Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a particular vehicle function, for example the adjustment of a vehicle seat, using a graphical user interface (GUI) is provided. The GUI is activating by toggling a control, switch intuitively linked to the particular vehicle function. The control switch is separate from, and not proximate to, the GUI. When the GUI is activated by toggling the control switch, a control screen specific to the particular vehicle function is displayed on the GUI.

Abstract: A system for integrating the venting feature of a battery with a means for simultaneously disconnecting the cell from the battery pack, thereby isolating the cell, is provided. The provided battery interconnect system is comprised of a battery, a connector plate for electrically coupling the battery to a battery pack, and an interruptible electrical connector for electrically coupling the connector plate to a battery terminal vent. The vent, defined by scoring on the battery terminal, ruptures when the internal battery pressure exceeds the predefined battery operating range, causing the interruptible electrical connector to break and disrupt electrical continuity between the connector plate and the battery terminal.

Abstract: A battery pack thermal management system is provided that is comprised of at least one enclosure failure port integrated into at least one wall of a battery pack enclosure, where the enclosure failure port(s) remains closed during normal operation of the battery pack, and opens during a battery pack thermal runaway event, thereby providing a flow path for hot gas generated during the thermal runaway event to be exhausted out of the battery pack enclosure in a controlled fashion.

Abstract: A means for inhibiting the propagation of thermal runaway within a plurality of batteries is provided, wherein the means is comprised of a layer of intumescent material covering the interior surfaces of the battery pack.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for limiting the adverse effects of temperature on the electrical energy storage system (ESS) of an electric vehicle after the vehicle has been turned off are provided. In general, whether or not coolant is circulated through a coolant loop coupled to the ESS depends on the difference between the ambient temperature and a preset temperature, the preset temperature typically corresponding to the temperature of the ESS.

Abstract: A means for inhibiting the propagation of thermal runaway within a plurality of batteries is provided, wherein the means is comprised of at least one layer of intumescent material interposed between the interior surface of the casing of a battery and the corresponding electrode assembly.

Abstract: A means for inhibiting the propagation of thermal runaway within a plurality of batteries is provided, wherein the means is comprised of a pair of intumescent material layers coating the battery casing, or at least a portion thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided in which a sleeve comprised of one or more layers of a high yield strength material surrounds the casing of a battery, the sleeve inhibiting the flow of hot, pressurized gas from within the battery through perforations formed in the battery casing during a thermal runaway event.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided in which a layer of an intumescent material surrounds the casing of a battery, the layer helping to prevent the formation of perforations in the battery casing during a thermal runaway event and, if a perforation is formed, inhibiting the flow of hot, pressurized gas from within the battery. A sleeve, surrounding the cell, may be used to contain the intumescent material during the thermal event.

Abstract: A battery pack is provided that includes one or more thermal barrier elements, the thermal barrier elements dividing the cells within the battery pack into groups of cells. The thermal barrier elements that separate the cells into groups prevent a thermal runaway event initiated in one group of cells from propagating to the cells within a neighboring group of cells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided in which a layer of an intumescent material surrounds the casing of a battery, the layer helping to prevent the formation of perforations in the battery casing during a thermal runaway event and, if a perforation is formed, inhibiting the flow of hot, pressurized gas from within the battery. A sleeve, surrounding the cell, may be used to contain the intumescent material during the thermal event.

Abstract: A sealed battery enclosure to extend the life of the batteries contained therein is provided, the sealed battery enclosure significantly reducing contamination from water or other liquids and gases.

Abstract: A means for inhibiting the propagation of thermal runaway within a plurality of batteries is provided, wherein the means is comprised of a pair of intumescent material layers coating the battery casing, or at least a portion thereof.

Abstract: A means for inhibiting the propagation of thermal runaway within a plurality of batteries is provided, wherein the means is comprised of at least one layer of intumescent material interposed between the interior surface of the casing of a battery and the corresponding electrode assembly.

Abstract: A means for inhibiting the propagation of thermal runaway within a plurality of batteries is provided, wherein the means is comprised of a layer of intumescent material covering the interior surfaces of the battery pack.