A locking apparatus for covering and releasing a charging interface of a motor vehicle. The locking apparatus comprises a cover element, which is pivotable relative to the charging interface and which can be displaced between a closed position and an open position. The locking apparatus is equipped with a flexible connection element, which is rigidly connected to the cover element at one upper end region of the cover element in the direction of the vehicle along the transverse extent of the cover element. The cover element is at the same time permanently and in every position coupled by the connection element for protecting the charging interface with a part that is stationary relative to the charging interface.

The present invention relates to a vehicle having an electrically operated drive motor, having a battery for the energy supply of the drive motor, the battery being secured by a battery lock in a battery compartment of the vehicle and being removable from the battery compartment after unlocking the battery lock, and having a control unit for the battery lock.

A storage and charging system for a motor vehicle includes a drawer assembly front portion comprising a portion of the front grille. The drawer assembly is movable between open and closed positions by an actuator and provides a storage space that may be used for a charging cable. An electrical connection is disposed within the drawer assembly and provides an electrical coupling between a charging cable and a battery of the motor vehicle.

A cable management assembly configured for selective attachment to an electrified vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a cable management structure, and an electromagnet configured to be selectively activated to attach the cable management structure to an exterior of the electrified vehicle. A theft prevention feature and a method are also disclosed.

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 two-way distribution, charging, and vending system permits a subscriber to exchange one or more partially or completely discharged portable electric energy storage devices for a comparable number of charged portable electric energy storage devices. The two-way distribution, charging, and vending system includes a number of charging modules, each with a dedicated power converter, communicably coupled to at least one two-way distribution system controller and to a power distribution grid. Upon receipt of a discharged portable electric energy storage device, the at least one two-way distribution system controller validates a manufacturer identifier and a subscriber identifier stored in a nontransitory storage media carried by the discharged portable electric energy storage device. Responsive to a successful authentication and validation, the at least one two-way distribution system controller dispenses a charged portable electric energy storage device to the subscriber.

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.

A method for communicating between an electric vehicle and a charging station for electrically charging at least one energy storage device of the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle is connected to the charging station during the charging process by a lockable mechanical coupling between a terminal of charging cable connected to the vehicle and a terminal of the charging station. Charging current is fed from the charging station through the charging cable. Information is transferred in the course of the charging process based on a communication between the electric vehicle and the charging station. The information includes a signal transmitted from the electric vehicle to the charging station for locking and/or unlocking the mechanical coupling. The signal triggers the locking and/or unlocking of the mechanical coupling between the terminal of the charging cable and the terminal at the charging station.

A rechargeable battery pack (20) for an electric or hybrid vehicle (1), comprising: at least one electric connection member (23) to a powertrain unit (5) of the electric or hybrid vehicle (1); a plurality of mutually electrically connected cells (30); at least one first circuit block (40) integrated in the rechargeable battery pack (20) and comprising a radio communication interface (45).