The present invention relates to a method (100) for providing a storage capacity reserve in a traction battery (20) for an electrically driven motor vehicle (50), preferably commercial vehicle, for an upcoming downhill drive. The method (100) comprises detecting (S1) whether an electric charging operation of the traction battery (20) by means of an external charging source (60) is imminent, and determining (S2) one or more possible downhill routes (G1, G2) for an imminent downhill drive after the electric charging operation. The method (100) further comprises predicting (S3) one or more amounts of recuperated energy that will be recuperated by the motor vehicle (50) along each of the determined downhill routes (G1, G2), and determining (S4) a maximum battery state of charge of the traction battery (20) for the charging operation using the external charging source (60) as a function of the predicted amounts of recuperated energy. The present invention further relates to an apparatus (10) for providing a storage capacity reserve in a traction battery (20) for an electrically driven motor vehicle (50), preferably a commercial vehicle, for an upcoming downhill drive, and to an electrically driven motor vehicle (50), preferably a commercial vehicle, comprising the apparatus (10).

The present invention relates to a method (100) for providing a storage capacity reserve in a traction battery (20) for an electrically driven motor vehicle (50), preferably commercial vehicle, for an upcoming downhill drive. The method (100) comprises detecting (S1) whether an electric charging operation of the traction battery (20) by means of an external charging source (60) is imminent, and determining (S2) one or more possible downhill routes (G1, G2) for an imminent downhill drive after the electric charging operation. The method (100) further comprises predicting (S3) one or more amounts of recuperated energy that will be recuperated by the motor vehicle (50) along each of the determined downhill routes (G1, G2), and determining (S4) a maximum battery state of charge of the traction battery (20) for the charging operation using the external charging source (60) as a function of the predicted amounts of recuperated energy. The present invention further relates to an apparatus (10) for providing a storage capacity reserve in a traction battery (20) for an electrically driven motor vehicle (50), preferably a commercial vehicle, for an upcoming downhill drive, and to an electrically driven motor vehicle (50), preferably a commercial vehicle, comprising the apparatus (10).

A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). To avoid theft and tampering of the portable electrical energy storage devices, by default, each portable electrical energy storage device is locked in and operably connected to the vehicle to which it provides power unless the vehicle comes within the vicinity of a collection, charging and distribution machine or other authorized external device such as that in a service center. Once within the vicinity of a collection, charging and distribution machine or other authorized external device a locking mechanism in the vehicle or within the portable electrical energy storage device unlocks and allows the portable electrical energy storage device to be exchanged or serviced.

A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). To avoid theft and tampering of the portable electrical energy storage devices, by default, each portable electrical energy storage device is locked in and operably connected to the vehicle to which it provides power unless the vehicle comes within the vicinity of a collection, charging and distribution machine or other authorized external device such as that in a service center. Once within the vicinity of a collection, charging and distribution machine or other authorized external device a locking mechanism in the vehicle or within the portable electrical energy storage device unlocks and allows the portable electrical energy storage device to be exchanged or serviced.

A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices. To charge, the machines employ electrical current from an external source. As demand at individual collection, charging and distribution machines increases or decreases relative to other collection, charging and distribution machines, a distribution management system initiates redistribution of portable electrical energy storage devices from one collection, charging and distribution machine to another collection, charging and distribution machine in an expeditious manner. Also, redeemable incentives are offered to users to return or exchange their portable electrical energy storage devices at selected collection, charging and distribution machines within the network to effect the redistribution.

A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices. To charge, the machines employ electrical current from an external source. As demand at individual collection, charging and distribution machines increases or decreases relative to other collection, charging and distribution machines, a distribution management system initiates redistribution of portable electrical energy storage devices from one collection, charging and distribution machine to another collection, charging and distribution machine in an expeditious manner. Also, redeemable incentives are offered to users to return or exchange their portable electrical energy storage devices at selected collection, charging and distribution machines within the network to effect the redistribution.

A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collects, charges and distributes portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). Vehicle diagnostic data of a vehicle using the portable electrical energy storage device is stored on a diagnostic data storage system of the portable electrical energy storage device during use of a respective portable electrical energy storage device by a respective vehicle. Once the user places the portable electrical energy storage device in the collection, charging and distribution machine, or comes within wireless communications range of a collection, charging and distribution machine, a connection is established between the collection, charging and distribution machine and the portable electrical energy storage device. The collection, charging and distribution machine then reads vehicle diagnostic data stored on the diagnostic data storage system of the portable electrical energy storage device and provides information regarding the diagnostic data.

A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collects, charges and distributes portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). Vehicle diagnostic data of a vehicle using the portable electrical energy storage device is stored on a diagnostic data storage system of the portable electrical energy storage device during use of a respective portable electrical energy storage device by a respective vehicle. Once the user places the portable electrical energy storage device in the collection, charging and distribution machine, or comes within wireless communications range of a collection, charging and distribution machine, a connection is established between the collection, charging and distribution machine and the portable electrical energy storage device. The collection, charging and distribution machine then reads vehicle diagnostic data stored on the diagnostic data storage system of the portable electrical energy storage device and provides information regarding the diagnostic data.

A system and method of managing power for an electric motor drive system is provided, where at least two electric motor drives are connected to a common power bus, each of the electric motor drives connected to at least one electric motor. A voltage of the common power bus is monitored, and upon the voltage of the common power bus exceeding a prescribed threshold voltage it is determined which of the at least two electric motor drives is operating in a mode other than a regeneration mode. The electric motor drive operating in a mode other than a regeneration mode is commanded to drive the connected motor into a load to dissipate the regenerated energy.

A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). Locations of collection, charging and distribution machines having available charged portable electrical energy storage devices are communicated to or acquired by a mobile device of a user, or displayed on a collection, charging and distribution machine. The locations are indicated on a graphical user interface on a map on a user's mobile device relative to the user's current location. The user may use their mobile device select particular locations on the map to reserve an available portable electrical energy storage device. The system nay also warn the user that the user is near an edge of the pre-determined area having portable electrical energy storage device collection, charging and distribution machines. Reservations may also be made automatically based on information regarding a potential route of a user.