Abstract: An automotive vehicle with a storage compartment has a cabin, a set of rear wheels located behind the cabin, a cargo space, and a closable integrated storage compartment located adjacent to the cabin, rearward of a rear-most seat of the automotive vehicle, and forward of the set of rear wheels. At least a portion of the storage compartment is positioned forward of a forward wall of the cargo space. The storage compartment has at least one sidewall enclosing an interior portion of the storage compartment and extending from a first side panel at a first side of the automotive vehicle toward a second side of the automotive vehicle, a first opening to the storage compartment at the first side of the automotive vehicle, and a first door at the first opening. The first door has a first step member with a horizontal step surface when open.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and optimizing utilization of batteries for electric vehicles are described. Data of battery usage of electric vehicles are monitored using battery monitoring sensors at the electric vehicles for a plurality of users who share use of electric vehicles. Battery usage metrics are determined for the batteries of the electric vehicles based on the data of battery usage and determining user impact metrics based on measured quantities relating to driving of the electric vehicles for the plurality of users, the user impact metrics being indicative of degrees of driving severity placed on the vehicles associated with use habits of particular users.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle with a storage compartment has a cabin, a set of rear wheels located behind the cabin, a cargo space, and a closable integrated storage compartment located adjacent to the cabin, rearward of a rear-most seat of the automotive vehicle, and forward of the set of rear wheels. At least a portion of the storage compartment is positioned forward of a forward wall of the cargo space. The storage compartment has at least one sidewall enclosing an interior portion of the storage compartment and extending from a first side panel at a first side of the automotive vehicle toward a second side of the automotive vehicle, a first opening to the storage compartment at the first side of the automotive vehicle, and a first door at the first opening. The first door has a first step member with a horizontal step surface when open.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and optimizing utilization of batteries for electric vehicles are described. Data of battery usage of electric vehicles are monitored using battery monitoring sensors at the electric vehicles for a plurality of users who share use of electric vehicles. Battery usage metrics are determined for the batteries of the electric vehicles based on the data of battery usage and determining user impact metrics based on measured quantities relating to driving of the electric vehicles for the plurality of users, the user impact metrics being indicative of degrees of driving severity placed on the vehicles associated with use habits of particular users.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle with a storage compartment has a cabin, a set of rear wheels located behind the cabin, a cargo space, and a closable integrated storage compartment located adjacent to the cabin, rearward of a rear-most seat of the automotive vehicle, and forward of the set of rear wheels. At least a portion of the storage compartment is positioned forward of a forward wall of the cargo space. The storage compartment has at least one sidewall enclosing an interior portion of the storage compartment and extending from a first side panel at a first side of the automotive vehicle toward a second side of the automotive vehicle, a first opening to the storage compartment at the first side of the automotive vehicle, and a first door at the first opening. The first door has a first step member with a horizontal step surface when open.

Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative navigation systems, and vehicles. A navigation system includes at least one sensor configured to detect terrain and objects near a vehicle and a processor configured to receive information from the at least one sensor and configured to determine a navigation path for the vehicle to follow. The navigation system also includes a projection system disposable on the vehicle. The projection system may be configured to project light onto at least one item chosen from terrain and objects based on the determined navigation path.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle with a storage compartment has a cabin, a set of rear wheels located behind the cabin, a cargo space, and a closable integrated storage compartment located adjacent to the cabin, rearward of a rear-most seat of the automotive vehicle, and forward of the set of rear wheels. At least a portion of the storage compartment is positioned forward of a forward wall of the cargo space. The storage compartment has at least one sidewall enclosing an interior portion of the storage compartment and extending from a first side panel at a first side of the automotive vehicle toward a second side of the automotive vehicle, a first opening to the storage compartment at the first side of the automotive vehicle, and a first door at the first opening. The first door has a first step member with a horizontal step surface when open.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle with a storage compartment has a cabin, a set of rear wheels located behind the cabin, a cargo space, and a closable integrated storage compartment located adjacent to the cabin, rearward of a rear-most seat of the automotive vehicle, and forward of the set of rear wheels. At least a portion of the storage compartment is positioned forward of a forward wall of the cargo space. The storage compartment has at least one sidewall enclosing an interior portion of the storage compartment and extending from a first side panel at a first side of the automotive vehicle toward a second side of the automotive vehicle, a first opening to the storage compartment at the first side of the automotive vehicle, and a first door at the first opening. The first door has a first step member with a horizontal step surface when open.

