A system and a vehicle are described. An illustrative system includes a vacuum chamber and one or more components of a motor. The one or more components of the motor may be provided in the vacuum chamber and may be configured to move in a partial or complete vacuum created within the vacuum chamber.

An electrified vehicle include a chassis, a front axle coupled to the chassis, a rear axle coupled to the chassis, an electric motor supported by the chassis, and a trailer coupled to a rear end of the chassis and configured to be towed by the electrified vehicle. The electric motor is configured to drive at least one of the front axle, the rear axle, or a component of the electrified vehicle. The trailer includes a trailer frame, a trailer axle coupled to the trailer frame, and an energy storage device supported by the trailer frame. The energy storage device includes a plurality of batteries. The energy storage device configured to power the electric motor.

An electrified vehicle include a chassis, a front axle coupled to the chassis, a rear axle coupled to the chassis, an electric motor supported by the chassis, and a trailer coupled to a rear end of the chassis and configured to be towed by the electrified vehicle. The electric motor is configured to drive at least one of the front axle, the rear axle, or a component of the electrified vehicle. The trailer includes a trailer frame, a trailer axle coupled to the trailer frame, and an energy storage device supported by the trailer frame. The energy storage device includes a plurality of batteries. The energy storage device configured to power the electric motor.

A structural component for a vehicle may include an extrusion that is extruded into a first state and then expanded into a second state. The extrusion in the first state has a reduced size relative to a desired final size. The extrusion in the first state is placed within a die that defines the desired final size. Pressurized water is distributed within internal cells of the extrusion in the first state such that the walls defining the internal cells are expanded into engagement with the surface of the die, thereby creating surface features or sealing interfaces with tight tolerances. The relative shape of the die and the extrusion in the first state defines an open space herebetween, into which the extrusion may expand to define the final shape. Some of the internal cells may be plugged such that they are not provided with pressurized water.

A battery pack is provided that includes battery cell magazines and a battery management system to control charging and discharging of the associated battery pack. The battery cell magazines may include a magazine housing and associated battery cells. The magazine housing may define a plurality of battery cell recesses to receive the battery cells. The battery management system may be configured to balance the state of charge of a battery stack of battery packs. Methods for balancing a state of charge of battery packs of a battery stack are also provided, as are systems for lifting a battery stack.

The present invention is an electric vehicle wherein the vehicle is powered by an internal generator rather than the traditional method of plugging in to charge the electric battery. The internal generator is made up of an alternator and a regulator which control the flow of electricity to the battery of the car. The battery of the car will only need to be charged once at the beginning of use or first time use of the vehicle and then will obtain power from the internal generator.

In an electrified vehicle, such as a battery electric vehicle, those with a hybrid powertrain, range extended electric vehicles, or hydrogen powered vehicles, integration of the battery may mean that space is very constrained. Typically this means that there is no feasible method to lift the battery to disengage it from the vehicle or to operate any engagement catches or locks etc. The disclosure provides a roller arrangement which has no translation or actuator requirements in order to allow the battery to have reduced frictional engagement with the battery compartment during installation or removal, and also to be well engaged with the battery compartment once installed. Rollers are provided which drop into recesses in the battery compartment at which point they are removed from load bearing engagement and thus, the recesses serve to locate the battery into the installed state in the compartment.

In an electrified vehicle, such as a battery electric vehicle, those with a hybrid powertrain, range extended electric vehicles, or hydrogen powered vehicles, integration of the battery may mean that space is very constrained. Typically this means that there is no feasible method to lift the battery to disengage it from the vehicle or to operate any engagement catches or locks etc. The disclosure provides a roller arrangement which has no translation or actuator requirements in order to allow the battery to have reduced frictional engagement with the battery compartment during installation or removal, and also to be well engaged with the battery compartment once installed. Rollers are provided which drop into recesses in the battery compartment at which point they are removed from load bearing engagement and thus, the recesses serve to locate the battery into the installed state in the compartment.

A vehicle body rear structure of an electric vehicle may include: a high-voltage device arranged in a rear portion of the electric vehicle, wherein the high-voltage device is included in an electric powertrain of the electric vehicle or is electrically connected to the electric powertrain, and the high-voltage device is operable on a voltage over AC 30 or DC 60 volts; a low-voltage device arranged rearward of the high-voltage device at a same height level as the high-voltage device, wherein the low-voltage device is operable at a voltage lower than AC 30 or DC 60 volts; and a crossmember passing between the high-voltage device and the low-voltage device.

Provided is electric power equipment that allows a battery to be installed and removed with ease. The electric power equipment (1) includes a main body (2) defining a battery receiving recess (40) having an open upper end, and a battery (20) configured to be received in the battery receiving recess, wherein an upper part of a front end part of the battery is provided with a projection (108) projecting in a forward direction, and a rear end part of the battery is provided with a grip, and wherein an upper edge of the front end part of the battery receiving recess is provided with a supporting surface (36) configured to support a lower surface of the projection at least when the battery is being removed from the battery receiving recess.