An assist apparatus for an electric vehicle which is powered by rechargeable batteries. To assist in the range of the electric vehicle, a platform is secured to the vehicle to be solely supported thereto. On the platform is a hydrocarbon internal combustion engine/motor that generates electricity. The hydrocarbon engine/motor is activated, either manually, via a handheld switch, or automatically by sensors in the electric vehicle, to charge the rechargeable batteries within the electric vehicle.

A through the road (TTR) hybridization strategy is proposed to facilitate introduction of hybrid electric vehicle technology in a significant portion of current and expected trucking fleets. In some cases, the technologies can be retrofitted onto an existing vehicle (e.g., a truck, a tractor unit, a trailer, a tractor-trailer configuration, at a tandem, etc.). In some cases, the technologies can be built into new vehicles. In some cases, one vehicle may be built or retrofitted to operate in tandem with another and provide the hybridization benefits contemplated herein. By supplementing motive forces delivered through a primary drivetrain and fuel-fed engine with supplemental torque delivered at one or more electrically-powered drive axles, improvements in overall fuel efficiency and performance may be delivered, typically without significant redesign of existing components and systems that have been proven in the trucking industry.

A method for providing electrical power at locations where shore power is unavailable, such as construction sites, remote utility sites, etc. Particularly, the method comprises simultaneously providing significant three phase power and significant single phase power. For example, in various instances the method comprises providing three phase power via generator of an integrated electrical power generation system, wherein the provided three phase power can be at least 50% of the rated power output of the generator, and simultaneously providing single phase power via a no-idle subsystem of the integrated power generation system, wherein the provided single phase power can be at least 3% of the rated power output of the generator.

The present invention relates to a drive unit in the form of a caravan mover (10) comprising a motor (12) (drive means) and a head (14) which are linked together by a gear mechanism (16). The head (14) provides a roller (15) which is rotatably mounted on a shaft. The roller (15) is arranged, in use, to be urged or pressed against the tread portion (surface) of a tyre. The drive unit is controlled by a control unit (ECU) which controls the movement of the driven roller (15) between the disengaged position and the engaged position and also controls the rotation (and direction) of the driven roller (15). The caravan mover (10) of the present invention includes an integral power supply such that the unit comprises a single integral system which is easily installed on the caravan and does not require the routing of cables from a remote power supply. The battery (30) comprises securement means in order to quickly and easily secure the battery (30) to the drive unit housing and, in particular, to the housing (20) of the motor (12). The securement of the battery (30) to the motor 6 also automatically and simultaneously aligns and connects terminals of the battery (30) to power receiving terminals of the motor (16). Such a quick and simply securement mechanism provides a battery (30) can be quickly and easily removed, for example, in order to be charged. Accordingly, the drive unit/caravan mover (10) (including the motor, roller, battery, control unit and mounting means) forms a single self-supporting component which is solely secured to the caravan/trailer at a single location by the mounting means.

Braking of a vehicle and a trailer can be balanced when regenerative braking of the vehicle is activated. The activation of regenerative braking of the vehicle can be detected. Responsive to detecting that regenerative braking of the vehicle is activated, one or more brakes of the trailer can be caused to be activated. Thus, the braking effectiveness of the vehicle and the braking effectiveness of the trailer can be substantially balanced. As a result, a possible push force from a trailer to the vehicle towing the trailer can be reduced, which, in turn, can help to avoid unwanted movements of the trailer (e.g., swaying or jackknifing).

A trailer truck is the combination of a truck and one or more trailers used to haul freight. A trailer attaches to the truck via a trailer coupling (hitch), with much of its weight borne by the truck. The result is that both the truck and the trailer will have a distinctly different design than a rigid truck and trailer. Exemplary vehicles are provided, such as heavy duty trucks having truck bodies with improved aerodynamic characteristics, including improved drag coefficients.

A controller for a trailer is disclosed. An example trailer controller assembly includes a force transducer that measures a force between a trailer and a towing vehicle connected to the trailer indicative of a difference in speeds between the trailer and the towing vehicle, and a controller communicatively coupled to the force transducer. The controller includes a brake controller that controls brakes of the trailer based on an input signal from the force sensor.

A mobile automobile service and charging Center 50 with a trailer opening to intake multiple vehicles simultaneously by using multiple walls extending to the exterior used to lift and transverse automobiles to the interior for service. Interior mechanisms are hydraulic, magnetic, and air pressure operated to further lift and modify the position of the vehicle in service. The interior includes multiple electric charging stations, an interactive maintenance display center, multiple automated sensing devices used to detect car type and diagnose malfunctions, internal/external part delivery portals, lounge, a restroom, conference room, and mechanic sanitation areas. In all configurations the mobile automobile service and charging Center is a powered double decker, solar power supplemented mobile trailer. When dispatched for diagnostic and maintenance the Center will externally to the trailer or internally lift automobiles to an appropriate height based on the best ergonomic position for the mechanic and transverse the vehicles in to the mobile Center based on sensor feedback and mechanic biometrics. The Center provides multiple options for service from below or above the automobile, with floors that lower and a roof that will open to allow for above automobile servicing. Telescopic and piston driven support chairs and platforms are internally deployed to allow mechanics an efficient ergonomic seating, standing, or lying position to provide service without discomfort. Contained within the mobile service center are sensors designed to diagnose, track automobile location and service history, track tools and to display technologies to facilitate high efficiency automobile service; such as alternator replacements, oil changes, battery charging, hose replacements, spark plug replacements and other diagnostic, service, and charging services. All data gathered by the interactive service Center is logged and analyzed by intelligent predicting software to provide customers with the best performance and service data for each Automobile that enters and exits the Center.

A mobile-charging power system including a mobile transportation unit including a housing and an axle; a battery assembly positioned within the housing; a power electronics module electrically coupled to the battery assembly; and an electro-mechanical generator electrically coupled to the power electronics module. The electro-mechanical generator is driven by the axle. The system further includes a solar power generator coupled to the housing. The solar power generator is electrically coupled to the power electronics module. The system further includes a controller electrically coupled to the battery assembly and the power electronics module; and a control panel electrically coupled to the power electronics module and the controller. The control panel includes a first electrical plug and a second electrical plug.

A mobile electronic vehicle (EV) charging station is provided. The charging station may include one or more charging bays for charging electric vehicles (EVs). The charging station includes a plurality of batteries within an interior compartment to supply power for charging the EVs. There is a power delivery subsystem to control supply of electrical power from the batteries to the charging bays. The charging station self-driving to move between a first position to a second position. In some cases, the charging station includes a drive subsystem that controls speed and/or steering based on wireless communications.