Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electric vehicle comprising a chassis, a front axle and a rear axle spaced apart and coupled to the chassis, and a battery frame assembly coupled to the chassis between the front axle and the rear axle. The battery frame assembly comprises a plurality of transversely extending members and a plurality of longitudinally extending members, wherein the plurality of transversely extending members and the plurality of longitudinally extending members define a matrix of battery pack receptacles configured to receive at least one battery pack. The battery frame assembly is configured to deflect torsionally in response to torsional deflection of the front axle relative to the rear axle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fueling (or charging) communication, for example between a hydrogen fueling station and a hydrogen powered vehicle (or an electric vehicle and charging station) may utilize near field communication as well as vehicle to infrastructure communication. Safety information, fueling or charging information, payment information, and other information may be transmitted, and the redundant nature of the communication permits fault recovery and improved process monitoring. In this manner, fueling and/or recharging is made safer, faster, and more efficient.

Abstract: Improved membrane electrode assemblies, cation-associating components thereof, and methods of making and treating the same are provided. Membrane electrode assemblies may include an ionomer having a first pKa value, and a water-insoluble net polymer having a weakly-acidic functional group, wherein the weakly-acidic functional group has a second pKa value greater than the first pKa value.

Abstract: Connection and control concepts for battery packs in a high voltage battery assembly are provided. Parallel, modular configurations permit improved safety, voltage balancing, and redundancy, improving operation and reliability of an associated high voltage electrical vehicle such as a heavy-duty truck.

Abstract: A battery pack assembly comprises a battery enclosure having a first side panel, a second side panel, a third side panel, a fourth side panel, a top panel, and a bottom panel defining a module containing volume. The battery pack assembly may contain a plurality of battery modules in the module containing volume, the plurality of battery modules having a first battery module, a second battery module, and a third battery module. The first battery module and the second battery module are positioned in a first orientation and stacked to form a column of battery modules and the third battery module is positioned in a second orientation and positioned adjacent to the column of battery modules.

Abstract: A vehicle has a thermal management system that comprises an electric power source loop comprising at least one battery. The thermal management system further comprises a heating component thermally coupled to the electric power source loop. When an ambient temperature is less than a first threshold, the heating component pre-heats the at least one battery. In exemplary embodiments, the heating component includes at least one brake resistor that is coupled to the electric power source loop.

Abstract: Connection and control concepts for battery packs in a high voltage battery assembly are provided. Parallel, modular configurations permit improved safety, voltage balancing, and redundancy, improving operation and reliability of an associated high voltage electrical vehicle such as a heavy-duty truck.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a thermal management system for an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle may include a cabin, a battery system, a battery coolant loop including a battery coolant line thermally coupled to the battery system, a heat pump loop including a heat pump line thermally coupled to an internal heat exchanger, and a refrigerant-coolant heat exchanger thermally coupled to the battery coolant loop and the heat pump loop. The thermal management system may be configured to provide heating or cooling to the cabin or battery system depending on an operating mode.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes vehicle seats having integral components for use with ventilation, air conditioning, and/or heating systems. Air ducting can be incorporated into the seat base and the seat back. Further, air can be directed through a rear-facing outlet vent in the seat back, providing improved ventilation, air conditioning, and/or heating for rear passengers of a vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer truck is the combination of a truck and one or more trailers used to haul freight. A trailer attaches to the truck via a trailer coupling (hitch), with much of its weight borne by the truck. The result is that both the truck and the trailer will have a distinctly different design than a rigid truck and trailer. Exemplary vehicles are provided, such as heavy duty trucks having truck bodies with improved aerodynamic characteristics, including improved drag coefficients.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling system (10) for fuel cell stacks (22, 26), comprising a first cooling module (14) and a second cooling module (18). The first cooling module (14) comprises a fuel cell stack (22, 26), a supply line connection (30, 34) for connecting a supply line (38, 42) for supplying coolant to the fuel cell stack (22, 26), a discharge line connection (46, 50) for connecting a discharge line (54, 58) for discharging coolant from the fuel cell stack (22, 26), and a venting line connection (94, 98) for connecting a venting line (102, 106).

Abstract: An electric vehicle has a thermal management system that comprises a common radiator, a brake resistor loop, and an electric power source loop. The brake resistor loop comprises a brake resistor and a brake resistor controller that are coupled to the common radiator. The electric power source loop comprises an electric power source coupled to the common radiator. When the brake resistor loop is determined to be in operation, the common radiator is utilized by the brake resistor loop to absorb heat generated by the brake resistor loop. When the brake resistor loop is determined to not be in operation, the common radiator is utilized by the electric power source to absorb heat generated by the electric power source loop.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a fuel cell system (10) using a first operating mode, in which, when all of the fuel cell stacks (22, 26) are inactive, one fuel cell stack (22) is pre-heated using a coolant that is pre-heated by means of an electric heater (42) while bypassing all cooler circuits (58) of the active coolant circuits (14) via bypass lines (64) and the one pre-heated fuel cell stack (22) is activated in order to pre-heat an additional fuel cell stack (26) of the fuel cell system. Other operating modes for operating a fuel cell system are disclosed in additional embodiments.

Abstract: A pressure relief system comprises a pressurized vessel containing a fuel source and comprising a thermal pressure relief device, a heat shield coating disposed on an outer surface of the pressurized vessel, a sensor in thermal communication with the heat shield and configured to receive thermal energy from the heat shield, and an electronic control module electrically coupled to the sensor and the thermal pressure relief device. The sensor, responsive to receiving a threshold amount of thermal energy from the heat shield coating, may transmit a signal to the electronic control module. The electronic control module may activate the thermal pressure relief device in response to the signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of managing thermal loads in a fuel cell vehicle. The method may comprise heating a fuel cell coolant of a fuel cell coolant loop utilizing waste heat from a fuel cell to form a heated fuel cell coolant, heating a battery coolant of a battery coolant loop utilizing waste heat from a battery to form a heated battery coolant, heating a refrigerant of a battery refrigeration loop by exchanging heat with the heated battery coolant, and superheating the refrigerant of the battery refrigeration loop by exchanging heat with the heated fuel cell coolant.