A system includes a remote control device that is useable by an operator interacting with a materials handling vehicle. The remote control device includes a wireless communication system including a wireless transmitter and a rechargeable power source. The system further comprises: a receiver at the vehicle for receiving transmissions from the wireless transmitter; a controller at the vehicle that is communicably coupled to the receiver, the controller being responsive to receipt of transmissions from the remote control device; and a charging station at the vehicle, the charging station for charging the rechargeable power source of the remote control device.

An electrical power distribution module for a vehicle. The electrical power distribution module provided with an upper module and a lower module. The upper module provided with circuit boards for various vehicle components and a temperature control system. The lower module provided with a plurality of isolated busbars, isolated from the surrounding structure. Each isolated busbar is one of a positive busbar, a negative busbar, and a ground busbar. The plurality of isolated busbars are arranged on opposite sides of the lower module and are arranged in an alternating fashion based on polarity. The plurality of isolated busbars are electrically connected to the circuit boards. The plurality of electrical connectors are spaced apart from each other and are configured to provide power and ground connections for the vehicle components. The plurality of isolated busbars are configured to carry different voltages.

A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, battery, electric machine, and controller. The engine is configured to propel the vehicle. The electric machine is configured to draw energy from the battery to propel the vehicle and to recharge the battery during regenerative braking. The controller is programmed to, in response to operation of the electric machine to propel the vehicle while the vehicle is in a nominal vehicle operation mode and depletion of a battery charge to a nominal value, terminate operation of the electric machine and propel the vehicle via the engine. The controller further is programmed to, in response to operation of the electric machine to propel the vehicle while the vehicle is in a reserve vehicle operation mode and depletion of the battery charge to a reserve value that is greater than the nominal value, terminate operation of the electric machine and propel the vehicle via the engine.

A system and method for operation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck is provided. A processor facilitates autonomous movement of the AV yard truck, and connection to and disconnection from trailers. A plurality of sensors are interconnected with the processor that sense terrain/objects and assist in automatically connecting/disconnecting trailers. A server, interconnected, wirelessly with the processor, that tracks movement of the truck around and determines locations for trailer connection and disconnection. A door station unlatches/opens rear doors of the trailer when adjacent thereto, securing them in an opened position via clamps, etc. The system computes a height of the trailer, and/or if landing gear of the trailer is on the ground and interoperates with the fifth wheel to change height, and whether docking is safe, allowing a user to take manual control, and optimum charge time(s). Reversing sensors/safety, automated chocking, and intermodal container organization are also provided.

A battery network management system (1) for swappable batteries (5) used in vehicles (9), the system (1) comprising: at least one swappable battery (5) to discharge electrical power to drive a vehicle (9); and a charging station (3) to receive the swappable battery (5). The charging station (3) charges the swappable battery (5) based on a first condition that the swappable battery (5) is authenticated by an authentication system (7); and a first code (8) is associated with the swappable battery (5) to attest the swappable battery (5) was charged by the charging station (3) based on the first condition. The at least one swappable battery (5) discharges electrical power to drive a vehicle (9) based on a second condition that: the swappable battery (5) is received in the vehicle (9) that is authenticated by the authentication system (7); and the authentication system (7) authenticates the first code (8).

A remote control device that is paired with a first vehicle, such that the remote control device wirelessly communicates with the first vehicle, is paired with a second vehicle via a pairing process. The pairing process is initiated by physically contacting a component of the remote control device with an element of the second vehicle. The pairing process also unpairs the remote control device from the first vehicle, such that the remote control device no longer wirelessly communicates with the first vehicle, and the remote control device wirelessly communicates with the second 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 trailer, a tractor-trailer configuration, 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.

An articulated vehicle having at least two vehicle parts which are connected to and articulated relative to each other is provided. The vehicle includes a front vehicle part and at least one rear vehicle part arranged behind the front vehicle part with respect to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The front vehicle part has a first drive unit including at least an electric motor and a first energy storage system; and at least one rear vehicle part has a drive unit including at least an electric motor and an energy storage system. Each rear vehicle part includes an individual electrical system that is galvanically isolated from the front vehicle part and from each other at least under normal driving conditions.

A moving body includes: a first body including at least one wheel, an electric motor and a first secondary battery; and a second body attachable to and detachable from the first body and including an electric power load and a second secondary battery. When the second body is mounted on the first body, at least one of the second secondary battery and the first secondary battery is allowed to be charged in a charging mode including at least one of a first charging mode and a second charging mode. In the first charging mode, the second secondary battery is charged using electric power output from the first secondary battery. In the second charging mode, the first secondary battery is charged using electric power output from the second secondary battery.

A vehicle charging system comprises a plurality of retractable conductor bars in a housing of a vehicle. The plurality of conductor bars includes a positive conductor bar and a negative conductor bar. Individual conductor bars of the plurality are electrically isolated from one another. The vehicle charging system further comprises a charging system having a receiver mounted on a support structure. The receiver comprises a plurality of electrical contact members in electrical communication with a power source. The receiver is configured to bring individual conductor bars of the plurality in contact with the electrical contact members for charging an energy storage device of the vehicle.