Battery mounting assembly

• US 20020162696A1
• Filed: 05/04/2001
• Published: 11/07/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 05/04/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Co. LLC (Volkswagen AG)
• Original Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Co. LLC (Volkswagen AG)
• Inventors: Schuler, Nathan L., Mink, Richard A., Maus, Jeremy P., Weissner, Steven W.
• Granted Patent: US 6,547,020 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 180/68.5
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 1/04 of the electric storage means for propulsion exchanging batteries for electric propulsion of vehicles B60L53/80; for auxiliary purposes only B60R16/04; supplying batteries to, or removing batteries from, vehicles B60S5/06
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/204 Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/224 Metals
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/231 having a layered structure
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/24 adapted for protecting batteries from their environment, e.g. from corrosion thermal insulation H01M10/658
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/242 adapted for protecting batteries against vibrations, collision impact or swelling
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/244 Secondary casings; Racks; Suspension devices; Carrying devices; Holders characterised by their mounting method
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/249 specially adapted for aircraft or vehicles, e.g. cars or trains constructional details of batteries specially adapted for electric vehicles B60L50/64
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/262 with fastening means, e.g. locks
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/271 Lids or covers for the racks or secondary casings
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

A battery mounting assembly for mounting batteries to a vehicle. The battery mounting assembly has lower battery tray and an upper battery tray disposed below and above one another respectively. The battery mounting assembly is constructed to move and deform in predetermined ways when it is subjected to relatively large forces such as might occur when the vehicle is involved in a traffic accident. The battery mounting assembly has one or more bumper components intended to protect batteries mounted to the battery mounting assembly from being subjected to a direct impact. Steel components of the battery mounting assembly are coated with an elastomer that has a high electrical resistance.

Claims

1. A first battery mounting assembly for mounting batteries that have horizontal upper surfaces, a positive voltage terminal and a negative voltage terminal and that may be arranged in a first lower row of batteries, a second lower row of batteries, a first upper row of batteries and a second upper row of batteries to a vehicle that has a centroid, structural components, an electrical system, and may also have a second battery mounting assembly that is mounted to the vehicle with second battery assembly hangers that may be mounted to the structural components of the vehicle, said first battery mounting assembly comprising:

(a) one or more main support members engaged to and supported by some of the structural components of the vehicle;

(b) a first lower battery tray, upon which a plurality of the batteries that are to be mounted to the vehicle are supported when the batteries are mounted to the vehicle, engaged to and supported by said one or more main support members;

(c) one or more upper tray support components directly or indirectly engaged to and supported by said one or more main support members and/or said first lower battery tray;

(d) a first upper battery tray, upon which a plurality of the batteries that are to be mounted to the vehicle are supported when the batteries are mounted to the vehicle,

(e) wherein said first upper battery tray is engaged to and supported by said one or more upper tray support components; and

(f) wherein at least a portion of said first upper battery tray is disposed directly vertically above said first lower battery tray at a distance above said first lower battery tray such that one or more of the batteries that are to be mounted to the vehicle may be supported upon said first lower battery tray below said first upper battery tray and there would be space between any of the batteries, if they were supported on said first lower battery tray, and a lower surface of said first upper battery tray.

2. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein:

(a) said first upper battery tray is releaseably fixedly engaged to said upper tray support components;

(b) said first battery mounting assembly further comprises one or more clamping devices for releaseably clamping a plurality of the batteries to said first upper tray;

(a) said fixed engagement of said first upper battery tray to said upper tray support components is of such a construction that it may be readily released, and the first upper battery tray separated from the first battery mounting assembly whether or not there are batteries clamped to the first upper battery tray; and

(c) said clamping devices are constructed such that whether said first upper battery tray is releaseably fixedly engaged to said upper tray support components or said first upper battery tray has been separated from said upper tray support components, when the batteries are clamped to said first upper battery tray said one or more clamping devices that clamp the plurality of the batteries to said first upper battery tray may be readily released and the batteries may be removed from said first upper battery tray one at a time.

3. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 2, wherein:

(a) said upper tray support components comprise a first side wall;

(b) said first side wall is fixedly engaged to said first lower battery tray and/or one or more of said one or more main support members;

(c) said first side wall extends substantially vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(d) said upper tray support components comprise a second side wall;

(e) said second side wall is fixedly engaged to said first lower battery tray and/or one or more of said one or more main support members;

(f) said second side wall extends substantially vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(g) said first upper battery tray is engaged directly or indirectly to and is supported by said first side wall and said second side wall;

(h) said first side wall and said second side wall are positioned relative to one another such that a lower battery space is defined horizontally between said first side wall and said second side wall and vertically above at least a portion of said first lower battery tray;

(i) said first upper battery tray is disposed such that a majority of a battery support surface of said first upper battery tray is disposed horizontally between said first side wall and said second side wall;

(j) said first battery mounting assembly is further comprised of a first end wall and a second end wall;

(k) said first end wall is directly or indirectly fixedly engaged to said first lower battery tray and/or one or more of said one or more main support members and extends vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(l) said second end wall is directly or indirectly fixedly engaged to said first lower battery tray and/or one or more of said one or more main support members and extends vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(m) said first end wall and said second end wall are each substantially planar and are disposed such that they are substantially parallel to one another and perpendicular to said first side wall and said second side wall; and

(n) said first end wall and said second end wall are each fixedly engaged to said side walls at outer end portions of said side walls.

4. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 3, wherein:

(a) said first side wall comprises a plurality of first side wall vertical tabs that are fixedly engaged to said first side wall and extend vertically from said first side wall to a point above said battery support surface of said first upper battery tray;

(b) said first side wall vertical tabs are spaced relative to one another such that first side wall tray locating slots are defined between respective ones of said first side wall vertical tabs;

(c) said first side wall and said first side wall vertical tabs are constructed and positioned relative to one another such that each of said first side wall tray locating slots, extends upwardly from a lower end, to an upper end which is an opening between upper ends of adjacent first side wall vertical tabs;

(d) said second side wall comprises a plurality of second side wall vertical tabs that are fixedly engaged to said second side wall and extend vertically from said second side wall to a point above said battery support surface of said first upper battery tray;

(e) said second side wall vertical tabs are spaced relative to one another such that second side wall tray locating slots are defined between respective ones of said second side wall vertical tabs;

(f) said second side wall and said second side wall vertical tabs are constructed and positioned relative to one another such that each of said second side wall tray locating slots, extends upwardly from a lower end, to an upper end which is an opening between upper ends of adjacent second side wall vertical tabs;

(g) said first upper battery tray comprises a plurality of tray locating members;

(h) each respective tray locating member has a tray engagement end and a terminal end; and

(i) each of said tray locating members is fixedly engaged to said first upper battery tray and protrudes horizontally through a respective one of said first side wall tray locating slots or a respective one of said second side wall tray locating slots such that either said first side wall or said second side wall is disposed horizontally between a tray engagement end and a terminal end of each tray locating member.

5. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 4, wherein:

(a) said first battery mounting assembly further comprises outer walls, and a lid;

(b) said outer walls are fixedly engaged to said first battery mounting assembly and extend vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(c) said outer walls are disposed relative to one another such that said upper tray support components are disposed horizontally between said outer walls;

(d) said lid is engaged to said first battery mounting assembly in a releasable manner;

(e) a lid top portion of said lid is disposed directly vertically above said first lower battery tray and said first upper battery tray at a height that allows for space between the batteries that are to be disposed upon said first upper battery tray and said lid top portion when the batteries are disposed upon said first upper battery tray;

(f) an outer shell of said first battery mounting assembly comprises said outer walls, said lid, and said first lower battery tray;

(g) said outer walls, said lid, and said first lower battery tray are constructed and engaged to said first battery mounting assembly such that said first side wall, said second side wall, said first upper battery tray, and the batteries that are to be mounted to said first battery mounting assembly are substantially surrounded in all directions horizontally and vertically by said outer shell of said first battery mounting assembly when the batteries are mounted to said first battery mounting assembly.

6. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 5, wherein:

(a) said first battery mounting assembly comprises breakaway components and battery assembly mounting components;

(b) said breakaway components comprise said first lower battery tray, said first side wall, said second side wall, said first upper battery tray, and the batteries that are to be mounted to said first battery mounting assembly;

(c) said battery assembly mounting components comprise said one or more main support members and any components of said first battery mounting assembly engaged between said one or more main support members and the structural components of the vehicle;

(d) said breakaway components and said battery assembly mounting components are constructed and engaged to one another and the structural components of the vehicle in a manner such that, when said first battery mounting assembly is subjected to relatively large forces in certain directions, such as would occur when the vehicle is involved in a traffic accident, certain components of said battery assembly mounting components deform and/or fracture in predetermined manners and/or certain engagements of said breakaway components, said battery assembly mounting components, and the structural components of the vehicle to one another allow relative motion to occur between one another in predetermined manners such that said breakaway components move in predetermined manners relative to the vehicle and energy is absorbed and dissipated by said first battery mounting assembly as said breakaway components move relative to the vehicle;

(e) said breakaway components are constructed and engaged to one another in a relatively rigid manner such that, if said first battery mounting assembly is subjected to relatively large forces that cause said breakaway components to move in said predetermined manners relative to the vehicle, said breakaway components are prevented from moving relative to one another in all but relatively extreme traffic accidents; and

(f) said breakaway components and said battery assembly mounting components are constructed and engaged to one another and the structural components of the vehicle in a relatively strong manner such that, even when some components of said first battery mounting assembly deform and/or fracture, as a result of said first battery mounting assembly being subjected to relatively large forces and/or accelerations in certain directions, said first battery mounting assembly remains to be supported by the vehicle during and after all but relatively extreme traffic accidents.

7. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 6, wherein:

(a) said battery assembly mounting components comprise first battery assembly hangers that are engaged to said one or more main support members in a relatively rigid manner;

(b) each of said first battery assembly hangers are engaged to the structural components of the vehicle by a main support bolt and one or more anti-rotation bolts;

(c) each anti-rotation bolt is engaged to a first battery assembly hanger at a point distant from an axis of a shank of a main support bolt that is engaged to a same first battery assembly hanger as said anti-rotation bolt;

(d) each main support bolt, each first battery assembly hanger, and the structural components of the vehicle are constructed with a strength such that engagement of each first battery assembly hanger to the structural components of the vehicle could be maintained by engagement of said first battery assembly hanger to the structural components of the vehicle by said main support bolt alone;

(e) each main support bolt, each first battery assembly hanger, and the structural components of the vehicle are constructed with a strength such that, even if said first battery mounting assembly were subjected to relatively large forces and/or accelerations as a result of the vehicle being involved in a traffic accident, engagement of each first battery assembly hanger to the structural components of the vehicle could be maintained by engagement of said each first battery assembly hanger to the structural components of the vehicle by said main support bolt alone; and

(f) said anti-rotation bolts are of a relatively weak construction as compared to said main support bolts.

8. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 7, wherein:

(a) one or more of said first battery assembly hangers are constructed to be relatively rigidly engaged to one or more of the second battery assembly hangers when said first battery mounting assembly is mounted to the vehicle.

9. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 8, wherein:

(a) said first battery mounting assembly further comprises one or more bumper components;

(b) each of said one or more bumper components is engaged to one of said main support members and/or one of said first battery assembly hangers;

(c) each of said bumper components is positioned at a point of said first battery mounting assembly such that when said first battery mounting assembly is properly mounted to the vehicle and the batteries are mounted to the first battery mounting assembly, each of said bumper components are positioned farther from the centroid of the vehicle than one or more of the batteries that are mounted to said first battery mounting assembly;

(d) each of said bumper components are positioned at a relative height similar to that at which some of the batteries are disposed when they are mounted to said first battery mounting assembly;

(e) said one or more bumper components and said one or more main support members and/or first battery assembly hangers that said bumper components are engaged to are of a relatively strong construction such that, when said battery mounting assembly is properly mounted to the vehicle and the batteries are properly mounted to said battery mounting assembly, said bumper components can be subjected to relatively large forces in directions that would tend to drive said bumper components toward the batteries without said bumper components being driven into said batteries.

10. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 9, wherein:

(a) said first side wall is substantially planar;

(b) said second side wall is substantially planar;

(c) said first side wall and said second side wall are disposed substantially parallel to one another;

(d) said first side wall and said second side wall are positioned relative to one another such that the batteries that are to be supported upon said first lower battery tray may be positioned upon said first lower battery tray such that any spaces between each of the batteries and an adjacent one of the batteries or said first side wall or said second side wall are relatively small in directions perpendicular to said first side wall and said second side wall;

(e) each of said first side wall vertical tabs is substantially planar and is located approximately in a first vertical tab plane as is every other first side wall vertical tab;

(f) each of said second side wall vertical tabs is substantially planar and is located approximately in a second vertical tab plane as is every other second side wall vertical tab;

(g) said first side wall vertical tabs and said second side wall vertical tabs are disposed such that said first vertical tab plane is disposed substantially parallel to said second vertical tab plane; and

(h) said first side wall vertical tabs and said second side wall vertical tabs are positioned relative to one another such that the batteries that are to be supported upon said first upper battery tray may be positioned upon said first upper battery such that any spaces between each of the batteries and an adjacent one of the batteries or said first side wall vertical tabs or said second side wall vertical tabs are relatively small in directions perpendicular to said first vertical tab plane and said second vertical tab plane.

11. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 10, wherein:

(a) said first lower battery tray defines one or more lower tray ribs that extend vertically above a battery support surface of said first lower battery tray;

(b) each of said lower tray ribs has a longitudinal rib axis that extends in directions parallel to said first side wall and said second side wall;

(c) each lower tray rib is positioned such that any distance, in a direction perpendicular to said first side wall and said second side wall, between a lower tray rib and an adjacent lower tray rib or side wall is just slightly greater than a battery width of the one of the batteries that is to be disposed upon said first lower battery tray between said lower tray rib and said adjacent lower tray rib or side wall;

(d) said first upper battery tray defines one or more upper tray ribs that extend vertically above a battery support surface of said first upper battery tray;

(e) each of said upper tray ribs has a longitudinal rib axis;

(f) one or more of said upper tray ribs are positioned such that their longitudinal rib axes are disposed substantially parallel to said first vertical tab plane and said second vertical tab plane;

(g) one or more of said upper tray ribs are positioned such that their longitudinal rib axes are disposed substantially perpendicular to said first vertical tab plane and said second vertical tab plane;

(h) each of said upper tray ribs is positioned such that any distance, in a direction perpendicular to said longitudinal rib axis of said upper tray rib, between an upper tray rib and an adjacent upper tray rib or vertical tab is just slightly greater than a battery width of one of the batteries that is to be disposed upon said first upper battery tray between said upper tray rib and said adjacent upper tray rib or vertical tab; and

(i) said first battery mounting assembly is constructed such that each of said first side wall tray locating slots and each of said second side wall tray locating slots is of a width narrower than any of the battery widths of any of the batteries that are to be supported upon said first upper battery tray.

12. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 11, wherein:

(a) one or more of said first battery assembly hangers defines a support member recess; and

(b) a portion of one or more of said one or more main support members of said first battery mounting assembly protrudes into a support recess defined by a battery assembly hanger.

13. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 12, wherein:

(a) said first battery mounting assembly is further comprises at least two inertial trigger electrical disconnects mounted to said first battery mounting assembly;

(b) a positive inertial trigger electrical disconnect is intended to be electrically connected to the positive voltage terminals of one or more of the batteries that are to be mounted to said first battery mounting assembly and said positive inertial trigger electrical disconnect is also intended to be electrically connected to the electrical system of the vehicle;

(c) said positive inertial trigger electrical disconnect is constructed such that during normal vehicle operation, when the batteries are mounted to said first battery mounting system, said positive inertial trigger electrical disconnect operates in closed operational state and acts as part of an electrical connection between one or more of the positive voltage battery terminals and the electrical system of the vehicle;

(d) said positive inertial trigger electrical disconnect is constructed such that, when the batteries are mounted to the battery mounting assembly, and when said first battery mounting assembly is subjected to relatively large accelerations greater than those that said first battery mounting assembly would be subjected to during normal vehicle operation and thus said positive inertial trigger disconnect is subjected to similar relatively large accelerations, said operational state of said positive inertial trigger disconnect changes from closed to open and said electrical connection between the one or more positive voltage terminals of the batteries and the electrical system of the vehicle is interrupted;

(e) a negative inertial trigger electrical disconnect is intended to be electrically connected to one or more of the negative voltage terminals of the batteries that are to be mounted to said first battery mounting assembly and said negative inertial trigger electrical disconnect is also intended to be electrically connected to the electrical system of the vehicle;

(f) said negative inertial trigger electrical disconnect is constructed such that during normal vehicle operation, when the batteries are mounted to said first battery mounting assembly, said negative inertial trigger electrical disconnect operates in closed operational state and acts as part of an electrical connection between one or more of the negative voltage battery terminals of the batteries and the electrical system of the vehicle; and

(g) said negative inertial trigger electrical disconnect is constructed such that, when the batteries are mounted to the vehicle, and when said first battery mounting assembly is subjected to relatively large accelerations greater than those that said first battery mounting assembly would be subjected to during normal vehicle operation and thus said negative inertial trigger disconnect is subjected to similar relatively large accelerations, said operational state of said negative inertial trigger disconnect changes from closed to open and said electrical connection between the one or more negative voltage terminals of the batteries and the electrical system of the vehicle is interrupted.

14. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 13, wherein:

(a) when the batteries are mounted to said first battery mounting assembly the first lower row of batteries is disposed upon said first lower battery tray on one side of and adjacent to a lower tray rib that is defined by said first lower battery tray;

(b) said lower tray rib that the first lower row of batteries is disposed on one side of is positioned such that a longitudinal rib axis of said lower tray rib is disposed substantially parallel to said first side wall and said second side wall;

(c) when the batteries are mounted to said first battery mounting assembly the second lower row of batteries is disposed adjacent to said lower tray rib, that the first lower row of batteries is disposed adjacent, and the second lower row of batteries is disposed on a side of said lower tray rib opposite a side of said lower tray rib upon which the first lower row of batteries is disposed;

(d) said first battery mounting assembly further comprises one or more lower tray clamping devices for clamping the batteries of the first lower row of batteries and the batteries of the second lower row of batteries to said first lower battery tray;

(e) each of said lower tray clamping devices comprises a clamp plate, a clamp bolt and a clamp nut;

(f) a clamp plate lower surface of said clamp plate of each of said lower tray clamping devices abuts the horizontal upper surface of one or more of the batteries in the first lower row and the horizontal upper surface of one or more of the batteries in the second lower row when the batteries are clamped to said first lower battery tray;

(g) said clamp bolt of each of said lower tray clamping devices protrudes through said clamp plate of each of said lower tray clamping devices and through said lower tray rib that the first lower row of batteries and the second lower row of batteries are disposed upon opposite sides of when the batteries are clamped to said first lower battery tray;

(h) either a bolt head of said clamp bolt or said clamp nut of each of said lower tray clamping devices is disposed on an upper side of said clamp plate of each of said lower tray clamping devices;

(i) whichever of said clamp nut and said bolt head of each of said lower tray clamping devices is not disposed on said upper side of said clamp plate of each of said lower tray clamping devices is disposed on a lower side of said lower tray rib that the first lower row of batteries and the second lower row of batteries are disposed upon opposite sides of when the batteries are clamped to said first lower battery tray;

(j) an end of each of said clamp bolts of said lower tray clamping devices opposite said bolt head is threadedly engaged to said clamp nut of each of said lower tray clamping devices;

(k) each of said clamp plates of said lower tray clamping devices applies a downward clamping force to, and thus clamps against said battery support surface of said lower battery tray, one or more of the batteries of the first lower row of batteries and one or more of the batteries of the second lower row of batteries when the batteries are mounted to said first lower battery tray;

(l) when the batteries are clamped to said first upper battery tray the first upper row of batteries is disposed upon said first upper battery tray on one side of and adjacent to a plurality of upper tray ribs that are defined by said first upper battery tray, and said plurality of upper tray ribs are positioned in line with one another and parallel to said first vertical tab plane and said second vertical tab plane;

(m) when the batteries are clamped to said first upper battery tray, the second upper row of batteries is disposed adjacent to said plurality of upper tray ribs that the first upper row of batteries is disposed adjacent, and the second upper row of batteries is disposed on a side of said plurality of upper tray ribs opposite said side of said plurality of upper tray ribs upon which the first upper row of batteries is disposed;

