ELECTRIC VEHICLE

Abstract

Disclosed is an electric vehicle including: a cockpit containing a first seat having a seating surface for receiving an occupant; and a battery having a first side part disposed on a first side of the first seat, a second side part disposed on a second, opposite side of the first seat, and an intermediate part located between the first and second side parts, each of the first side, second side and intermediate parts having a plurality of battery cells; wherein at least part of the seating surface is lower than an uppermost surface of the battery. For example, the battery may have a U shape, such that it fits around the seat. Fitting the battery around the seat in this manner enables the vehicle size to be reduced, and improves handling of the vehicle. The reduced dimensions of the vehicle further contributes to an improved energy efficiency of the vehicle.

Claims

1. An electric vehicle comprising: a cockpit containing a first seat, the first seat including a seating surface for receiving an occupant of the vehicle; and a battery comprising a housing, the housing comprising: a first side portion that extends along a first side of the first seat, and in which a first side part of the battery is disposed; a second side portion that extends along a second, opposite side of the first seat, and in which a second side part of the battery is disposed; and a connecting portion that connects the first and second side portions, and in which an intermediate part of the battery is located, wherein each of the first side part, second side part and intermediate part comprising a plurality of battery cells; and wherein at least part of the seating surface is lower than an uppermost surface of the battery.

2. An electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a height of the intermediate part is smaller than a height of the first side part and the second side part.

3. An electric vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the height of the intermediate part is less than 70% of the height of the first side part and the second side part.

4. An electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate part comprises a front intermediate part disposed towards a front of the first seat.

5. An electric vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the front intermediate part is located under a front portion of the seating surface of the first seat.

6. An electric vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the front intermediate part is located under a floor of the cockpit.

7. An electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate part comprises a back intermediate part located behind a back of the first seat.

8. An electric vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the cockpit contains a second seat located behind the first seat, and wherein the back intermediate part is located between the first seat and the second seat.

9. An electric vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the intermediate part further includes a rear intermediate part disposed behind a back of the second seat.

10. An electric vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the first side part extends along the first side of the first seat and a first side of the second seat, and the second side part extends along the second side of the first seat and a second side of the second seat, the second side of the second seat being opposite to the first side of the second seat.

11. An electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate part comprises a protruding part that extends in a longitudinal direction away from the first seat.

12. An electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the uppermost surface of the battery is higher than an H-point of the first seat.

13. An electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a width of the first side part increases away from the intermediate part, and/or a width of the second side part increases away from the intermediate part.

14. (canceled)

15. An electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the battery further comprises: a first barrier located between the first side portion and the connecting portion, wherein the first barrier is configured to restrict fire propagation between the first side portion and the connecting portion, and/or a second barrier located between the second side portion and the connecting portion, wherein the second barrier is configured to restrict fire propagation between the second side portion and the connecting portion.

16. An electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein one or more flow paths for a coolant are defined within the housing, such that the one or more flow paths extend through at least part of the first side portion, the connecting portion, and the second side portion.

17. An electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a first terminal of the battery is located at the first side part, and wherein a second terminal of the battery is located at the second side part.

18. An electric vehicle according to claim 17, wherein the first terminal is located at an end region of the first side portion and the second terminal is located at an end region of the second side portion, wherein the end region of the first side portion is located at an end of the first side portion that is opposite to an end of the first side portion which is connected to the connecting portion, and wherein the end region of the second side portion is located at an end of the second side portion that is opposite to an end of the second side portion which is connected to the connecting portion.

19. An electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the battery further comprises: a plurality of battery modules disposed in each of the first side part, second side part and intermediate part, each battery module comprising a respective subset of battery cells; a plurality of module monitoring units disposed in each of the first side part, second side part and intermediate part and arranged to control the plurality of battery modules; and a battery control unit, the battery control unit being connected to at least a first one of the module monitoring units that is disposed in the first side part and a second one of the module monitoring units that is disposed in the second side part.

20. An electric vehicle according to claim 19, wherein the battery control unit is located between the first side part and the second side part.

21. An electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the first side part comprises a first side impact absorbing structure, and/or the second side part comprises a second side impact absorbing structure.

22. A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a first sidewall of the cockpit is disposed between the first seat and the first side part, and a second sidewall of the cockpit is disposed between the first seat and the second side part.

