A plastics container of modular construction includes a first plastics segment and a second plastics segment. The first and second plastics segments are connected to one another by plastics welding. At least one of the first and second plastics segments has a paintable surface layer on an outer side thereof or is comprised of a paintable material.

A compartment for storing fuel in a vehicle having a protective outer structure and an inner structure. The protective outer structure is maintained in position relative to the vehicle during normal operation of the vehicle. The inner structure, which holds fuel, is positioned in the outer structure. The inner structure is maintained in position relative to the outer structure and relative to the vehicle during normal operation of the vehicle. During an impact to the vehicle, the inner structure is configured to move independent of the outer structure.

A compartment for storing fuel in a vehicle having a protective outer structure and an inner structure. The protective outer structure is maintained in position relative to the vehicle during normal operation of the vehicle. The inner structure, which holds fuel, is positioned in the outer structure. The inner structure is maintained in position relative to the outer structure and relative to the vehicle during normal operation of the vehicle. During an impact to the vehicle, the inner structure is configured to move independent of the outer structure.

A support for connecting the upper and lower surfaces inside a fuel tank includes a connecting column. Each of the upper and lower sides of the connecting column is provided with an end surface. The end surface is coated with plastic. The connecting column is provided with a notch, and the number of the connecting column is at least one. The connecting column is configured in an I-shape, an H-shape, an M-shape, a W-shape or other shapes. The shape of the notch is V-shaped, U-shaped, semicircular or irregular. The notch is provided on a left side or a right side of the connecting column or in a middle of the connecting column.

A gas fuel storage device for a vehicle is provided. The device more easily secures a gas fuel storage capacity and prevents interior marketability of the vehicle from deteriorating.

A compartment for storing an energy source in a vehicle having a protective outer structure and an inner structure. The protective outer structure is maintained in position relative to the vehicle during normal operation of the vehicle. The inner structure, which holds the energy source, is positioned in the outer structure. The inner structure is maintained in position relative to the outer structure and relative to the vehicle during normal operation of the vehicle. During an impact to the vehicle, the inner structure is configured to move independent of the outer structure.

A compartment for storing an energy source in a vehicle having a protective outer structure and an inner structure. The protective outer structure is maintained in position relative to the vehicle during normal operation of the vehicle. The inner structure, which holds the energy source, is positioned in the outer structure. The inner structure is maintained in position relative to the outer structure and relative to the vehicle during normal operation of the vehicle. During an impact to the vehicle, the inner structure is configured to move independent of the outer structure.

An internal support part structure for a plastic tank includes a support rod and end surface components disposed at two ends of the support rod. The support rod is made of a first material. An outer surface of the end surface component is covered by a second material. An outer edge of the end surface component has a regular or irregular shape. The structure resolves a problem that a second material wrapping a first material and connected to an inner wall of a plastic tank may be easily pulled off the inner wall. When a fuel tank is impacted, the support rod of the structure breaks first, to protect the surface of the fuel tank from damage.

Methods and systems are provided for aging a new plastic fuel tank in a vehicle. In one example, during a plug-in event to recharge a battery of the vehicle, the fuel tank is isolated and the fuel pump is actuated to agitate fuel within the tank and increase fuel vapors until the plastic fuel tank becomes aged to a predetermined degree by fuel vapors generated therein. In this manner, the fuel tank is aged more rapidly, resulting in more accurate fuel level readings and less noise and vibration.

Methods and systems are provided for aging a new plastic fuel tank in a vehicle. In one example, during a plug-in event to recharge a battery of the vehicle, the fuel tank is isolated and the fuel pump is actuated to agitate fuel within the tank and increase fuel vapors until the plastic fuel tank becomes aged to a predetermined degree by fuel vapors generated therein. In this manner, the fuel tank is aged more rapidly, resulting in more accurate fuel level readings and less noise and vibration.