(n) said clamping devices that clamp the batteries to the first upper battery tray, when the batteries are clamped to the first upper battery tray, are comprised of one or more upper tray clamping devices that clamp the batteries of the first upper row of batteries and the batteries of the second upper row of batteries to said first upper battery tray;

(o) each of said upper tray clamping devices comprises a clamp plate, a clamp bolt and a clamp nut;

(p) a clamp plate lower surface of said clamp plate of each of said upper tray clamping devices abuts the horizontal upper surface of one or more of the batteries in the first upper row of batteries and the horizontal upper surface of one or more of the batteries in the second upper row of batteries when the batteries are clamped to said first upper battery tray;

(q) said clamp bolt of each of said upper tray clamping devices protrudes through said clamp plate of each of said upper tray clamping devices and through one of said plurality of upper tray ribs that the first upper row of batteries and the second upper row of batteries are disposed upon opposite sides of when the batteries are clamped to said first upper battery tray;

(r) either a bolt head of said clamp bolt or said clamp nut of each of said upper tray clamping devices is disposed on an upper side of said clamp plate of each of said upper tray clamping devices;

(s) when the batteries are clamped to said first upper battery tray, whichever of said clamp nut and said bolt head of each of said upper tray clamping devices is not disposed on said upper side of said clamp plate of each of said upper tray clamping devices is disposed on a lower side of one of said plurality of upper tray ribs that the first upper row of batteries and the second upper row of batteries are disposed upon opposite sides of;

(t) an end of each of said clamp bolts of said upper tray clamping devices opposite said bolt head is threadedly engaged to said clamp nut of each of said upper tray clamping devices; and

(u) when the batteries are clamped to said first upper battery tray each of said clamp plates of said upper tray clamping devices applies a downward clamping force to, and thus clamps against said battery support surface of said first upper battery tray, one or more of the batteries of the first upper row of batteries and one or more of the batteries of the second upper row of batteries.

15. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 14, wherein:

(a) said first battery mounting assembly further comprises a ventilation fan;

(b) said ventilation fan is mounted to said first battery mounting assembly adjacent a ventilation intake opening defined by said outer walls of said first battery mounting assembly;

(c) said ventilation fan is constructed, engaged to said first battery mounting assembly and electrically connected to fan controls in such a manner that, when said ventilation fan is operational, as air travels away from said ventilation fan it flows into as opposed to out of an interior of said first battery mounting assembly;

(d) said ventilation fan is positioned within said first battery mounting assembly such that when said ventilation fan is operational, and when the batteries are mounted to said first battery mounting assembly, a central portion of an air stream exiting said ventilation fan travels through spaces between the first upper row of batteries and the second upper row of batteries and/or spaces between the first lower row of batteries and the second lower row of batteries;

(e) said outer walls of said first battery mounting assembly define a ventilation exhaust opening through which air may be displaced from said interior of said first battery mounting assembly by air that is introduced to said interior of said first battery mounting assembly by said ventilation fan; and

(f) said ventilation exhaust opening is disposed at a point in said outer walls substantially opposite said ventilation intake opening.

16. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 15, wherein:

(a) said first battery mounting assembly further comprises a second upper battery tray that is releasably fixedly engaged to and supported by said first side wall and said second side wall; and

(b) structure is present for releaseably clamping a plurality of batteries to said second upper battery tray.

17. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 16, wherein:

(a) said first battery mounting assembly further comprises a first debris shield mounted to said first battery mounting assembly;

(b) said first debris shield comprises a first sheet barrier that is disposed substantially parallel to a portion of said outer walls of said first battery mounting assembly that defines said ventilation intake opening;

(c) said first sheet barrier is of such a shape and is positioned such that a large percentage of said intake ventilation opening is aligned with some portion of said first sheet barrier in directions perpendicular to said portion of said outer walls that defines said ventilation intake opening;

(d) said first sheet barrier extends downwardly from a portion of said first sheet barrier that is disposed adjacent to said ventilation intake opening to a first sheet barrier lower edge;

(e) said first sheet barrier is constructed and positioned such that a distance from said portion of said first sheet barrier that is disposed adjacent said ventilation intake opening to said first sheet barrier lower edge is considerably greater than a distance in directions perpendicular to said first sheet barrier between said portion of said outer wall that defines said ventilation intake opening and said first sheet barrier;

(f) said first debris shield further comprises a first sheet barrier mounting wall;

(g) said first sheet barrier mounting wall is engaged to said first sheet barrier around a periphery of said first sheet barrier;

(h) said first sheet barrier mounting wall extends from said periphery of said first sheet barrier in directions toward said portion of said outer wall that defines said ventilation intake opening;

(i) a portion of said first sheet barrier mounting wall opposite a portion that is engaged to said periphery of said first sheet barrier is engaged to said portion of said outer wall that defines said ventilation intake opening;

(j) said first sheet barrier mounting wall is constructed and engaged to said first battery mounting assembly in a manner such that said first sheet barrier mounting wall extends in an unbroken manner between said portion of said outer wall that defines said ventilation intake opening and every portion of said periphery of said first sheet barrier with the exception of a portion of said periphery of said first sheet barrier that is disposed adjacent said first sheet barrier lower edge;

(k) said first battery mounting assembly further comprises a second debris shield mounted to said first battery mounting assembly;

(l) said second debris shield comprises a second sheet barrier that is disposed substantially parallel to a portion of said outer walls of said first battery mounting assembly that defines said ventilation exhaust opening;

(m) said second sheet barrier is of such a shape and is positioned such that a large percentage of said exhaust ventilation opening is aligned with some portion of said second sheet barrier in directions perpendicular to said portion of said outer walls that defines said ventilation exhaust opening;

(n) said second sheet barrier extends downwardly from a portion of said second sheet barrier that is disposed adjacent to said ventilation exhaust opening to a second sheet barrier lower edge;

(o) said second sheet barrier is constructed and positioned such that a distance from said portion of said second sheet barrier that is disposed adjacent said ventilation exhaust opening to said second sheet barrier lower edge is considerably greater than a distance in directions perpendicular to said second sheet barrier between said portion of said outer wall that defines said ventilation exhaust opening and said second sheet barrier;

(p) said second debris shield further comprises a second sheet barrier mounting wall;

(q) said second sheet barrier mounting wall is engaged to said second sheet barrier around a periphery of said second sheet barrier;

(r) said second sheet barrier mounting wall extends from said periphery of said second sheet barrier in directions toward said portion of said outer wall that defines said ventilation exhaust opening;

(s) a portion of said second sheet barrier mounting wall opposite a portion that is engaged to said periphery of said second sheet barrier is engaged to said portion of said outer wall that defines said ventilation exhaust opening; and

(t) said second sheet barrier mounting wall is constructed and engaged to said first battery mounting assembly in a manner such that said second sheet barrier mounting wall extends in an unbroken manner between said portion of said outer wall that defines said ventilation exhaust opening and every portion of said periphery of said second sheet barrier with the exception of a portion of said periphery of said second sheet barrier that is disposed adjacent said second sheet barrier lower edge.

18. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 17, wherein:

(a) one or more components of said first battery mounting assembly are made of steel;

(a) one or more of said components of said first battery mounting assembly that are made of steel are coated with an elastomer with high electrical resistance.

20. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 19, wherein:

(a) said battery assembly mounting components of said first battery mounting assembly comprise one or more main support members;

(b) said battery assembly mounting components comprise first battery assembly hangers that are engaged to said one or more main support members in a relatively rigid manner;

(c) each of said first battery assembly hangers are engaged to the structural components of the vehicle by a main support bolt and one or more anti-rotation bolts;

(d) each anti-rotation bolt is engaged to a first battery assembly hanger at a point distant from an axis of a shank of a main support bolt that is engaged to a same first battery assembly hanger as said anti-rotation bolt;

(e) each main support bolt, each first battery assembly hanger, and the structural components of the vehicle are constructed with a strength such that engagement of each first battery assembly hanger to the structural components of the vehicle could be maintained by engagement of said each first battery assembly hanger to the structural components of the vehicle by said main support bolt alone;

(f) each main support bolt, each first battery assembly hanger, and the structural components of the vehicle are constructed with a strength such that, even if said first battery mounting assembly were subjected to relatively large forces and/or accelerations as a result of the vehicle being involved in a traffic accident, engagement of each first battery assembly hanger to the structural components of the vehicle could be maintained by engagement of said each battery assembly hanger to the structural components of the vehicle by said main support bolt alone; and

(g) said anti-rotation bolts are of a relatively weak construction as compared to said main support bolts.

21. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 20, wherein:

(a) said first battery mounting assembly further comprises one or more bumper components;

(b) each of said one or more bumper components is engaged to one of said main support members and/or one of said first battery assembly hangers;

(c) each of said bumper components is positioned at a point of said first battery mounting assembly such that, when said first battery mounting assembly is properly mounted to said vehicle and the batteries are mounted to the battery mounting assembly, each of said bumper components is disposed farther from the centroid of the vehicle than one or more of the batteries that are mounted to said first battery mounting assembly;

(d) each of said bumper components are positioned at a relative height similar to that at which the batteries are to be mounted to said first battery mounting assembly;

(e) said one or more bumper components and said one or more main support members and/or first battery assembly hangers that said bumper components are engaged to are of a relatively strong construction such that, when said first battery mounting assembly is properly mounted to the vehicle and the batteries are mounted to the first battery mounting assembly, said bumper components can be subjected to relatively large forces in directions that would tend to drive said bumper components toward the batteries without said bumper components being driven into the batteries.

22. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 21, wherein:

(a) one or more of said first battery assembly hangers are constructed to be relatively rigidly engaged to one or more of the second battery assembly hangers when said first battery mounting assembly is mounted to the vehicle.

23. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 22, wherein:

(a) said breakaway components further comprise a first lower battery tray, upon which a plurality of the batteries that are to be mounted to the vehicle are supported when the batteries are mounted to the vehicle, engaged to and supported by said one or more main support members;

(b) said breakaway components further comprise one or more upper tray support components directly or indirectly engaged to and supported by said one or more main support members and/or said first lower battery tray;

(c) said breakaway components further comprise a first upper battery tray, upon which a plurality of the batteries that are to be mounted to the vehicle are supported when the batteries are mounted to the vehicle;

(d) said first upper battery tray is engaged to and supported by said one or more upper tray support components; and

(e) at least a portion of said first upper battery tray is disposed directly vertically above said first lower battery tray at a distance above said first lower battery tray such that one or more of the batteries that are to be mounted to the vehicle may be supported upon said first lower battery tray below said first upper battery tray and there would be space between any of the batteries, if they were supported on said first lower battery tray, and a lower surface of said first upper battery tray.

24. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 23, wherein:

(a) said first upper battery tray is releaseably fixedly engaged to said upper tray support components;

(b) said breakaway components further comprise one or more clamping devices for releaseably clamping a plurality of the batteries to said first upper battery tray;

(b) said fixed engagement of said first upper battery tray to said upper tray support components is of such a construction that it may be readily released, and the first upper battery tray separated from the first battery mounting assembly whether or not there are batteries clamped to the first upper battery tray; and

(c) said clamping devices are constructed such that whether said first upper battery tray is releaseably fixedly engaged to said upper tray support components or said first upper battery tray has been separated from said upper tray support components, when the batteries are clamped to said first upper battery tray said one or more clamping devices that clamp the plurality of the batteries to said first upper battery tray may be readily released and the batteries may be removed from said first upper battery tray one at a time.

25. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 24, wherein:

(a) said upper tray support components are comprised of a first side wall;

(b) said first side wall is fixedly engaged to said first lower battery tray and/or one or more of said one or more main support members;

(c) said first side wall extends substantially vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(d) said upper tray support components are comprised of a second side wall;

(e) said second side wall is fixedly engaged to said first lower battery tray and/or one or more of said one or more main support members;

(f) said second side wall extends substantially vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(g) said first upper battery tray is engaged directly or indirectly to and is supported by said first side wall and said second side wall;

(h) said first side wall and said second side wall are positioned relative to one another such that a lower battery space is defined horizontally between said first side wall and said second side wall and vertically above at least a portion of said first lower battery tray;

(i) said first upper battery tray is disposed such that a majority of a battery support surface of said first upper battery tray is disposed horizontally between said first side wall and said second side wall;

(j) said breakaway components further comprise a first end wall and a second end wall;

(k) said first end wall is directly or indirectly fixedly engaged to said first lower battery tray and/or one or more of said one or more main support members and extends vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(l) said second end wall is directly or indirectly fixedly engaged to said first lower battery tray and/or one or more of said one or more main support members and extends vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(m) said first end wall and said second end wall are each substantially planar and are disposed such that they are substantially parallel to one another and perpendicular to said first side wall and said second side wall; and

(n) said first end wall and said second end wall are each fixedly engaged to said side walls at outer end portions of said side walls.

26. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 25, wherein:

(a) one or more of said first battery assembly hangers defines a support member recess; and

(b) a portion of one or more of said one or more main support members of said first battery mounting assembly protrudes into a support recess defined by a battery assembly hanger.

27. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 26, wherein:

(a) said first side wall comprises a plurality of first side wall vertical tabs that are fixedly engaged to said first side wall and extend vertically from said first side wall to a point above said battery support surface of said first upper battery tray;

(b) said first side wall vertical tabs are spaced relative to one another such that first side wall tray locating slots are defined between respective ones of said first side wall vertical tabs;

(c) said first side wall and said first side wall vertical tabs are constructed and positioned relative to one another such that each of said first side wall tray locating slots, extends upwardly from a lower end, to an upper end which is an opening between upper ends of adjacent first side wall vertical tabs;

(d) said second side wall comprises a plurality of second side wall vertical tabs that are fixedly engaged to said second side wall and extend vertically from said second side wall to a point above said battery support surface of said first upper battery tray;

(e) said second side wall vertical tabs are spaced relative to one another such that second side wall tray locating slots are defined between respective ones of said second side wall vertical tabs;

(f) said second side wall and said second side wall vertical tabs are constructed and positioned relative to one another such that each of said second side wall tray locating slots, extends upwardly from a lower end, to an upper end which is an opening between upper ends of adjacent second side wall vertical tabs;

(g) said first upper battery tray comprises a plurality of tray locating members;

(h) each respective tray locating member has a tray engagement end and a terminal end; and

(i) each of said tray locating members is fixedly engaged to said first upper battery tray and protrudes horizontally through a respective one of said first side wall tray locating slots or a respective one of said second side wall tray locating slots such that either said first side wall or said second side wall is disposed horizontally between a tray engagement end and a terminal end of each tray locating member.

28. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 27, wherein:

(a) said breakaway components further comprise outer walls, and a lid;

(b) said outer walls are fixedly engaged to said first battery mounting assembly and extend vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(c) said outer walls are disposed relative to one another such that said upper tray support components are disposed horizontally between said outer walls;

(d) said lid is engaged to said first battery mounting assembly in a releasable manner;

(e) a lid top portion of said lid is disposed directly vertically above said first lower battery tray and said first upper battery tray at a height that allows for space between the batteries that are to be disposed upon said first upper battery tray and said lid top portion when the batteries are disposed upon said first upper battery tray;

(f) an outer shell of said first battery mounting assembly comprises said outer walls, said lid, and said first lower battery tray;

(g) said outer walls, said lid, and said first lower battery tray are constructed and engaged to said first battery mounting assembly such that said first side wall, said second side wall, said first upper battery tray, and the batteries that are to be mounted to said first battery mounting assembly are substantially surrounded in all directions horizontally and vertically by said outer shell of said first battery mounting assembly when the batteries are mounted to said first battery mounting assembly.

30. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 29, wherein:

(a) one or more of said first battery assembly hangers are constructed to be relatively rigidly engaged to one or more of the second battery assembly hangers when said first battery mounting assembly is mounted to the vehicle.

31. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 30, wherein:

(a) said first battery mounting assembly further comprises one or more upper tray support components directly or indirectly engaged to and supported by said one or more main support members and/or said first lower battery tray;

(b) said first battery mounting assembly further comprises a first upper battery tray, upon which a plurality of the batteries that are to be mounted to the vehicle are supported when the batteries are mounted to the vehicle;

(c) wherein said first upper battery tray is engaged to and supported by said one or more upper tray support components; and

(d) at least a portion of said first upper battery tray is disposed directly vertically above said first lower battery tray at a distance above said first lower battery tray such that one or more of the batteries that are to be mounted to the vehicle may be supported upon said first lower battery tray below said first upper battery tray and there would be space between any of the batteries, if they were supported on said first lower battery tray, and a lower surface of said first upper battery tray.

32. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 31, wherein:

(c) said first upper battery tray is releaseably fixedly engaged to said upper tray support components;

(d) said first battery mounting assembly further comprises one or more clamping devices for releaseably clamping a plurality of the batteries to said first upper battery tray;

(e) said fixed engagement of said first upper battery tray to said upper tray support components is of such a construction that it may be readily released, and the first upper battery tray separated from the first battery mounting assembly whether or not there are batteries clamped to the first upper battery tray; and

(f) said clamping devices are constructed such that whether said first upper battery tray is releaseably fixedly engaged to said upper tray support components or said first upper battery tray has been separated from said upper tray support components, when the batteries are clamped to said first upper battery tray said one or more clamping devices that clamp the plurality of the batteries to said first upper battery tray may be readily released and the batteries may be removed from said first upper battery tray one at a time.

33. The first battery mounting assembly of claim 32, wherein:

(a) said upper tray support components are comprised of a first side wall;

(b) said first side wall is fixedly engaged to said first lower battery tray and/or one or more of said one or more main support members;

(c) said first side wall extends substantially vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(d) said upper tray support components are comprised of a second side wall;

(e) said second side wall is fixedly engaged to said first lower battery tray and/or one or more of said one or more main support members;

(f) said second side wall extends substantially vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(g) said first upper battery tray is engaged directly or indirectly to and is supported by said first side wall and said second side wall;

(h) said first side wall and said second side wall are positioned relative to one another such that a lower battery space is defined horizontally between said first side wall and said second side wall and vertically above at least a portion of said first lower battery tray;

(i) said first upper battery tray is disposed such that a majority of a battery support surface of said first upper battery tray is disposed horizontally between said first side wall and said second side wall;

(j) said first battery mounting assembly is further comprised of a first end wall and a second end wall;

(k) said first end wall is directly or indirectly fixedly engaged to said first lower battery tray and/or one or more of said one or more main support members and extends vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(l) said second end wall is directly or indirectly fixedly engaged to said first lower battery tray and/or one or more of said one or more main support members and extends vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(m) said first end wall and said second end wall are each substantially planar and are disposed such that they are substantially parallel to one another and perpendicular to said first side wall and said second side wall; and

(n) said first end wall and said second end wall are each fixedly engaged to said side walls at outer end portions of said side walls.

35. The vehicle of claim 34, wherein:

(a) said first upper battery tray is releaseably fixedly engaged to said upper tray support components;

(b) said first battery mounting assembly further comprises one or more clamping devices that releaseably clamp a plurality of said batteries to said first upper battery tray;

(c) said fixed engagement of said first upper battery tray to said upper tray support components is of such a construction that they may be released and said first upper battery tray, with said batteries clamped to it may be separated as a unit from said first battery mounting assembly; and

(d) said clamping devices that clamp said batteries to said first upper battery tray are of a construction such that, whether said first upper battery tray is releaseably fixedly engaged to said upper tray support components or said first upper battery tray has been separated from said upper tray support components said one or more clamping devices that clamp said batteries to said first upper battery tray may be released and the batteries may be removed from said first upper battery tray one at a time.

36. The vehicle of claim 35, wherein:

(a) said upper tray support components comprise a first side wall;

(b) said first side wall is fixedly engaged to said first lower battery tray and/or one or more of said one or more main support members;

(c) said first side wall extends substantially vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(d) said upper tray support components comprise a second side wall;

(e) said second side wall is fixedly engaged to said first lower battery tray and/or one or more of said one or more main support members;

(f) said second side wall extends substantially vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(g) said first upper battery tray is engaged directly or indirectly to and is supported by said first side wall and said second side wall;

(h) said first side wall and said second side wall are positioned relative to one another such that a lower battery space is defined horizontally between said first side wall and said second side wall and vertically above at least a portion of said first lower battery tray;

(i) said first upper battery tray is disposed such that a majority of a battery support surface of said first upper battery tray is disposed horizontally between said first side wall and said second side wall;

(j) said first battery mounting assembly is further comprised of a first end wall and a second end wall;

(k) said first end wall is directly or indirectly fixedly engaged to said first lower battery tray and/or one or more of said one or more main support members and extends vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(l) said second end wall is directly or indirectly fixedly engaged to said first lower battery tray and/or one or more of said one or more main support members and extends vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(m) said first end wall and said second end wall are each substantially planar and are disposed such that they are substantially parallel to one another and perpendicular to said first side wall and said second side wall; and

(n) said first end wall and said second end wall are each fixedly engaged to said side walls at outer end portions of said side walls.