23. A vehicle according to claim 22, wherein: the vehicle comprises an external body, the cockpit being disposed inside the external body; the first side part is disposed within a first compartment defined between the first sidewall and the external body; and the second side part is disposed within a second compartment defined between the second sidewall and the external body.

24. A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: the vehicle comprises an external body, the cockpit being disposed inside the external body; the first side part is disposed in a first compartment defined on an outside of the external body; and the second side part is disposed in a second compartment defined on the outside of the external body.

25. A battery for an electric vehicle, the battery comprising: a housing comprising a first side portion configured to extend along a first side of a first seat of the vehicle, a second side portion configured to extend along a second, opposite, side of the first seat, and a connecting portion that connects the first and second side portions; and a plurality of battery cells disposed in the housing and arranged in each of the first side portion, second side portion and connecting portion of the housing.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0088] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0089] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional front view of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0090] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a seat and battery arrangement of the vehicle of FIG. 1;

[0091] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a battery according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0092] FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of a battery according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0093] FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of a battery according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0094] FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of a battery according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0095] FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of a battery according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0096] FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of a battery according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0097] FIGS. 9a and 9b are schematic cross-sectional top views of a battery according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION: FURTHER OPTIONAL FEATURES

[0098] FIG. 1 shows a schematic front cross-sectional view of part of an electric vehicle 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle 100 is a road car, and may include four wheels that are coupled to a chassis of the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 comprises a cockpit 102 in which a single seat 104 is located, the seat 104 being configured to receive an occupant of the vehicle 100. In particular, the seat 104 includes a seating surface 106, a seat back 108 and a headrest 110. Thus, the cockpit 102 is designed to receive only a single occupant, namely the driver of the vehicle 100 (or a passenger in a case where the vehicle 100 is self-driving). In addition to the seat 104, the cockpit 102 contains any controls and displays necessary for controlling the vehicle 100, e.g. steering wheel, accelerator pedal, brake pedal, dashboard.

[0099] The cockpit 102 is housed within an external body 112 of the vehicle 100, the external body 112 serving to define an outer surface of the vehicle 100. The cockpit 102 may be defined at least in part by a monocoque disposed within the external body 112 of the vehicle 100. In particular, a floor and sides of the cockpit 102 may be defined by the monocoque. The monocoque may be a shell-like structure which is integrally formed (e.g. moulded) as a single part. The monocoque may, for example, be made of a carbon fibre material. The external body 112 may be formed around the monocoque, and may comprise a similar material to the monocoque, as well as other materials such as plastics, composite materials such as reinforced polymers (e.g. carbon fibre reinforced polymers), metals (e.g. aluminium, steel), or any other suitable materials. In some cases, the external body 112 and the monocoque defining the cockpit 102 and a chassis of the vehicle 100, may be integrally formed as a single structure. The vehicle 100 further includes a battery 114 which is arranged around the seat 104.

[0100] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the seat 104 and the battery 114 arranged around it, where the surrounding cockpit 102 and external body 112 have been omitted for illustration purposes. FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the battery 114 on its own. The battery 114 has a U shape (or horseshoe-like shape), such that it fits around the seat 104. In particular, the battery 114 includes a single housing which is shaped to fit around the seat 104, and in which components of the battery 114 are arranged. The housing of the battery 114 includes a first side portion 116 that extends along a left-hand side of the seat 104, a second side portion 118 that extends along a right-hand side of the seat 104, and a connecting portion 120 that is disposed at front ends of the first and second side portions 116, 118 and connects the first and second side portions 116, 118. Thus, the connecting portion 120 is arranged towards a front of the seat 104. The position of the connecting portion 120 is indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 1. A first part of the battery including a first plurality of battery cells is disposed within the first side portion 116, a second part of the battery including a second plurality of battery cells is disposed within the second side portion 118, and a third part of the battery including a third plurality of battery cells is disposed within the connecting portion 120. An example of the internal structure of the battery 114 is discussed in more detail below in relation to FIGS. 9a and 9b.

