Abstract: An electric vehicle and a method for adjusting vehicle parameters based on a type of battery modules inserted into a vehicle. A processor is configured to: receive at least one input parameter from the battery modules housed in the vehicle; determine at least a type (e.g., lithium or lead acid) and capacity of the battery modules in the vehicle; and adjust output parameters to a battery management system and one or more vehicle subsystems based on the determined type and capacity of battery modules. Accordingly, battery packs can be swapped without updating electrical software in the vehicle. A customer can alternate from one type of battery pack module to another more easily and can obtain cost savings. The method can be implemented using CAN bus protocol.

Abstract: An electric vehicle has a housing that can interchangeably accommodate at least two different types of batteries therein. A plurality of modules are provided within the housing. Each module has a plurality of batteries of a first type arranged into a first battery module that is interchangeable with a plurality of batteries of a second, different type arranged into a second battery module. Both types can supply power to the electric vehicle. Because each the first and second battery modules have similar shape, the housing allows for a modular design, use of different types of batteries, and easy removal and replacement during assembly. A battery management system is also provided to monitor the modules.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling battery cell charge current based on the ambient temperature conditions to which battery cell/s of a battery are exposed, for example, to control battery cell charging current for battery systems that may be exposed to environments where ambient temperature conditions are not controllable.

Abstract: Field expandable battery pack systems and related methods are disclosed that allow for increased battery life while reducing cost and still meeting shipping regulations. In part, the expanded battery system includes a primary battery having a battery management unit (BMU) and additional expansion batteries that couple to the primary battery and are managed together by the shared-BMU within the primary battery. Each battery has its own protection circuitry, and the batteries can be lithium-ion batteries. As such, multiple batteries can be shipped together and then combined by a user to achieve a desired level of battery capacity that is managed as a single battery through the use of the shared-BMU.

Abstract: In a method and system for protecting a battery being charged by an electrical device, a current flowing through a cell stack of the battery is measured. If the measured current is greater than a predefined value the battery is isolated from the device. If subsequent current measurements made within a predefined time interval indicate that the measured current is less than or equal to the predefined value then the battery is recoupled to the device. If the measured current remains greater than the predefined value during the predefined time interval then a fuse is blown and the battery is disabled.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling battery cell charge current based on the ambient temperature conditions to which battery cell/s of a battery are exposed, for example, to control battery cell charging current for battery systems that may be exposed to environments where ambient temperature conditions are not controllable.

Abstract: Field expandable battery pack systems and related methods are disclosed that allow for increased battery life while reducing cost and still meeting shipping regulations. In part, the expanded battery system includes a primary battery having a battery management unit (BMU) and additional expansion batteries that couple to the primary battery and are managed together by the shared-BMU within the primary battery. Each battery has its own protection circuitry, and the batteries can be lithium-ion batteries. As such, multiple batteries can be shipped together and then combined by a user to achieve a desired level of battery capacity that is managed as a single battery through the use of the shared-BMU.

Abstract: In a method and system for protecting a battery being charged by an electrical device, a current flowing through a cell stack of the battery is measured. If the measured current is greater than a predefined value the battery is isolated from the device. If subsequent current measurements made within a predefined time interval indicate that the measured current is less than or equal to the predefined value then the battery is recoupled to the device. If the measured current remains greater than the predefined value during the predefined time interval then a fuse is blown and the battery is disabled.