37. The vehicle of claim 36, wherein:

(a) said first side wall comprises a plurality of first side wall vertical tabs that are fixedly engaged to said first side wall and extend vertically from said first side wall to a point above said battery support surface of said first upper battery tray;

(b) said first side wall vertical tabs are spaced relative to one another such that first side wall tray locating slots are defined between respective ones of said first side wall vertical tabs;

(c) said first side wall and said first side wall vertical tabs are constructed and positioned relative to one another such that each of said first side wall tray locating slots, extends upwardly from a lower end, to an upper end which is an opening between upper ends of adjacent first side wall vertical tabs;

(d) said second side wall comprises a plurality of second side wall vertical tabs that are fixedly engaged to said second side wall and extend vertically from said second side wall to a point above said battery support surface of said first upper battery tray;

(e) said second side wall vertical tabs are spaced relative to one another such that second side wall tray locating slots are defined between respective ones of said second side wall vertical tabs;

(f) said second side wall and said second side wall vertical tabs are constructed and positioned relative to one another such that each of said second side wall tray locating slots, extends upwardly from a lower end, to an upper end which is an opening between upper ends of adjacent second side wall vertical tabs;

(g) said first upper battery tray comprises a plurality of tray locating members;

(h) each respective tray locating member has a tray engagement end and a terminal end; and

(i) each of said tray locating members is fixedly engaged to said first upper battery tray and protrudes horizontally through a respective one of said first side wall tray locating slots or a respective one of said second side wall tray locating slots such that either said first side wall or said second side wall is disposed horizontally between a tray engagement end and a terminal end of each tray locating member.

38. The vehicle of claim 37, wherein:

(a) said first battery mounting assembly further comprises outer walls, and a lid;

(b) said outer walls are fixedly engaged to said first battery mounting assembly and extend vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(c) said outer walls are disposed relative to one another such that said upper tray support components are disposed horizontally between said outer walls;

(d) said lid is engaged to said first battery mounting assembly in a releasable manner;

(e) a lid top portion of said lid is disposed directly vertically above said first lower battery tray and said first upper battery tray at a height such that space is present between said batteries supported upon said first upper battery tray and said lid top portion;

(f) an outer shell of said first battery mounting assembly comprises said outer walls, said lid, and said first lower battery tray;

(g) said outer walls, said lid, and said first lower battery tray are constructed and engaged to said first battery mounting assembly such that said first side wall, said second side wall, said first upper battery tray, and said batteries that are mounted to said first battery mounting assembly are substantially surrounded in all directions horizontally and vertically by said outer shell of said first battery mounting assembly.

39. The vehicle of claim 38, wherein:

(a) said first battery mounting assembly comprises breakaway components and battery assembly mounting components;

(b) said breakaway components comprise said first lower battery tray, said first side wall, said second side wall, said first upper battery tray, and said batteries that are mounted to said first battery mounting assembly;

(c) said battery assembly mounting components comprise said one or more main support members and any components of said first battery mounting assembly engaged between said one or more main support members and said structural components of said vehicle;

(d) said breakaway components and said battery assembly mounting components are constructed and engaged to one another and said structural components of said vehicle in a manner such that, when said first battery mounting assembly is subjected to relatively large forces in certain directions, such as would occur when said vehicle is involved in a traffic accident, certain components of said battery assembly mounting components deform and/or fracture in predetermined manners and/or certain engagements of said breakaway components, said battery assembly mounting components, and said structural components of said vehicle to one another allow relative motion to occur between one another in predetermined manners such that said breakaway components move in predetermined manners relative to said vehicle and energy is absorbed and dissipated by said first battery mounting assembly as said breakaway components move relative to said vehicle;

(e) said breakaway components are constructed and engaged to one another in a relatively rigid manner such that, if said first battery mounting assembly is subjected to relatively large forces that cause said breakaway components to move in predetermined manners relative to said vehicle, said breakaway components are prevented from moving relative to one another in all but relatively extreme traffic accidents; and

(f) said breakaway components and said battery assembly mounting components are constructed and engaged to one another and said structural components of said vehicle in a relatively strong manner such that even when some components of said first battery mounting assembly deform and/or fracture, as a result of said first battery mounting assembly being subjected to relatively large forces and/or accelerations in certain directions, said first battery mounting assembly remains to be supported by said vehicle during and after all but relatively extreme traffic accidents.

40. The vehicle of claim 39, wherein:

(a) said battery assembly mounting components comprise first battery assembly hangers that are engaged to said one or more main support members in a relatively rigid manner;

(b) each of said first battery assembly hangers are engaged to said structural components of said vehicle by a main support bolt and one or more anti-rotation bolts;

(c) each anti-rotation bolt is engaged to a first battery assembly hanger at a point distant from an axis of a shank of a main support bolt that is engaged to a same first battery assembly hanger as said each anti-rotation bolt;

(d) each main support bolt, each first battery assembly hanger, and said structural components of said vehicle are constructed with a strength such that engagement of each battery assembly hanger to said structural components of said vehicle could be maintained by engagement of said first battery assembly hanger to said structural components of said vehicle by said main support bolt alone;

(e) each main support bolt, each first battery assembly hanger, and said structural components of said vehicle are constructed with a strength such that, even if said first battery mounting assembly were subjected to relatively large forces and/or accelerations as a result of said vehicle being involved in a traffic accident, engagement of each first battery assembly hanger to said structural components of said vehicle would be maintained by engagement of said each first battery assembly hanger to said structural components of said vehicle by said main support bolt alone;

(f) said anti-rotation bolts are of a relatively weak construction as compared to said main support bolts.

41. The vehicle of claim 40, wherein:

(a) said vehicle comprises a second battery mounting assembly;

(b) said second battery mounting assembly is engaged to and supported by one or more second battery assembly hangers;

(c) each of said one or more second battery assembly hangers is fixedly engaged to and supported by said structural components of said vehicle

(d) one or more of said first battery assembly hangers are relatively rigidly engaged to one or more of said second battery assembly hangers.

42. The vehicle of claim 33, wherein:

(a) said first battery mounting assembly further comprises one or more bumper components;

(b) each of said one or more bumper components is engaged to one of said main support members and/or one of said first battery assembly hangers;

(c) each of said bumper components is positioned at a point farther from a centroid of said vehicle than one or more of said batteries that are mounted to said first battery mounting assembly;

(d) each of said bumper components are positioned at a relative height similar to that of some of said batteries that are mounted to said first battery mounting assembly;

(e) said one or more bumper components and said one or more main support members and/or first battery assembly hangers that said bumper components are engaged to are of a relatively strong construction such that said bumper components can be subjected to relatively large forces in directions that would tend to drive said bumper components toward said batteries that are mounted to said first battery mounting assembly without said bumper components being driven into said batteries of said first battery mounting assembly.

43. The vehicle of claim 42, wherein:

(a) said first side wall is substantially planar;

(b) said second side wall is substantially planar;

(c) said first side wall and said second side wall are disposed substantially parallel to one another;

(d) said first side wall and said second side wall are positioned relative to one another such that said batteries that are supported upon said first lower battery tray are positioned upon said first lower battery tray such that any spaces between each battery and an adjacent battery or said first side wall or said second side wall are relatively small in directions perpendicular to said first side wall and said second side wall;

(e) each of said first side wall vertical tabs is substantially planar and is located approximately in a first vertical tab plane as is every other first side wall vertical tab;

(f) each of said second side wall vertical tabs is substantially planar and is located approximately in a second vertical tab plane as is every other second side wall vertical tab;

(g) said first side wall vertical tabs and said second side wall vertical tabs are disposed such that said first vertical tab plane is disposed substantially parallel to said second vertical tab plane; and

(h) said first side wall vertical tabs and said second side wall vertical tabs are positioned relative to one another such that said batteries that are supported upon said first upper battery tray are positioned upon said first upper battery such that any spaces between each battery and an adjacent battery or said first side wall vertical tabs or said second side wall vertical tabs are relatively small in directions perpendicular to said first vertical tab plane and said second vertical tab plane.

44. The vehicle of claim 43, wherein:

(a) said first lower battery tray defines one or more lower tray ribs that extend vertically above a battery support surface of said first lower battery tray;

(b) each of said lower tray ribs has a longitudinal rib axis that extends in directions parallel to said first side wall and said second side wall;

(c) each lower tray rib is positioned such that any distance, in a direction perpendicular to said first side wall and said second side wall, between a lower tray rib and an adjacent lower tray rib or side wall is just slightly greater than a battery width of batteries that are disposed upon said first lower battery tray between said lower tray rib and said adjacent lower tray rib or side wall;

(d) said first upper battery tray defines one or more upper tray ribs that extend vertically above a battery support surface of said first upper battery tray;

(e) each of said upper tray ribs has a longitudinal rib axis;

(f) one or more of said upper tray ribs are positioned such that their longitudinal rib axes are disposed substantially parallel to said first vertical tab plane and said second vertical tab plane;

(g) one or more of said upper tray ribs are positioned such that their longitudinal rib axes are disposed substantially perpendicular to said first vertical tab plane and said second vertical tab plane;

(h) each upper tray rib is positioned such that any distance, in a direction perpendicular to said longitudinal rib axis of said upper tray rib, between an upper tray rib and an adjacent upper tray rib or vertical tab is just slightly greater than a battery width of batteries that are disposed upon said first upper battery tray between said upper tray rib and said adjacent upper tray rib or vertical tab; and

(i) said first battery mounting assembly is constructed such that each of said first side wall tray locating slots and each of said second side wall tray locating slots is of a width narrower than any battery widths of any of said batteries that are supported upon said first upper battery tray.