[0101] The battery 114 is configured to power an electric motor (not shown) in the vehicle 100, for driving wheels of the vehicle 100, e.g. for applying a torque to wheels of the vehicle 100. The battery 114 may be connected to the electric motor via any suitable electrical components, such as an inverter and control unit. The vehicle 100 may either be a front-wheel, rear-wheel, or four-wheel drive vehicle. In the last case, the vehicle 100 may include two electric motors (e.g. one for driving front wheels and one for driving rear wheels of the vehicle 100), in which case the battery 114 may be configured to power both electric motors. In further cases a respective electric motor may be provided in order to power each wheel independently, in which case the battery 114 may be configured to power each electric motor. This may enable the use of torque vectoring, in order to improve swerving performance of the vehicle 100.

[0102] The seat 104 is arranged such that its seating surface 106 is lower than an uppermost surface of the battery 114. In the example shown, the uppermost surface of the battery 114 corresponds to an upper surface 122 of the first and second side portions 116, 118 of the housing. The seat 104 is mounted on a floor 124 of the cockpit 102, in order to minimise its height in the vehicle 100 and reduce a height of a centre of mass of the vehicle 100. As shown in FIG. 1, no part of the battery 114 is located under at least part of the seating surface 106. In particular, no part of the battery 114 is located under a rear portion of the seating surface 106 located towards the seat back 108.

[0103] The connecting portion 120 of the housing extends under a front portion 126 of the seating surface 106. To facilitate locating the connecting portion 120 under the front portion 126 of the seating surface 106, a height of the connecting portion 120 is reduced compared to the first and second side portions 116, 118. Thus, the intermediate part of the battery located in the connecting portion 120 may have a smaller height than the first and second side parts of the battery located in the first and second side portions 116, 118. Furthermore, as can be seen in FIG. 2, the seating surface 106 is angled such that the rear portion of the seating surface 106 is lower than the front portion 126 of the seating surface 106. In this manner, the connecting portion 120 may extend under the front portion 126 of the seating surface 106 without increasing a height of the seat 104 in the vehicle 100. Moreover, the angled seating surface 106 may result in a comfortable reclined sitting position for an occupant of the seat 104.

[0104] Example dimensions of the battery 114 are now provided with reference to FIG. 3. A length 128 of the first and second side portions 116, 118 in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle 100 may correspond approximately to a length of the seat 104. For example, the length 128 of the first and second side portions 116, 118 may be between about 700 mm and 1000 mm, e.g. approximately 880 mm. A height 130 in a vertical direction of the first and second side portions 116, 118 may be increased in order to increase an energy storage capacity of the battery 114, as long as the height 130 of the first and second side portions 116, 118 does not overly restrict a visibility of an occupant of the seat 104 and/or access to the cockpit 102. For example, the height 130 of the first and second side portions 116, 118 may be between about 300 mm and 450 mm, e.g. approximately 360 mm. A width of the first and second side portions 116, 118 in a lateral direction of the vehicle 100 increases away from the connection portion 120. In particular, each of the first and second side portions 116, 118 includes a front portion having a first width, and a rear portion having a second, larger width. This is to conform a shape of the first and second side portions 116, 118 to an external shape of the vehicle 100, which may increase in width towards its middle. A maximum width 132 of the first and second side portions 116, 118 may be between about 300 mm to 450 mm, e.g. about 370 mm.

[0105] A distance 134 between the first and second side portions 116, 118 may correspond approximately to a width of the seat 104. For example the distance 134 between the first and second side portions 116, 118 may be between about 550 mm and 850 mm, e.g. about 700 mm. A width 136 of the connecting portion 120 in the lateral direction may correspond to at least the width of the seat 104. For example, the width 136 of the connecting portion 120 may be between about 550 mm to 850 mm, e.g. approximately 720 mm. A height 138 of the connecting portion 120 in the vertical direction may be less than 70% of the height of the first and second side portions 116, 118, e.g. to facilitate fitting in under the front portion 126 of the seating surface 106. For example, the height 138 of the connecting portion 120 may be between about 100 mm to 200 mm, e.g. approximately 150 mm. A length 140 of the connecting portion 120 in the longitudinal direction may be between about 450 mm to 650 mm, e.g. about 550 mm. As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the connecting portion 120 protrudes in the longitudinal direction beyond the front ends of the first and second side portions 116, 118.

