Apparatuses, systems, kits, methods and storage medium associated with using different electrical energy source types with an electric vehicle are disclosed herein.

A method for docking an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a wireless communications system. The method includes coupling the UAV to a docking device that is configured to provide power and data communication to the UAV via a physical interface. The method further includes receiving, at a docking device controller, an identity of the UAV, and determining, based on the received identity of the UAV, an organization associated with the UAV. The method also includes accessing, via the docking device controller, a collaborative operating profile associated with the determined organization and the identity of the UAV. The method further includes providing access to one or more resources associated with the docking station based on the collaborative operating profile.

This disclosure relates to an electrified vehicle with an auxiliary battery rack, which has a collapsible frame, and a corresponding method. In particular, the auxiliary battery rack is located at least partially within a storage compartment of the electrified vehicle. The auxiliary battery rack includes a frame configurable in a support position and a collapsed position in which the frame occupies less volume in the storage compartment than when in the support position.

Methods of protecting an electrically motorized human-powered vehicle are disclosed. A method may include transmitting, from a remote server, a security input relating to a user of the vehicle; receiving, at the electrically motorized human-powered vehicle the security input relating to the user; validating the security input; and enabling one of a first or second set of features based on the security input, wherein the second set of features is different from the first set of features and wherein one of set of features includes a service mode that enables maintenance access to the vehicle.

An update providing apparatus of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a communication circuit that communicates wirelessly with a server, a battery, and a control circuit. The control circuit is electrically connected to the communication circuit and the battery and obtains update data associated with a target controller mounted within the vehicle, from the server. Accordingly, the control circuit calculates an estimated remaining amount upon completing an update, based on an estimated required time of the update, an estimated required time of a roll-back, and a current remaining amount of the battery and performs the update on the target controller, when the estimated remaining amount satisfies a particular condition.

A drive for a wheeled vehicle having a driven wheel is described. The driven wheel is driven by a gear. The drive includes a support mounted on an axle of the driven wheel and attached to a frame element of the vehicle. A motor is located at the driven wheel. This drive motor is mounted on the support. A second drive gear connected to the drive motor. The second drive gear is also mounted on the support. The second drive gear engages the gear fixed to the driven wheel.

The present disclosure is directed to autonomous vehicle platforms and autonomous vehicles including such platforms. For example, an autonomous vehicle can include a bisymmetrical platform including a first portion, a second portion, a third portion and a fourth portion that collectively provide a supporting structure for the autonomous vehicle and that respectively comprise a wheel mounting frame configured for location of a wheel assembly. A body including front and rear sides and first and second lateral sides can be positioned on top of the bisymmetrical platform configured to receive passengers for transport. The autonomous vehicle can also include a plurality of wheel assemblies configured for secure positioning relative to each wheel mounting frame within the bisymmetrical platform and a powertrain configured to power the plurality of wheel assemblies for operation of the autonomous vehicle to travel in either a forward direction or a rear direction.

The invention concerns a multipurpose charging system suitable for supplying charging power to an electricity-powered vehicle. The charging system comprises a plurality of spaced apart fixtures, where each fixture comprises a power inlet for receiving electrical energy. At least one of the fixtures is an EVSE fixture comprising a control device system comprising an EVSE control device and an EV plug, where the EVSE control device is configured to charge, via the EV plug, a rechargeable battery powering the electricity-powered vehicle. The energy transfer from the EV plug to the battery may take place via a charging cable. The charging system further comprises a primary power source arranged outside the fixtures for supplying electric energy (PS) to the power inlet of each of the fixtures, one or more second electric loads arranged at least partly within at least one of the fixtures and a solid state transformer system arranged within the at least one EVSE fixture. The solid state transformer system comprises at least an EVSE solid state transformer having a primary side being electrically connectable to the primary power source for receiving electric energy at a voltage level V.sub.PS and a secondary side providing electric energy at a voltage level V.sub.EVSE, the secondary side being electrically connectable to the EVSE control device, either directly or indirectly.

A low-floor electric bus includes a plurality of battery packs mounted under the floor of such that the floor inside the bus between a front axle and a rear axle of the bus is substantially flat. Each battery pack may include an enclosure and multiple battery modules positioned within the enclosure. And, each battery module may include a plurality of battery cells electrically connected together.

Embodiments discussed herein refer to electric vehicle charging ports having integrated contactless communication units (CCUs). The electric vehicle charging ports include male and female connector assemblies that can be coupled together in a manner that enables consistent and reliable operation of contactless communications and power transfer. The connector integrates power and alignment such that when two connector assemblies are coupled together, power connections are made in combination with establishing contactless communications links between counterpart CCUs in both connector assemblies. The fixed alignment of the connector assemblies ensures that contactless communication channels, spanning between the connector assemblies, are aligned to enable consistent and reliable operation of contactless communications. The CCUs, which conduct contactless communications, may be integrated in the connector assemblies at fixed positions that enable CCUs of one connector assembly to be aligned with CCUs of another connector assembly when they are coupled together.