45. The vehicle of claim 44, wherein:

(a) one or more of said first battery assembly hangers defines a support member recess; and

(b) a portion of one or more of said one or more main support members of said first battery mounting assembly protrudes into a support recess defined by a battery assembly hanger.

46. The vehicle of claim 45, wherein:

(a) said first battery mounting assembly is further comprised of at least two inertial trigger electrical disconnects mounted to said first battery mounting assembly;

(b) a positive inertial trigger electrical disconnect is electrically connected to positive voltage terminals of one or more of said batteries that are mounted to said first battery mounting assembly and said positive inertial trigger electrical disconnect is also electrically connected to an electrical system of said vehicle;

(c) said positive inertial trigger electrical disconnect is constructed such that during normal vehicle operation, said positive inertial trigger electrical disconnect operates in closed operational state and acts as part of an electrical connection between one or more of said positive voltage battery terminals and said electrical system of said vehicle;

(d) said positive inertial trigger electrical disconnect is constructed such that, when said first battery mounting assembly is subjected to relatively large accelerations greater than those that said first battery mounting assembly would be subjected to during normal vehicle operation and thus said positive inertial trigger disconnect is subjected to similar relatively large accelerations, said operational state of said positive inertial trigger electrical disconnect changes from closed to open and said electrical connection between said one or more positive voltage terminals of said batteries and said electrical system of said vehicle is interrupted;

(e) a negative inertial trigger electrical disconnect is electrically connected to one or more negative voltage terminals of said batteries that are mounted to said first battery mounting assembly and said negative inertial trigger electrical disconnect is also electrically connected to said electrical system of said vehicle;

(f) said negative inertial trigger electrical disconnect is constructed such that during normal vehicle operation, said negative inertial trigger electrical disconnect operates in a closed operational state and acts as part of an electrical connection between one or more of said negative voltage battery terminals of said batteries and said electrical system of said vehicle; and

(g) said negative inertial trigger electrical disconnect is constructed such that, when said first battery mounting assembly is subjected to relatively large accelerations greater than those that said first battery mounting assembly would be subjected to during normal vehicle operation and thus said negative inertial trigger disconnect is subjected to similar relatively large accelerations, said operational state of said negative inertial trigger disconnect changes from closed to open and said electrical connection between said one or more negative voltage terminals of said batteries and said electrical system of said vehicle is interrupted.

47. The vehicle of claim 46, wherein:

(a) a first lower row of batteries is disposed upon said first lower battery tray on one side of and adjacent to a lower tray rib that is defined by said first lower battery tray;

(b) said lower tray rib that said first lower row of batteries is disposed on one side of is positioned such that a longitudinal rib axis of said lower tray rib is disposed substantially parallel to said first side wall and said second side wall;

(c) a second lower row of batteries is disposed adjacent to said lower tray rib that said first lower row of batteries is disposed adjacent, and said second lower row of batteries is disposed on a side of said lower tray rib opposite a side of said lower tray rib upon which said first lower row of batteries is disposed;

(d) said first battery mounting assembly further comprises one or more lower tray clamping devices which clamp said batteries of said first lower row of batteries and said batteries of said second lower row of batteries to said first lower battery tray;

(e) each of said lower tray clamping devices comprises a clamp plate, a clamp bolt and a clamp nut;

(f) a clamp plate lower surface of said clamp plate of each of said lower tray clamping devices abuts a horizontal upper surface of one or more of said batteries in said first lower row and a horizontal upper surface of one or more of said batteries in said second lower row;

(g) said clamp bolt of each of said lower tray clamping devices protrudes through said clamp plate of each of said lower tray clamping devices and through said lower tray rib that said first lower row of batteries and said second lower row of batteries are disposed upon opposite sides of;

(h) either a bolt head of said clamp bolt or said clamp nut of each of said lower tray clamping devices is disposed on an upper side of said clamp plate of each of said lower tray clamping devices;

(i) whichever of said clamp nut and said bolt head of each of said lower tray clamping devices is not disposed on said upper side of said clamp plate of each of said lower tray clamping devices is disposed on a lower side of said lower tray rib that said first lower row of batteries and said second lower row of batteries are disposed upon opposite sides of;

(j) an end of each of said clamp bolts of said lower tray clamping devices opposite said bolt head is threadedly engaged to said clamp nut of each of said lower tray clamping devices;

(k) each of said clamp plates of said lower tray clamping devices applies a downward clamping force to, and thus clamps against said battery support surface of said lower battery tray, one or more of said batteries of said first lower row of batteries and one or more of said batteries of said second lower row of batteries;

(l) a first upper row of batteries is disposed upon said first upper battery tray on one side of and adjacent to a plurality of upper tray ribs that are defined by said first upper battery tray, and said plurality of upper tray ribs are positioned in line with one another and parallel to said first vertical tab plane and said second vertical tab plane;

(m) a second upper row of batteries is disposed adjacent to said plurality of upper tray ribs that said first upper row of batteries is disposed adjacent, and said second upper row of batteries is disposed on a side of said plurality of upper tray ribs opposite said side of said plurality of upper tray ribs upon which said first upper row of batteries is disposed;

(n) said clamping devices that clamp said batteries to said first upper battery tray, comprise one or more upper tray clamping devices that clamp said batteries of said first upper row of batteries and said batteries of said second upper row of batteries to said first upper battery tray;

(o) each of said upper tray clamping devices comprises a clamp plate, a clamp bolt and a clamp nut;

(p) a clamp plate lower surface of said clamp plate of each of said upper tray clamping devices abuts a horizontal upper surface of one or more of said batteries in said first upper row of batteries and a horizontal upper surface of one or more of said batteries in said second upper row of batteries;

(q) said clamp bolt of each of said upper tray clamping devices protrudes through said clamp plate of each of said upper tray clamping devices and through one of said plurality of upper tray ribs that said first upper row of batteries and said second upper row of batteries are disposed upon opposite sides of;

(r) either a bolt head of said clamp bolt or said clamp nut of each of said upper tray clamping devices is disposed on an upper side of said clamp plate of each of said upper tray clamping devices;

(s) whichever of said clamp nut and said bolt head of each of said upper tray clamping devices is not disposed on said upper side of said clamp plate of each of said upper tray clamping devices is disposed on a lower side of one of said plurality of upper tray ribs that said first upper row of batteries and said second upper row of batteries are disposed upon opposite sides of;

(t) an end of each of said clamp bolts of said upper tray clamping devices opposite said bolt head is threadedly engaged to said clamp nut of each of said upper tray clamping devices; and

(u) each of said clamp plates of said upper tray clamping devices applies a downward clamping force to, and thus clamps against said battery support surface of said first upper battery tray, one or more of said batteries of said first upper row of batteries and one or more of said batteries of said second upper row of batteries.

48. The vehicle of claim 47, wherein:

(a) said first battery mounting assembly further comprises a ventilation fan;

(b) said ventilation fan is mounted to said first battery mounting assembly adjacent a ventilation intake opening defined by said outer walls of said first battery mounting assembly;

(c) said ventilation fan is constructed, engaged to said first battery mounting assembly and electrically connected to fan controls in such a manner that, when said ventilation fan is operational, as air travels away from said ventilation fan it flows into as opposed to out of an interior of said first battery mounting assembly;

(d) said ventilation fan is positioned within said first battery mounting assembly such that when said ventilation fan is operational, a central portion of an air stream exiting said ventilation fan travels through spaces between said first upper row of batteries and said second upper row of batteries and/or spaces between said first lower row of batteries and said second lower row of batteries;

(e) said outer walls of said first battery mounting assembly define a ventilation exhaust opening through which air may be displaced from said interior of said first battery mounting assembly by air that is introduced to said interior of said first battery mounting assembly by said ventilation fan; and

(f) said ventilation exhaust opening is disposed at a point in said outer walls substantially opposite said ventilation intake opening.

49. The vehicle of claim 48, wherein:

(a) said first battery mounting assembly further comprises a second upper battery tray that is releasably fixedly engaged to and supported by said first side wall and said second side wall; and

(b) structure is present for releaseably clamping a plurality of batteries to said second upper battery tray.

50. The vehicle of claim 49, wherein:

(a) said first battery mounting assembly further comprises a first debris shield mounted to said first battery mounting assembly;

(b) said first debris shield comprises a first sheet barrier that is disposed substantially parallel to a portion of said outer walls of said first battery mounting assembly that defines said ventilation intake opening;

(c) said first sheet barrier is of such a shape and is positioned such that a large percentage of said intake ventilation opening is aligned with some portion of said first sheet barrier in directions perpendicular to said portion of said outer walls that defines said ventilation intake opening;

(d) said first sheet barrier extends downwardly from a portion of said first sheet barrier that is disposed adjacent to said ventilation intake opening to a first sheet barrier lower edge;

(e) said first sheet barrier is constructed and positioned such that a distance from said portion of said first sheet barrier that is disposed adjacent said ventilation intake opening to said first sheet barrier lower edge is considerably greater than a distance in directions perpendicular to said portion of said outer walls that defines said ventilation intake opening between said portion of said outer wall that defines said ventilation intake opening and said first sheet barrier;

(f) said first debris shield further comprises a first sheet barrier mounting wall;

(g) said first sheet barrier mounting wall is engaged to said first sheet barrier around a periphery of said first sheet barrier;

(h) said first sheet barrier mounting wall extends from said periphery of said first sheet barrier in directions toward said portion of said outer wall that defines said ventilation intake opening;

(i) a portion of said first sheet barrier mounting wall opposite a portion that is engaged to said periphery of said first sheet barrier is engaged to said portion of said outer wall that defines said ventilation intake opening;

(j) said first sheet barrier mounting wall is constructed and engaged to said first battery mounting assembly in a manner such that said first sheet barrier mounting wall extends in an unbroken manner between said portion of said outer wall that defines said ventilation intake opening and every portion of said periphery of said first sheet barrier with the exception of a portion of said periphery of said first sheet barrier that is disposed adjacent said first sheet barrier lower edge;

(k) said first battery mounting assembly further comprises a second debris shield mounted to said first battery mounting assembly;

(l) said second debris shield comprises a second sheet barrier that is disposed substantially parallel to a portion of said outer walls of said first battery mounting assembly that defines said ventilation exhaust opening;

(m) said second sheet barrier is of such a shape and is positioned such that a large percentage of said exhaust ventilation opening is aligned with some portion of said second sheet barrier in directions perpendicular to said portion of said outerwalls that defines said ventilation exhaust opening;

(n) said second sheet barrier extends downwardly from a portion of said second sheet barrier that is disposed adjacent to said ventilation exhaust opening to a second sheet barrier lower edge;

(o) said second sheet barrier is constructed and positioned such that a distance from said portion of said second sheet barrier that is disposed adjacent said ventilation exhaust opening to said second sheet barrier lower edge is considerably greater than a distance in directions perpendicular to said second sheet barrier between said portion of said outer wall that defines said ventilation exhaust opening and said second sheet barrier;

(p) said second debris shield further comprises a second sheet barrier mounting wall;

(q) said second sheet barrier mounting wall is engaged to said second sheet barrier around a periphery of said second sheet barrier;

(r) said second sheet barrier mounting wall extends from said periphery of said second sheet barrier in directions toward said portion of said outer wall that defines said ventilation exhaust opening;

(s) a portion of said second sheet barrier mounting wall opposite a portion that is engaged to said periphery of said second sheet barrier is engaged to said portion of said outer wall that defines said ventilation exhaust opening; and

(t) said second sheet barrier mounting wall is constructed and engaged to said first battery mounting assembly in a manner such that said second sheet barrier mounting wall extends in an unbroken manner between said portion of said outer wall that defines said ventilation exhaust opening and every portion of said periphery of said second sheet barrier with the exception of a portion of said periphery of said second sheet barrier that is disposed adjacent said second sheet barrier lower edge.