[0106] Returning to FIG. 1, the first side portion 116 of the battery housing is located within a first compartment 142 which is defined between a left-hand sidewall 144 of the cockpit 102 and the external body 112. In particular, as shown in FIG. 1, the external body 112 extends around part of the first side portion 116, to form a compartment with the left-hand sidewall 144 around the first portion 116. In this manner, the first side portion 116 (and hence the first side part of the battery 114 located therein) is separated from the inside of the cockpit 102, whilst being protected. The first compartment 142 may be sealed, in order to further protect the first side portion 116. Likewise, the second side portion 118 of the battery housing is located within a second compartment 146 which is defined between a right-hand sidewall 148 of the cockpit 102 and the external body 112. In particular, as shown in FIG. 1, the external body 112 extends around part of the second side portion 118, to form a compartment with the right-hand sidewall 148 around the second portion 118. In this manner, the second side portion 118 (and hence the second side part of the battery 114 located therein) is separated from the inside of the cockpit 102, whilst being protected. The second compartment 146 may be sealed, in order to further protect the second side portion 118.

[0107] As mentioned above, the connecting portion 120 is disposed under the front portion 126 of the seating surface 106. Additionally, the floor 124 of the cockpit 102 extends over the connecting portion 120, such that the connecting portion 120 (and thus the intermediate part of the battery 114 located therein) is separated from the inside of the cockpit 102 by the floor 124.

[0108] The connecting portion 120 is located in a compartment (or space) which is defined between the floor 124 of the cockpit 102 and an under-surface 150 of the vehicle 100 (the under-surface 150 of the vehicle 100 is shown in FIG. 1). The floor 124 has a shape which is complementary to a shape of an underside of the seat 104, as well as to a shape of the connecting portion 120 of the housing. In this manner, a space taken up by the connecting portion 120 under the front portion 126 of the seating surface 106 may be maximised, to increase an energy storage capacity of the battery 114. As shown in FIG. 1, the under-surface 150 of the vehicle 100 and is not flat. In particular, a portion of the under-surface 150 over which the seat 104 is mounted is lower (i.e. closer to the ground) compared to portions of the under-surface 150 over which the first and second side portions 116, 118 of the battery housing are located. The portion of the under-surface 150 over which the seat 104 is mounted comprises a recess (or cavity), with a corresponding recess (or cavity) being formed in the floor 124 of the cockpit 102. The seat 104 is mounted in the recess in the floor 124 of the cockpit 102, such that it is mounted lower in the vehicle 100 compared to the battery 114.

[0109] FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 illustrate different shapes of batteries according to embodiments of the invention. FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 show schematic top views of batteries 500, 600 and 700, respectively. Each of batteries 500, 600 and 700 is designed to be used in an electric vehicle, and is shaped to fit around a seat of the electric vehicle. In particular, each of batteries 500, 600 and 700 may be used in a single-seat electric vehicle.

[0110] The battery 500 comprises an outer housing 502, including a first side portion 504 which is configured to extend along a first side of the seat of the vehicle, a second side portion 506 which is configured to extend along a second, opposite side of the seat, and a connecting portion 508 which extends between ends of the first and second side portions 504, 506 to connect them together. The first side portion 504 and the second side portion 506 are approximately parallel, and spaced apart so as to define a space between them for the seat of the vehicle. In particular, the first side portion 504 and the second side portion 506 may be spaced by a distance corresponding approximately to a width of the seat of the vehicle. A first part of the battery 500 including a first plurality of battery cells is arranged within the first side portion 504 of the housing 502, a second part of the battery 500 including a second plurality of battery cells is arranged within the second side portion 506 of the housing 502, and an intermediate part of the battery 500 including a third plurality of battery cells is arranged within the connecting portion 508.

[0111] In some embodiments, the connecting portion 508 may be configured to be disposed towards a front of the seat of the vehicle, in which case the first side portion 504 may be configured to extend along a left-hand side of the seat and the second side portion 506 may be configured to extend along a right-hand side of the seat. Thus, the battery 500 may be arranged around the seat in a similar manner to the battery 114 with respect to the seat 104 discussed above. Alternatively, the connecting portion 508 may be configured to be disposed behind a back of the seat of the vehicle, in which case the first side portion 504 may be configured to extend along a right-hand side of the seat and the second side portion 506 may be configured to extend along a left-hand side of the seat.

