Abstract: Systems and methods for discharging a high voltage bus of an electric vehicle are disclosed. In some instances, the discharge components coupled to the high voltage bus may be located in different remotely located portions of the electric vehicle to increase reliability of the high voltage bus discharge system.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for controlling an electric vehicle. The method includes determining that the vehicle is stopped on a slope in an unparked mode without an accelerator or brake request. A holding force may be applied to hold the vehicle in the stopped position on the slope. After the vehicle has been stopped on the slope in the unparked mode without an accelerator or brake request for a predetermined amount of time, the holding force may be reduced to remind a driver that the vehicle is in the unparked mode.

Abstract: A method and system for braking a vehicle are disclosed. The vehicle has at least one of an electronic stability control system and an antilock brake system. The vehicle may also include a regenerative brake adapted to apply a regenerative braking torque to slow the vehicle. The vehicle may further include a pressure sensor adapted to sense pressure in a hydraulic brake line. The pressure sensor may be a component of the at least one of the electronic stability control system and the antilock brake system. The vehicle may also include a controller adapted to control the regenerative braking torque of the regenerative brake based on at least the sensed pressure.

Abstract: An electric vehicle is provided which includes a frame, a powertrain, and a powertrain suspension system mounting the powertrain to the frame. The powertrain suspension system includes a first and second mount, each mount pivotally coupling the powertrain to the frame, where the first and second mounts are constructed to be weight bearing mounts such that the powertrain hangs from the first and second mounts. The powertrain system further includes a third mount coupling the powertrain to the frame, where the third mount is constructed and arranged to be a non-weight bearing mount. The powertrain suspension system may include a fourth mount coupling the powertrain to the frame, and the first, second, third and fourth mounts may be arranged in a substantially tetrahedral shape.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to controlling the environment within a cabin-external battery pack of a vehicle are generally described. In some embodiments, the cabin and the battery have independent cooling and/or heating loops. The inventors have found that effective environment control can be achieved by controlling the cooling system dynamically, that is, determining a suitable cooling element (e.g., evaporator) operating temperature based on a multitude of vehicle operating parameters without implementing a fixed set point, and then cooling and/or heating the battery pack accordingly. In some embodiments, the battery pack temperature control system includes a controller configured to determine a condition related to the operating state of the vehicle (e.g., by receiving a signal corresponding to the condition) and alter a temperature set point in the control system based at least in part upon the condition.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for providing substantially uniform temperatures to at least a first and second battery cell in a battery pack. A heat transfer control element is operatively coupled to the at least first and second battery cells. The heat transfer control element is adapted to transfer heat between the battery cells and insulate the battery cells from a flow of heat transfer medium. The first battery cell is insulated to a greater amount than the second battery cell.

Abstract: A cooling system is provided for cooling electronics and/or other heat sources using a liquid coolant. The cooling system may be provided with a detection arrangement to detect cooling anomalies, including gas bubbles or pockets and/or contaminants in the coolant, that could potentially reduce the cooling efficiency of the system. The cooling system includes a pump for moving or circulating a liquid coolant through the system. The detection arrangement may be arranged to monitor the speed of the pump and identify overspeed and/or underspeed events when the pump speed exceeds or is below a predetermined threshold speed or setpoint. The duration and/or number of detected events may be indicative of the presence of an anomaly with the system. The system may include one or more indicators that provide an indication of the operating condition of the cooling system based on the magnitude of the detected events.

Abstract: A battery pack is provided which includes at least one electrochemical rechargeable battery cell, and a housing enclosing the battery cell. At least one inlet is formed in the housing configured such that gas can enter into the housing, and at least one outlet is formed in the housing configured such that gas can exit the housing. The outlet includes a breathable membrane configured such that water vapor can pass through the membrane and outside the housing.

Abstract: Battery assemblies for automobiles include cell trays for holding battery cells within a battery enclosure. In some embodiments, battery assemblies described may incorporate the ability to monitor the temperature of one or more battery cells in the assembly where a thermal sensing strip is positioned between battery cells. In other embodiments, battery assemblies may employ a plurality of tensioned straps that may be used to firmly fix battery cells relative to one another and/or allow a user to carry a number of battery cells together. In further embodiments, battery assemblies may include cell trays that are adjustable in configuration to receive varying arrangements of battery cells. Battery assemblies may include a battery module having an upper cell tray and a lower cell tray where battery cells are disposed in receptacles of the upper and lower cell trays such that the battery cells are spaced from one another allowing for air to flow between battery cells.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring a voltage of electrochemical cells of a pack. The system includes circuit elements individually associated with respective electrochemical cells of the pack and having electrical characteristics that are different such that individual electrochemical cells can be distinguished from one another. The system also includes a measurement circuit configured to measure the voltage of the electrochemical cells and to identify an electrochemical cell being measured based on an electrical characteristic of a circuit element associated with the electrochemical cell. Various self-diagnostic techniques are described, as well as techniques for measuring sense resistance, reducing sense resistance, and measuring changes in voltage of a cell over time.