51. The vehicle of claim 50, wherein:

(a) one or more components of said first battery mounting assembly are made of steel;

(b) one or more of said components of said first battery mounting assembly that are made of steel are coated with an elastomer with high electrical resistance.

19. A first battery mounting assembly for mounting batteries to a vehicle that has a centroid and structural components and to which vehicle a second battery mounting assembly may be mounted by one or more second battery assembly hangers, comprising:

(a) battery assembly mounting components engaged to the structural components of the vehicle;

(b) breakaway components that are engaged to said battery assembly mounting components;

(c) wherein said breakaway components comprise a first lower battery tray that is engaged directly or indirectly to and supported by said battery assembly mounting components;

(d) wherein said breakaway components further comprise any components of said first battery mounting assembly necessary to secure the batteries that are to be disposed upon said first lower battery tray, to said first lower battery tray;

(e) said breakaway components and said battery assembly mounting components are constructed and engaged to one another and the structural components of the vehicle in a manner such that, when said first battery mounting assembly is subjected to relatively large forces in certain directions, such as would occur when the vehicle is involved in a traffic accident, certain components of said battery assembly mounting components deform and/or fracture in a predetermined manner and/or certain engagements of said breakaway components, said battery assembly mounting components, and the structural components of the vehicle to one another allow relative motion to occur between one another in a predetermined manner such that said breakaway components move in predetermined manners relative to the vehicle and energy is absorbed and dissipated by said first battery mounting assembly as said breakaway components move relative to the vehicle;

(f) said breakaway components are constructed and engaged to one another in a relatively rigid manner such that, if said first battery mounting assembly is subjected to relatively large forces that cause said breakaway components to move in predetermined manners relative to the vehicle, said breakaway components are prevented from moving relative to one another in all but relatively extreme traffic accidents; and

(g) said breakaway components and said battery assembly mounting components are constructed and engaged to one another and the structural components of the vehicle in a relatively strong manner such that, even when some components of said first battery mounting assembly deform and/or fracture, as a result of said first battery mounting assembly being subjected to relatively large forces and/or accelerations in certain directions, said first battery mounting assembly remains to be supported by the vehicle during and after all but relatively extreme traffic accidents.

29. A first battery mounting assembly for mounting batteries to a vehicle that has a centroid and structural components and to which vehicle a second battery mounting assembly may be mounted by one or more second battery assembly hangers, comprising:

(a) one or more first battery assembly hangers engaged to and supported by some of the structural components of the vehicle;

(b) one or more main support members engaged to and supported by said one or more first battery assembly hangers;

(c) a first lower battery tray, upon which a plurality of the batteries that are to be mounted to the vehicle are supported when the batteries are mounted to the vehicle, engaged to and supported by said one or more main support members;

(d) one or more bumper components;

(e) wherein each of said one or more bumper components is engaged to one of said main support members and/or one of said first battery assembly hangers;

(f) wherein each of said bumper components is positioned at a point of said first battery mounting assembly such that, when said first battery mounting assembly is properly mounted to the vehicle and the batteries are mounted to said first battery mounting assembly, each of said one or more bumper components is positioned farther from the centroid of the vehicle than one or more of the batteries that are mounted to said first battery mounting assembly;

(g) wherein each of said bumper components are positioned at a relative height similar to that at which some of the batteries are to be mounted to said first battery mounting assembly;

(j) wherein said one or more bumper components and said one or more main support members and/or first battery assembly hangers that said bumper components are engaged to are of a relatively strong construction such that, when said first battery mounting assembly is properly mounted to the vehicle and the batteries are mounted to said first battery mounting assembly, said bumper components can be subjected to relatively large forces in directions that would tend to drive said bumper components toward the batteries without said bumper components impacting the batteries.

34. A vehicle, comprising:

(a) structural components, upon which a large percentage of components of said vehicle depend for support in a direct or indirect manner;

(b) wherein said structural components comprise a frame;

(c) a body, within which individuals and/or objects may be disposed and be isolated from undesirable elements of an environment outside said body;

(d) wherein said body is engaged to and supported by said frame;

(e) a suspension system for supporting said vehicle;

(f) wherein said frame is engaged to and supported by said suspension system;

(g) a first battery mounting assembly engaged to said vehicle;

(h) wherein said first battery mounting assembly comprises one or more main support members engaged directly or indirectly to and supported by some of said structural components of said vehicle;

(i) wherein said first battery mounting assembly further comprises a first lower battery tray, upon which a plurality of batteries are supported, engaged directly or indirectly to and supported by said one or more main support members;

(j) wherein said first battery mounting assembly further comprises one or more upper tray support components directly or indirectly engaged to and supported by one or more of said one or more main support members and/or said first lower battery tray;

(k) wherein said first battery mounting assembly further comprises a first upper battery tray, upon which a plurality of batteries are supported, engaged to and supported by said one or more upper tray support components; and

(l) wherein at least a portion of said first upper battery tray is disposed directly vertically above said first lower battery tray at a distance above said first lower battery tray such that there is space between said one or more batteries that are supported upon said first lower battery tray and a lower surface of said first upper battery tray.

52. A vehicle, comprising:

(a) structural components, upon which a large percentage of components of said vehicle depend for support in a direct or indirect manner;

(b) wherein said structural components comprise a frame;

(c) a body, within which individuals and/or objects may be disposed and be isolated from undesirable elements of an environment outside said body;

(d) wherein said body is engaged to and supported by said frame;

(e) a suspension system for supporting said vehicle;

(f) wherein said frame is engaged to and supported by said suspension system;

(g) a first battery mounting assembly engaged to said vehicle;

(h) wherein said first battery mounting assembly comprises battery assembly mounting components engaged to said structural components of said vehicle;

(i) wherein said first battery mounting assembly further comprises breakaway components that are engaged to said battery assembly mounting components;

(j) wherein said breakaway components comprise a first lower battery tray that is engaged directly or indirectly to and supported by said battery assembly mounting components;

(k) wherein said breakaway components further comprise any components of said first battery mounting assembly necessary to secure batteries that are disposed upon said first lower battery tray, to said first lower battery tray;

(l) said breakaway components and said battery assembly mounting components are constructed and engaged to one another and said structural components of said vehicle in a manner such that, when said first battery mounting assembly is subjected to relatively large forces in certain directions, such as would occur when said vehicle is involved in a traffic accident, certain components of said battery assembly mounting components deform and/or fracture in a predetermined manner and/or certain engagements of said breakaway components, said battery assembly mounting components, and said structural components of said vehicle to one another allow relative motion to occur between one another in a predetermined manner such that said breakaway components move in predetermined manners relative to said vehicle and energy is absorbed and dissipated by said first battery mounting assembly as said breakaway components move relative to said vehicle;

(m) said breakaway components are constructed and engaged to one another in a relatively rigid manner such that, if said first battery mounting assembly is subjected to relatively large forces that cause said breakaway components to move in predetermined manners relative to said vehicle, said breakaway components are prevented from moving relative to one another in all but relatively extreme traffic accidents; and

(n) said breakaway components and said battery assembly mounting components are constructed and engaged to one another and said structural components of said vehicle in a relatively strong manner such that, even when some components of said first battery mounting assembly deform and/or fracture, as a result of said first battery mounting assembly being subjected to relatively large forces and/or accelerations in certain directions, said first battery mounting assembly remains to be supported by said vehicle during and after all but relatively extreme traffic accidents.

53. The vehicle of claim 52, wherein:

(a) said battery assembly mounting components of said first battery mounting assembly comprise one or more main support members;

(b) said battery assembly mounting components comprise first battery assembly hangers that are engaged to said one or more main support members in a relatively rigid manner;

(c) each of said first battery assembly hangers are engaged to said structural components of said vehicle by a main support bolt and one or more anti-rotation bolts;

(d) each anti-rotation bolt is engaged to a first battery assembly hanger at a point distant from an axis of a shank of a main support bolt that is engaged to a same first battery assembly hanger as said anti-rotation bolt;

(e) each main support bolt, each first battery assembly hanger, and said structural components of said vehicle are constructed with a strength such that engagement of each first battery assembly hanger to said structural components of said vehicle could be maintained by engagement of said first battery assembly hanger to said structural components of said vehicle by said main support bolt alone;

(f) each main support bolt, each first battery assembly hanger, and said structural components of said vehicle are constructed with a strength such that, even if said first battery mounting assembly were subjected to relatively large forces and/or accelerations as a result of said vehicle being involved in a traffic accident, engagement of each first battery assembly hanger to said structural components of said vehicle would be maintained by engagement of said each battery assembly hanger to said structural components of said vehicle by said main support bolt alone; and

(g) said anti-rotation bolts are of a relatively weak construction as compared to said main support bolts.