[0112] The battery 600 similarly comprises an outer housing 602, including a first side portion 604 which is configured to extend along a left-hand side of the seat of the vehicle, and a second side portion 606 which is configured to extend along a right-hand side of the seat. Additionally, the housing 602 includes a front connecting portion 608 which is connected between front ends of the first and second portions 604, 606, and a back connecting portion 610 which is connected between back ends of the first and second portions 604, 606. The front connecting portion 608 is configured to be disposed towards a front of the seat, whilst the back connecting portion 610 is configured to be disposed behind a back of the seat. The first side portion 604 and the second side portion 606 are spaced apart and approximately parallel to one another. Similarly, the front connecting portion 608 and the back connecting portion 610 are spaced apart and approximately parallel. A space is defined between the first and second portions 604, 606 and the front and back connecting portions 608, 610, in which the seat may be located. Thus, the battery 600 may form a loop around the seat. A first part of the battery 600 including a first plurality of battery cells is arranged within the first side portion 604 of the housing 602, a second part of the battery 600 including a second plurality of battery cells is arranged within the second side portion 606 of the housing 602, a front intermediate part of the battery 600 including a third plurality of battery cells is arranged within the front connecting portion 608, and a back intermediate part of the battery 600 including a fourth plurality of battery cells is arranged within the back connecting portion 610.

[0113] The battery 700 has a similar shape and arrangement to the battery 500 discussed above. For convenience, features of the battery 700 corresponding to those of battery 500 are labelled in FIG. 6 with the same reference numerals as in FIG. 4, and are not described again. However, the connecting portion 508 of the housing 502 further includes a protruding portion 702 which extends in a longitudinal direction away from the first and second side portions 504, 506. Correspondingly, the intermediate part of the battery 700 located inside the connecting portion 508 of the housing 502 may include a protruding part located in the protruding portion 702 of the housing. As an example, where the connecting portion 508 is arranged towards a front of the seat of the vehicle, the protruding portion 702 is arranged to extend from the connecting portion 508 in a forward direction of the vehicle. For instance, the protruding portion 702 may extend under a floor of a cockpit of the vehicle.

[0114] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate different shapes of batteries according to embodiments of the invention. FIGS. 8 and 9 show schematic top views of batteries 800 and 900, respectively. Each of batteries 800 and 900 is designed to be used in an electric vehicle, and is shaped to fit around seats of the electric vehicle. In particular, each of batteries 800 and 900 may be used in an electric vehicle comprising a first seat and a second seat located behind the first seat.

[0115] The battery 800 comprises an outer housing 802, including a first side portion 804 which is configured to extend along a left-hand side of the first and second seats of the vehicle, a second side portion 806 which is configured to extend along a right-hand side of the first and second seats, and a connecting portion 808 which extends between ends of the first and second side portions 804, 806 to connect them together. The connecting portion 808 is disposed towards a middle of the first and second side portions 804, 808, and is configured to extend between the first seat and the second seat. The first side portion 804 and the second side portion 806 are approximately parallel, and spaced apart so as to define a spaces between them for the first and second seats of the vehicle. In particular, the first side portion 804 and the second side portion 806 may be spaced by a distance corresponding approximately to a width of the first and second seats of the vehicle. Thus, the housing 802 defines a front space 810 in front of the connecting portion 808 and between the first and second side portions 804, 806 in which the first seat may be located, and a back space 812 behind the connecting portion 808 and between the first and second side portions 804, 806 in which the second seat may be located. A first part of the battery 800 including a first plurality of battery cells is arranged within the first side portion 804 of the housing 802, a second part of the battery 800 including a second plurality of battery cells is arranged within the second side portion 806 of the housing 802, and an intermediate part of the battery 800 including a third plurality of battery cells is arranged within the connecting portion 808.

[0116] The battery 900 has a similar shape and arrangement to the battery 800 discussed above. For convenience, features of the battery 900 corresponding to those of battery 800 are labelled in FIG. 8 with the same reference numerals as in FIG. 7, and are not described again. In addition to the connecting portion 808, the housing 802 of the battery 900 further includes a rear connecting portion 902 which is connected between back ends of the first and second side portions 804, 806. The rear connecting portion 902 is configured to extend behind a back of the second seat. A rear intermediate part of the battery 900 including a fourth plurality of batteries is located within the rear connecting portion 902. Additionally or alternatively to the rear connecting portion 902, the housing 802 of the battery 900 may include a front connecting portion (not shown), which connects front ends of the first and second side portions 804, 806 and is arranged to be located towards a front of the first seat.

