Embodiments are directed to establishing a direct electrical bond between a bonding connector of a contact plate and a battery cell in a battery module. In a first embodiment, an oscillating laser is used to weld the bonding connector to a battery cell terminal over a target area over which the bonding connector makes non-flush contact. In a second embodiment, the bonding connector is flattened to reduce a gap between the bonding connector and the target area on the battery cell terminal, and then laser-welded (e.g., using an oscillating or non-oscillating laser). In a third embodiment, at least one hold-down mechanism is applied over the bonding connector to secure the bonding connector to the battery cell terminal, after which the bonding connector is laser-welded to the battery cell terminal.

A modular battery system for use with a material handling vehicle, the modular battery system comprises a battery assembly and a counterweight assembly. The battery assembly can include a power source and a battery base, and the counterweight assembly can include a counterweight base configured to slidably receive the battery base and be removably secured thereto.

This application is directed to an apparatus for providing electrical charge to a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a driven mass, a generator, a charger, a hardware controller, and a communication circuit. The driven mass rotates in response to a kinetic energy of the vehicle and is coupled to a shaft such that rotation of the driven mass causes the shaft to rotate. The driven mass exists in one of (1) an extended position and (2) a retracted position. The generator generates an electrical output based on a mechanical input coupled to the shaft such that rotation of the shaft causes the mechanical input to rotate. The charger is electrically coupled to the generator and: receives the electrical output, generates a charge output based on the electrical output, and conveys the charge output to the vehicle. The controller controls whether the driven mass is in the extended position or the retracted position in response to a signal received from the communication circuit.

This application is directed to an apparatus for providing electrical charge to a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a driven mass, a generator, a charger, a hardware controller, and a communication circuit. The driven mass rotates in response to a kinetic energy of the vehicle and is coupled to a shaft such that rotation of the driven mass causes the shaft to rotate. The driven mass exists in one of (1) an extended position and (2) a retracted position. The generator generates an electrical output based on a mechanical input coupled to the shaft such that rotation of the shaft causes the mechanical input to rotate. The charger is electrically coupled to the generator and: receives the electrical output, generates a charge output based on the electrical output, and conveys the charge output to the vehicle. The controller controls whether the driven mass is in the extended position or the retracted position in response to a signal received from the communication circuit.

This application is directed to an apparatus for providing electrical charge to a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a driven mass, a generator, a charger, a hardware controller, and a communication circuit. The driven mass rotates in response to a kinetic energy of the vehicle and is coupled to a shaft such that rotation of the driven mass causes the shaft to rotate. The driven mass exists in one of (1) an extended position and (2) a retracted position. The generator generates an electrical output based on a mechanical input coupled to the shaft such that rotation of the shaft causes the mechanical input to rotate. The charger is electrically coupled to the generator and: receives the electrical output, generates a charge output based on the electrical output, and conveys the charge output to the vehicle. The controller controls whether the driven mass is in the extended position or the retracted position in response to a signal received from the communication circuit.

This application is directed to an apparatus for providing electrical charge to a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a driven mass, a generator, a charger, a hardware controller, and a communication circuit. The driven mass rotates in response to a kinetic energy of the vehicle and is coupled to a shaft such that rotation of the driven mass causes the shaft to rotate. The driven mass exists in one of (1) an extended position and (2) a retracted position. The generator generates an electrical output based on a mechanical input coupled to the shaft such that rotation of the shaft causes the mechanical input to rotate. The charger is electrically coupled to the generator and: receives the electrical output, generates a charge output based on the electrical output, and conveys the charge output to the vehicle. The controller controls whether the driven mass is in the extended position or the retracted position in response to a signal received from the communication circuit.

This application is directed to an apparatus for providing electrical charge to a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a driven mass configured to rotate in response to a kinetic energy of the vehicle, the driven mass coupled to a shaft, where rotation of the driven mass causes the shaft to rotate. The apparatus further comprises a hardware controller. The hardware controller identifies output power parameters for the vehicle and generate a control signal based on the identified output power parameters for the vehicle. The apparatus also comprises a generator that generates an electrical output based on a mechanical input and a conditioning circuit electrically coupled to the generator. The conditioning circuit receives the electrical output from the generator and the control signal from the hardware controller, generates a charge output based on the electrical output and the control signal, and conveys the charge output to the vehicle.

An energy store tank assembly includes a tank adapted for mounting to a frame of a tractor-trailer vehicle by a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is coupled to the frame, and the mounting bracket extends around, and in contact with, a circumference of the tank to secure the tank to the frame. The energy store tank assembly further includes an energy store disposed within the tank, the energy store configured to supply electrical power to the tractor-trailer vehicle in a first mode of operation and further configured to receive energy from the tractor-trailer vehicle in a second mode of operation. In some embodiments, the tank includes an electrical interface through which the energy store supplies the electrical power to the tractor-trailer vehicle in the first mode of operation and through which the energy store receives energy from the tractor-trailer vehicle in the second mode of operation.

A system is provided to prevent the burning of a vehicle or human injury caused by a fire spread from a battery to a vehicle in the event of a fire in the battery. The battery release system includes a controller that outputs a control signal to release a battery pack from a vehicle to separate the battery pack therefrom when the controller determines that a fire occurs in the battery pack. A mounting structure is rotatably mounted to a body frame and supports the battery pack. A locking device is mounted to the body frame and the locking device locks the mounting structure supporting the battery pack to the body frame, and releases the locked state of the mounting structure in response to the control signal of the controller.

The exemplified systems and methods provide fixed and exchangeable energy storage and delivery system in an electrified vehicle architecture with multi-mode controls. The exchangeable energy storage are configured to be optional and ultra-portable. The integration of fixed and exchangeable energy storage provides a vehicle configuration that is further optimized for size, weight, and convenience.