering input, such as changes in the steering wheel position. A steering map is used to determine the desired steering rack position based on the current steering wheel position. In some examples, a steering map is selected from a steering map set based on, e.g., the vehicle speed, vehicle direction, driver preference, and the like.

Abstract: Described herein are fractional slot electric motors with compact crowns. A motor comprises multiple coil elements protruding through a stator core and forming electrical connections with each other and/or with a lead assembly. The lead assembly comprises phase busbars connected to selected coil elements and comprising terminals for connecting to an external power supply. The lead assembly also comprises neutral busbars, with no external connections and internally connected to other coil elements. Each coil element has a rectangular cross-sectional profile to maximize the slot-fill-ratio of the motor. Each coil element is electrically coupled to two other components. For example, each looped coil element is coupled to two other coil elements at a stator side, opposite the lead assembly. Each extended coil element is coupled to another coil element at that same side and coupled to another coil element or a busbar at the lead assembly side.

Abstract: A suspension system configured to sit substantially within the profile of a vehicle platform such that none of the elements extend substantially above the plane of the vehicle platform. The suspension system may utilize an adaptable transverse leaf spring in combination with other suspension elements, to allow the vehicle platform to maintain a generally flat profile and accommodate a variety of different body like structures while maintaining the desired roll and ride stability stiffness.

Abstract: An alternative seating arrangement of a vehicle with a variety of vehicle restraints and occupant safety systems that are associated with the alternative seating arrangement. Many embodiments include rear facing and side facing seats.