[0117] FIGS. 9a and 9b illustrate details relating to an internal structure of a battery 1000 for an electric vehicle, the battery 1000 being an embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 9a and 9b show schematic cross-sectional top views of the battery, showing different aspects of the internal structure of the battery 1000. The battery 1000 includes a housing 1002 comprising a first side portion 1004 configured to extend along a first side of a seat of the vehicle, a second side portion 1006 configured to extend along a second, opposite side of the seat, and a connecting portion 1008 connected to first ends of the first and second side portions 1004, 1006 and extending between the first ends of the first and second side portions 1004, 1006. The battery 1000 may, for example, correspond to the battery 114 of vehicle 100 discussed above.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 9a, a plurality of battery modules 1010 is arranged within the housing 1002. Specifically, a first set of battery modules 1010 is disposed within the first side portion 1004 of the housing 1002, a second set of battery modules 1010 is disposed within the second side portion 1006 of the housing 1002, and a third set of battery modules 1010 is disposed within the connecting portion 1008 of the housing 1002. Each battery module 1010 comprises a plurality of battery cells that are electrically connected together. For instance, each battery module 1010 may include battery cells connected in series and/or battery cells connected in parallel, in order to provide a total voltage output and current output for the battery module 1010. Typically, the battery cells may be lithium-ion battery cells, although other types of rechargeable battery cells may also be used. The plurality of battery modules 1010 are electrically connected together. In the example shown in FIG. 9a, the plurality of battery modules 1010 are electrically connected in series via a set of electrical connectors (e.g. cables) 1012. In particular, each pair of adjacent battery modules 1010 is electrically connected in series via a respective electrical connector 1012. In other examples, the plurality of battery modules 1010 may be connected in parallel, or in any combination of series and parallel. For example, the first set of battery modules 1010 disposed within the first side portion 1004 of the housing 1002 may be connected together in series, and may be connected to the second set of battery modules 1010 disposed within the second side portion 1006 of the housing 1002 in parallel.

[0119] The housing 1002 may include a substantially flat base plate (not shown) on which the plurality of battery modules 1010 is mounted. The base plate may, for example, have a shape corresponding to the outline of the housing 1002 shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b. A cover may then be mounted over the battery modules 1010 and secured to the base plate (e.g. via any suitable fasteners), so that the battery modules 1010 are enclosed within the housing 1002. The base plate may, for example, be made of a composite material such as a carbon fibre material having a honeycomb or structural foam core, or of a reinforced steel plate. The cover may, for example, be made of a moulded plastic or composite material, or in some cases it may be made from a stamped metal sheet (e.g. aluminium or steel).

[0120] The battery 1000 includes a positive terminal 1014 disposed on a second end of the first side portion 1004 of the housing 1002, the second end being opposite to the first end of the first side portion 1004 to which the connecting portion 1008 is connected. The positive terminal 1014 is electrically connected to a positive terminal of a first battery module 1016 of the plurality of battery modules 1010. The first battery module 1016 is located in the first side portion 1004 towards the second end of the first side portion 1004, and is at an end of the series of battery modules 1010 (e.g. the first battery module 1016 may be the first battery module in the series).

[0121] The battery 1000 further includes a negative terminal 1018 disposed on a second end of the second side portion 1006 of the housing 1002, the second end being opposite the first end of the second side portion 1006 to which the connecting portion 1008 is connected. The negative terminal 1018 is electrically connected to a negative terminal of a second battery module 1020 of the plurality of battery modules 1010. The second battery module 1020 is located in the second side portion 1006 towards the second end of the second side portion 1006, and is at an end of the series of battery modules 1010 (e.g. the second battery module 1020 may be the last battery module in the series).