Abstract: A system for making high voltage measurements to measure a voltage of a battery pack and detect of an isolation fault. The system includes a first resistive divider comprising at least a first resistive element and a second resistive element. The system also includes a second resistive divider comprising the second resistive element and a third resistive element. The system also includes a plurality of switches comprising a first switch and a second switch coupled between the second resistive element and the battery pack. The system further includes a controller configured to control the plurality of switches to operate in first mode to measure the voltage of the battery pack based on a voltage produced by the first resistive divider, and to control the plurality of switches to operate in at least a second mode to detect an isolation fault based on a voltage produced by the second resistive divider.

Abstract: Systems and methods providing improved aerodynamic performance in passenger vehicles are generally described. The underbody of the passenger vehicle can be, in some cases, relatively smooth to reduce aerodynamic drag on the vehicle. In addition, the contour of the underbody can include one or more recessed portions that maintain relatively constant air pressure as air passes under the vehicle. The wheel fairings of the vehicle can also include one or more features that reduce aerodynamic drag. For example, the vehicle can include wheel fairings comprising one or more contours adjacent the interface between the wheel well and the underbody that serve to reduce pressure buildup adjacent the wheel well. In some embodiments, one or more wheels can include a wheel well cover that at least partially encloses the outside of the wheel well, such that air can pass smoothly along the side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A battery or battery cell may include a casing, a battery cell core housed within the casing and at least one terminal electrically connected to the cell core. The battery or cell may also include a lid or sealing plate to seal the cell core within the casing. The terminal may be mounted to the lid with a pair of fasteners, such as rivets, that are aligned along a longitudinal axis that is offset relative to the terminal so that a portion of the terminal on one side of the axis is larger than a portion of the terminal on the other side of the axis. Such an arrangement may provide a relatively large surface portion for connection to the terminal. The battery or cell may include a pair of terminals that are each mounted to the lid by a pair of fasteners. One terminal may be mounted with fasteners having a size and/or spacing that is different from the size and/or spacing of the fasteners mounting the other terminal. Such an arrangement may provide a keying-like feature for the terminals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for disconnection of battery power from vehicular components in an electric vehicle upon the occurrence of a crash event are described. In an embodiment of an electric vehicle, upon detection of a crash event, an appropriate signal is transmitted through a controller area network (CAN). A battery management unit (BMU) detects the signal and then severs a power connection between the battery and one or more vehicular components of the electric vehicle. In another embodiment of an electric vehicle, a crash event is detected and a signal to deploy an airbag and/or a pretensioner is emitted. Once a decision is made to deploy the airbag and/or the to pretensioner, the BMU then cuts off battery power to one or more vehicular components of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: Electric vehicle driving modes and methods of use thereof are described. A vehicle includes a driving mode selection unit. The driving mode selection unit can be used to select a particular driving mode from amongst a plurality of driving modes. A vehicle may be capable of using more energy in a first driving mode than in a second driving mode. A driving mode may comprise at least three vehicle system operating profiles comprising at least three of motor torque curve profile, regenerative braking level profile, electronic power steering profile, electronic stability control profile, antilock braking system profile, and top speed.

Abstract: Systems and methods providing improved battery charging using systems comprising multiple chargers are generally described. In some embodiments, the chargers can communicate with each other. In some embodiments, a battery management unit (BMU) can be used to communicate with at least one of the chargers, and, in some cases, all of the chargers. The system can be configured such that the charging load can be distributed among multiple chargers, or to a single charger, depending on the amount of charging power required at a given time. The system can also be configured to alternate which charger(s) handle the charging load over a period of time. For example, when only a single charger is needed to handle the total charging load, the system can be configured such that the load is handled by a first charger over a first period of time, a second charger of a second period of time, etc.

Abstract: Gear selector apparatus for a vehicle includes a rotary encoder having detents at positions corresponding to driving modes of the vehicle, the rotary encoder outputting at least one encoder signal in response to rotation of the rotary encoder by a driver of the vehicle, a display assembly configured to indicate a driving mode of the vehicle, and gear selector logic, responsive at least in part to the encoder signal, to control the driving mode of the vehicle and the display assembly. The rotary encoder may be rotatable in either direction without limits on rotation. The gear selector logic may define one or more conditions for changing from an actual driving mode to a target driving mode selected by the driver.

Abstract: Systems and methods for temperature control of a battery pack at, below, or above a target temperature, and/or within a temperature range. Systems and methods for battery pack thermal management having a thermally conductive interstitial member between battery cells and a thermally conductive plate or plates coupled to the interstitial member along which fluid flows to effect the temperature of the battery pack by drawing heat generated by the battery pack away from the battery pack in multiple directions, and/or by imparting heat to the battery pack in multiple directions. Systems and methods for battery pack thermal management having a thermally conductive interstitial member between cells of the battery pack and a plate coupled to the interstitial member along which fluid can flow in multiple directions to maintain the battery pack at, above, or below a target temperature, within a temperature range, and/or to minimize the pack temperature gradient.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling humidity in gases exposed to batteries, which can be applied to humidity control in climate control gases in battery packs, for example those used in electric vehicles.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling battery temperature, for example those used in electric vehicles.