Abstract: An electric vehicle system for transporting human passengers or cargo includes an electric vehicle that includes a body, a plurality of wheels, a cargo area, an electric motor for propelling the electric vehicle, and a primary battery for providing electrical power to the electric motor for propelling the electric vehicle. An auxiliary battery module is attachable to the electric vehicle for providing electrical power to the electric motor via a first electrical connector at the auxiliary battery module and a second electrical connector at the electric vehicle that mates with the first electrical connector. The auxiliary battery module can be positioned in the cargo area while supplying power to the electric motor, and can be removable and reattachable from the electric vehicle. The auxiliary battery module includes an integrated cooling system for cooling itself during operation of the electric vehicle including a conduit therein for circulating coolant.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle with a storage compartment has a cabin, a set of rear wheels located behind the cabin, a cargo space, and a closable integrated storage compartment located adjacent to the cabin, rearward of a rear-most seat of the automotive vehicle, and forward of the set of rear wheels. At least a portion of the storage compartment is positioned forward of a forward wall of the cargo space. The storage compartment has at least one sidewall enclosing an interior portion of the storage compartment and extending from a first side panel at a first side of the automotive vehicle toward a second side of the automotive vehicle, a first opening to the storage compartment at the first side of the automotive vehicle, and a first door at the first opening. The first door has a first step member with a horizontal step surface when open.

Abstract: A modular system for an automotive vehicle configured to permit removal of a removable structural module from and reattachment to an automotive vehicle is described. The system includes a removable structural module comprising a body, a support structure configured to receive and support the removable structural module and to permit the removable structural module to be releasably attached to an automotive vehicle, a sensing arrangement configured to permit confirmation of secure attachment of the removable structural module to the automotive vehicle and configured to permit identification of a predetermined type of the removable structural module, and a computer configured to identify the predetermined type of the removable structural module from among multiple possible predetermined types of removable structural modules. The removable structural module comprises multiple connecting structures that permit the removable structural module to be releasably secured to the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: Utilization of shared vehicles that are structurally and reversibly reconfigurable to suit requests for particular vehicle configurations is described. Vehicle use is monitored for plural vehicles shared among multiple users/uses. In response to a first request for a first particular configuration of a vehicle, a first vehicle is selected/provided in the first particular configuration having a predetermined first feature set, the first feature set being automatically set based on the first vehicle being placed in the first particular configuration.

Abstract: An electric vehicle system for transporting human passengers or cargo includes an electric vehicle that includes a body, a plurality of wheels, a cargo area, an electric motor for propelling the electric vehicle, and a primary battery for providing electrical power to the electric motor for propelling the electric vehicle. An auxiliary battery module is attachable to the electric vehicle for providing electrical power to the electric motor via a first electrical connector at the auxiliary battery module and a second electrical connector at the electric vehicle that mates with the first electrical connector. The auxiliary battery module can be positioned in the cargo area while supplying power to the electric motor, and can be removable and reattachable from the electric vehicle. The auxiliary battery module includes an integrated cooling system for cooling itself during operation of the electric vehicle including a conduit therein for circulating coolant.

Abstract: Utilization of shared vehicles that are structurally and reversibly reconfigurable to suit requests for particular vehicle configurations is described. Vehicle use is monitored for plural vehicles shared among multiple users/uses. In response to a first request for a first particular configuration of a vehicle, a first vehicle is selected/provided in the first particular configuration having a predetermined first feature set, the first feature set being automatically set based on the first vehicle being placed in the first particular configuration.

Abstract: A modular system for an automotive vehicle configured to permit removal of a removable structural module from and reattachment to an automotive vehicle is described. The system includes a removable structural module comprising a body, a support structure configured to receive and support the removable structural module and to permit the removable structural module to be releasably attached to an automotive vehicle, a sensing arrangement configured to permit confirmation of secure attachment of the removable structural module to the automotive vehicle and configured to permit identification of a predetermined type of the removable structural module, and a computer configured to identify the predetermined type of the removable structural module from among multiple possible predetermined types of removable structural modules. The removable structural module comprises multiple connecting structures that permit the removable structural module to be releasably secured to the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and optimizing utilization of batteries for electric vehicles are described. Data of battery usage of electric vehicles are monitored using battery monitoring sensors at the electric vehicles for a plurality of users who share use of electric vehicles. Battery usage metrics are determined for the batteries of the electric vehicles based on the data of battery usage and determining user impact metrics based on measured quantities relating to driving of the electric vehicles for the plurality of users, the user impact metrics being indicative of degrees of driving severity placed on the vehicles associated with use habits of particular users.

Abstract: A compact and lightweight hybrid vehicle power source employs an integrated engine hybrid electric boost power design that operates on a single battery bank for all electrical functions. An integrated flywheel, cooling fan and a single hybrid electric motor drive, engine starter, electromagnetic regenerative braking device and battery charging alternator are combined. The flywheel alternator/starter/hybrid-drive configuration generates electrical power for battery recharging and parasitic loads, rotates the engine for starting, provides boost power for faster vehicle accelerations, provides regenerative braking for faster decelerations, provides inertia for smooth engine operation, and provides pressurized air for forced convection cooling.