[0122] Thus, the positive terminal 1014 is connected to a positive end of the series-connected plurality of battery modules 1010, and the negative terminal 1018 is connected to a negative end of the series-connected plurality of battery modules 1010. In this manner, the positive and negative terminals 1014, 1018 can be connected to an electric motor of the vehicle (e.g. via suitable electrical components) in order to power the electric motor. As the positive and negative terminals 1014, 1018 are located on the second ends of the first and second side portions 1004, 1006, respectively, they may be disposed near the electric motor when the battery is mounted in the vehicle. This may facilitate connecting the battery 1000 to the electric motor, and avoid the need for a lengthy cable or busbar to bring the positive and negative terminals 1014, 1018 close together. For instance, where the battery 1000 is used as the battery 114 in the vehicle 100 discussed above, the positive and negative terminals 1014, 1018 would be located towards the back of the seat 104. This may facilitate connecting the positive and negative terminals 1014, 1018 to an electric motor of the vehicle 100, e.g. where the vehicle 100 is a rear-wheel drive vehicle having an electric motor disposed towards a rear of the vehicle 100, e.g. behind the seat 104. On the other hand, in a case of a vehicle having an electric motor disposed in a front of the vehicle, the battery 1000 may be arranged such that the connecting portion 1008 is located behind a seat of the vehicle, such that the positive and negative terminals 1014, 1018 are located towards the front of the vehicle.

[0123] The battery 1000 further comprises a manual service disconnect (MSD) switch 1022, which is located next to the connecting portion 1008 of the housing 1002. The MSD switch 1022 is configured to disconnect the plurality of battery modules 1010 from the positive terminal 1014 when it is activated by a user. Locating the MSD switch 1022 next to the connecting portion 1008 may facilitate access to the MSD switch 1022 by an occupant of the vehicle. For example, where the battery 1000 is used as the battery 114 in the vehicle 100 discussed above, MSD switch 1022 may be located under the seat 104 or in front of the seat 104, such that an occupant of the seat 104 may activate the MSD switch 1022 without leaving the seat 104. In practice, the MSD switch 1022 may be arranged behind a releasable panel so that it is concealed during normal use of the vehicle. In other examples, where the connecting portion 1008 is configured to be located behind the back of the seat of the vehicle, the MSD switch 1022 may instead be located between the second ends of the first and second side portions 1004, 1006, so that the MSD switch 1022 may be arranged under or in front of the seat.

[0124] FIG. 9b shows a plurality of module monitoring units 1024 in the housing 1002 for monitoring a status of the plurality of battery modules 1010. In the example shown, each module monitoring unit 1024 is associated with a respective one of the battery modules 1010.

[0125] Each module monitoring unit 1024 may be mounted on or adjacent to its associated battery module 1010. In other examples, a module monitoring unit 1024 may be associated with multiple battery modules 1010, rather than just a single battery module 1010. Each module monitoring unit 1024 is configured to detect status information concerning its associated battery module 1010. For example, each module monitoring unit 1024 may be configured to detect a temperature of its associated battery module 1010 (e.g. via a corresponding temperature sensor in the battery module), as well as a charge state and/or output voltage of the battery module 1010.

[0126] The plurality of module monitoring units 1024 are connected together in series, to enable data to be transmitted between the module monitoring units 1024. In particular, each pair of adjacent module monitoring units 1024 is connected together via a respective connector 1026 (e.g. cable), such that data can be transmitted between the adjacent module monitoring units 1024. Thus, data may be transmitted from one battery controller 1024 to the next along the series. Furthermore, the battery 1000 includes a battery control unit 1028, which is configured to communicate with each of the module monitoring units 1024 and receive data indicative of the status information detected by each of the module monitoring units 1024. The battery control unit 1028 may be implemented using any suitable computing device having corresponding control software installed thereon. The battery control unit 1028 is connected to a first module monitoring unit 1030 of the plurality of battery module monitoring units 1024 via a suitable connector (e.g. cable). The first module monitoring unit 1030 is located in the first side portion 1004 towards the second end of the first side portion 1004, and is at an end of the series of module monitoring units 1024 (e.g. the first module monitoring unit 1030 may be the first module monitoring unit in the series). The battery control unit 1024 is further connected to a second module monitoring unit 1032 of the plurality of module monitoring units 1024, via a suitable connector (e.g. cable). The second module monitoring unit 1032 is located in the second side portion 1006 towards the second end of the second side portion 1006, and is at an end of the series of module monitoring units 1024 (e.g. the second module monitoring unit 1032 may be the last module monitoring unit in the series).

[0127] Thus, the battery control unit 1028 is connected to the first and last module monitoring units in the plurality of series-connected module monitoring units 1024. The shape of the battery 1000 facilitates connecting the battery control unit 1028 in this manner, as it brings the first and last module monitoring units in the plurality of series-connected module monitoring units 1024 close together. In particular, the battery control unit 1028 is located between the second ends of the first and second side portions 1004, 1006 of the housing 1002, such that the first module monitoring unit 1030 and the second module monitoring unit 1032 are located on opposite sides of the battery control unit.

