Abstract: A hybrid-electric powered vehicle includes a chassis defining a battery module compartment and a battery module insertable into the battery module compartment. The hybrid-electric powered vehicle includes provisions for recharging a battery module compartment of the hybrid-electric powered vehicle when the electric drive system is operated. The battery module may further be charged by external sources while the battery module is disposed within the chassis, removed from the chassis, and by internal sources when the hybrid-electric powered vehicle is decelerating. In a second embodiment, the hybrid-electric powered vehicle further includes an on-board battery compartment, and a control system that regulates the distribution of power from the electrical power sources to the electric motor.

Abstract: An electric powered vehicle includes a chassis defining a battery module compartment and a battery module insertable into the battery module compartment of the chassis. A method of replacing a battery module of an electric powered vehicle provides a service facility including a plurality of battery modules and a system for charging the battery modules. Upon the entry into the service facility of a driver in an electric powered vehicle with a depleted battery module, the depleted battery module is removed from the electric powered vehicle and replaced with a battery module including a fully charged battery. The driver is then charged for the battery module including the fully charged battery.

Abstract: An electric powered vehicle includes a chassis defining a battery module compartment and a battery module insertable into the battery module compartment of the chassis. A method of replacing a battery module of an electric powered vehicle provides a service facility including a plurality of battery modules and a system for charging the battery modules. Upon the entry into the service facility of a driver in an electric powered vehicle with a depleted battery module, the depleted battery module is removed from the electric powered vehicle and replaced with a battery module including a fully charged battery. The driver is then charged for the battery module including the fully charged battery.

Abstract: An electric powered vehicle includes a chassis defining a battery module compartment and a battery module insertable into the battery module compartment of the chassis. A method of replacing a battery module of an electric powered vehicle provides a service facility including a plurality of battery modules and a system for charging the battery modules. Upon the entry into the service facility of a driver in an electric powered vehicle with a depleted battery module, the depleted battery module is removed from the electric powered vehicle and replaced with a battery module including a fully charged battery. The driver is then charged for the battery module including the fully charged battery.