[0128] The battery control unit 1028 may communicate with each of the module monitoring units 1024, by transmitting and receiving signals along the series of module monitoring units 1024. In this manner, the battery control unit 1028 may not need to be directly connected to each of the module monitoring units 1024. Moreover, as the battery control unit 1028 is connected to each end of the series of module monitoring units 1024, the battery control unit 1028 may still be able to communicate with each of the module monitoring units 1024, even if there is a broken connection between a pair of adjacent module monitoring units 1024. Each module monitoring unit 1024 may have a respective identifier (e.g. an address) which is used by the control unit 1028 to communicate with that module monitoring unit 1024, in order to ensure that the battery control unit 1028 can communicate with a desired module monitoring unit 1024. The battery control unit 1028 may receive a signal from each module monitoring unit 1024 that is indicative of the status information detected by each module monitoring unit 1024 regarding its associated battery module 1010. Thus, the battery control unit 1028 enables centralised monitoring of the battery 1000.

[0129] The battery control unit 1028 may further be configured to control charging of the plurality of battery modules 1010. In particular, the battery control unit 1028 may be configured to control a charging voltage and/or charging current supplied to the battery modules 1010, in order to charge the battery cells in each of the battery modules. The battery control unit 1028 may be configured to control charging of the battery modules 1010 based on the data received from the module monitoring units. For instance, the battery control unit 1028 may ensure that the temperature of the battery modules 1010 does not exceed a threshold temperature during charging. The battery control unit 1028 may be configured to adjust one or more charging parameters (e.g. a charging voltage and/or charging current supplied to the battery modules 1010) based on the data received from the module monitoring units.

[0130] As shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b, the inside of the housing 1002 is divided into compartments. In particular, a first barrier 1034 is located at an interface between the first side portion 1004 and the connecting portion 1008, and a second barrier 1036 is located at an interface between the second side portion 1004 and the connecting portion 1008. The first and second barrier 1034, 1036 are arranged to restrict propagation of fire between the different portions of the housing 1002, e.g. in case of a malfunction of battery components located in one or the portions. The first and second barriers 1034, 1036 may comprise a fire retardant material, in order to minimise the risk of fire propagation from one portion of the housing 1002 to another.

[0131] The first and second barriers 1034, 1036 may include passageways formed therein, through which the electrical connectors 1012 and connectors 1026 may pass, to enable connection between the battery modules 1010 and module monitoring units 1024 located in the different portions of the housing 1002. Alternatively, the housing 1002 may include passageways formed therein for routing the electrical connectors 1012 and connectors 1026 around the first and second barriers 1034, 1036.

[0132] One or more flow paths (not shown) may be defined within the housing 1002, so that a coolant can be flowed through the one or more flow paths in order to remove heat from, and/or provide heat to, the battery 1000 and maintain the battery 1000 at a suitable working temperature. In particular, the battery 1000 may further comprise a thermal conditioning system which is arranged to circulate a coolant through the one or more flow paths in the housing 1002 to remove heat from, and/or provide heat to, the housing 1002. The thermal conditioning system may include a coolant source, configured to flow coolant along the one or more flow paths, as well as a heat exchanger for removing heat from the coolant after it has been flowed along the one or more flow paths in the housing 1002 (e.g. so that the coolant can then be recirculated along the one or more flow paths). The thermal conditioning system may further include a heater for providing heat to the coolant before it is flowed along the one or more flow paths in the housing 1002. In one embodiment, the one or more flow paths may comprise a single flow path which extends through at least part of the first side portion 1004, the connecting portion 1008 and the second side portion 1006. In this manner, the same flow path may be used for conditioning the different portions of the housing 1002, which may simplify connection to the coolant source. For example, an inlet of the flow path may be provided at the second end of the first side portion 1004, and an outlet of the flow path may be provided at the second end of the second side portion 1006. As a result, the inlet and the outlet may be located close together, which may facilitate connecting the inlet and outlet to the thermal conditioning system. Additionally or alternatively, there may be multiple flow paths formed within the housing 1002, e.g. with each of the multiple flow paths arranged to condition a different portion of the housing. In such a case, there may be multiple inlets and outlets provided around the housing 1002.