54. The vehicle of claim 53, wherein:

(a) said first battery mounting assembly further comprises one or more bumper components;

(b) each of said one or more bumper components is engaged to one of said main support members and/or one of said first battery assembly hangers;

(c) each of said bumper components is positioned at a point farther from a centroid of said vehicle than one or more of said batteries that are mounted to said first battery mounting assembly are;

(d) each of said bumper components are positioned at a relative height similar to that of some of said batteries that are mounted to said first battery mounting assembly;

(e) said one or more bumper components and said one or more main support members and/or first battery assembly hangers that said bumper components are engaged to are of a relatively strong construction such that said bumper components can be subjected to relatively large forces in directions that would tend to drive said bumper components toward said batteries without said bumper components impacting said batteries.

55. The vehicle of claim 54, wherein:

(a) said vehicle further comprises a second battery mounting assembly;

(b) said vehicle further comprises one or more second battery assembly hangers engaged to said structural components of said vehicle in a relatively rigid manner;

(c) said second battery mounting assembly is engaged to and supported by said one or more second battery assembly hangers; and

(d) one or more of said first battery assembly hangers are relatively rigidly engaged to one or more of said second battery assembly hangers.

56. The vehicle of claim 55, wherein:

(a) said first lower battery tray is engaged to and supported upon said one or more main support components;

(b) said breakaway components further comprise one or more upper tray support components directly or indirectly engaged to and supported by said one or more main support members and/or said first lower battery tray;

(c) said breakaway components comprise a first upper battery tray, upon which a plurality of said batteries that are mounted to said vehicle are supported, engaged to and supported by said one or more upper tray support components; and

(d) at least a portion of said first upper battery tray is disposed directly vertically above said first lower battery tray at a distance above said first lower battery tray such that space is present between batteries supported upon said first lower battery tray and a lower surface of said first upper battery tray.

57. The vehicle of claim 56, wherein:

(a) said first upper battery tray is releaseably fixedly engaged to said upper tray support components;

(b) said breakaway components further comprise one or more clamping devices that releaseably clamp a plurality of said batteries to said first upper battery tray;

(c) said fixed engagement of said first upper battery tray to said upper tray supporting components is of a construction such that it may be released and said first upper batter tray may be separated from said first battery mounting assembly whether or not batteries are clamped to said first upper battery tray;

(d) whether said first upper battery tray is releaseably fixedly engaged to said upper tray support components or said first battery tray has been separated from said upper tray support components, said clamping devices that clamp said batteries to said first upper battery tray may be released and said batteries may be removed from said first upper battery tray one at a time.

58. The vehicle of claim 57, wherein:

(a) said upper tray support components comprise a first side wall;

(b) said first side wall is fixedly engaged to said first lower battery tray and/or one or more of said one or more main support members;

(c) said first side wall extends substantially vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(d) said upper tray support components comprise a second side wall;

(e) said second side wall is fixedly engaged to said first lower battery tray and/or one or more of said one or more main support members;

(f) said second side wall extends substantially vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(g) said first upper battery tray is engaged directly or indirectly to and is supported by said first side wall and said second side wall;

(h) said first side wall and said second side wall are positioned relative to one another such that a lower battery space is defined horizontally between said first side wall and said second side wall and vertically above at least a portion of said first lower battery tray;

(i) said first upper battery tray is disposed such that a majority of a battery support surface of said first upper battery tray is disposed horizontally between said first side wall and said second side wall;

(j) said breakaway components further comprise a first end wall and a second end wall;

(k) said first end wall is directly or indirectly fixedly engaged to said first lower battery tray and/or one or more of said one or more main support members and extends vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(l) said second end wall is directly or indirectly fixedly engaged to said first lower battery tray and/or one or more of said one or more main support members and extends vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(m) said first end wall and said second end wall are each substantially planar and are disposed such that they are substantially parallel to one another and perpendicular to said first side wall and said second side wall; and

(n) said first end wall and said second end wall are each fixedly engaged to said side walls at outer end portions of said side walls.

59. The vehicle of claim 58, wherein:

(c) one or more of said first battery assembly hangers defines a support member recess; and

(a) a portion of one or more of said one or more main support members of said first battery mounting assembly protrudes into a support recess defined by a battery assembly hanger.

60. The vehicle of claim 59, wherein:

(a) said first side wall comprises a plurality of first side wall vertical tabs that are fixedly engaged to said first side wall and extend vertically from said first side wall to a point above said battery support surface of said first upper battery tray;

(b) said first side wall vertical tabs are spaced relative to one another such that first side wall tray locating slots are defined between respective ones of said first side wall vertical tabs;

(c) said first side wall and said first side wall vertical tabs are constructed and positioned relative to one another such that each of said first side wall tray locating slots extends upwardly to an upper end which is an opening between upper ends of adjacent first side wall vertical tabs;

(d) said second side wall comprises a plurality of second side wall vertical tabs that are fixedly engaged to said second side wall and extend vertically from said second side wall to a point above said battery support surface of said first upper battery tray;

(e) said second side wall vertical tabs are spaced relative to one another such that second side wall tray locating slots are defined between respective ones of said second side wall vertical tabs;

(f) said second side wall and said second side wall vertical tabs are constructed and positioned relative to one another such that each of said second side wall tray locating slots, extends upwardly from a lower end, to an upper end which is an opening between upper ends of adjacent second side wall vertical tabs;

(g) said first upper battery tray comprises a plurality of tray locating members;

(h) each respective tray locating member has a tray engagement end and a terminal end; and

(i) each of said tray locating members is fixedly engaged to said first upper battery tray and protrudes horizontally through a respective one of said first side wall tray locating slots or a respective one of said second side wall tray locating slots such that either said first side wall or said second side wall is disposed horizontally between a tray engagement end and a terminal end of each tray locating member.

61. The vehicle of claim 60, wherein:

(a) said breakaway components further comprise outer walls, and a lid;

(b) said outer walls are fixedly engaged to said first battery mounting assembly and extend vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(c) said outer walls are disposed relative to one another such that said upper tray support components are disposed horizontally between said outer walls;

(d) said lid is engaged to said first battery mounting assembly in a releasable manner;

(e) a lid top portion of said lid is disposed directly vertically above said first lower battery tray and said first upper battery tray at a height that allows for space between batteries that are disposed upon said first upper battery tray and said lid top portion;

(f) an outer shell of said first battery mounting assembly comprises said outer walls, said lid, and said first lower battery tray;

(g) said outer walls, said lid, and said first lower battery tray are constructed and engaged to said first battery mounting assembly such that said first side wall, said second side wall, said first upper battery tray, and said batteries that are mounted to said first battery mounting assembly are substantially surrounded in all directions horizontally and vertically by said outer shell of said first battery mounting assembly.

62. A vehicle, comprising:

(a) structural components, upon which a large percentage of components of said vehicle depend for support in a direct or indirect manner;

(b) wherein said structural components comprise a frame;

(c) a body, within which individuals and/or objects may be disposed and be isolated from undesirable elements of an environment outside said body;

(d) wherein said body is engaged to and supported by said frame;

(e) a suspension system for supporting said vehicle;

(f) wherein said frame is engaged to and supported by said suspension system;

(g) a first battery mounting assembly engaged to said vehicle;

(h) wherein said first battery mounting assembly comprises one or more first battery assembly hangers engaged to and supported by some of said structural components of said vehicle;

(i) wherein said first battery mounting assembly further comprises one or more main support members engaged to and supported by said one or more first battery assembly hangers;

(j) wherein said first battery mounting assembly further comprises a first lower battery tray, upon which a plurality of batteries are supported, engaged to and supported by said one or more main support members;

(k) wherein said first battery mounting assembly further comprises one or more bumper components;

(l) wherein each of said one or more bumper components is engaged to one of said main support members and/or one of said first battery assembly hangers;

(m) wherein each of said bumper components is positioned at a point farther from a centroid of said vehicle than one or more of said batteries that are mounted to said first battery mounting assembly are;

(n) wherein each of said bumper components are positioned at a relative height similar to that of some of said batteries that are mounted to said first battery mounting assembly; and

(o) said one or more bumper components and said one or more main support members and/or first battery assembly hangers that said bumper components are engaged to are of a relatively strong construction such that said bumper components can be subjected to relatively large forces in directions that would tend to drive said bumper components toward said batteries without said bumper components impacting said batteries.

63. The vehicle of claim 62, wherein:

(a) said vehicle further comprises a second battery mounting assembly;

(b) said vehicle further comprises one or more second battery assembly hangers that are fixedly engaged to said structural components of said vehicle;

(c) said second battery mounting assembly is engaged to and supported by said one or more second battery assembly hangers;

(d) one or more of said first battery assembly hangers are relatively rigidly engaged to one or more of said second battery assembly hangers.

64. The vehicle of claim 63, wherein:

(a) said first battery mounting assembly further comprises one or more upper tray support components directly or indirectly engaged to and supported by said one or more main support members and/or said first lower battery tray;

(b) said first battery mounting assembly further comprises a first upper battery tray, upon which a plurality of batteries are supported, engaged to and supported by said one or more upper tray support components; and

(c) at least a portion of said first upper battery tray is disposed directly vertically above said first lower battery tray at a distance above said first lower battery tray such that one or more batteries are supported upon said first lower battery tray below said first upper battery tray and there is space between any of said batteries and a lower surface of said first upper battery tray.

65. The vehicle of claim 64, wherein:

(a) said first upper battery tray is releaseably fixedly engaged to said upper tray support components;

(b) said first battery mounting assembly further comprises one or more clamping devices that releaseably clamp a plurality of said batteries to said first upper battery tray;

(c) said fixed engagement of said first upper battery tray to said upper tray support components is of such a construction that it may be readily released and said first upper battery tray may be separated from said first battery mounting assembly whether or not said batteries are clamped to said first upper battery tray; and

(d) said clamping devices that clamp said batteries to said first upper battery tray are of such a construction that, whether said first upper battery tray is releaseably fixedly engaged to said upper tray support components or said first upper battery tray has been separated from said upper tray support components, said one or more clamping devices that clamp said batteries to said first upper battery tray may be released and said batteries may be removed from said first upper battery tray one at a time.

66. The vehicle of claim 65, wherein:

(a) said upper tray support components comprise a first side wall;

(b) said first side wall is fixedly engaged to said first lower battery tray and/or one or more of said one or more main support members;

(c) said first side wall extends substantially vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(d) said upper tray support components comprise a second side wall;

(e) said second side wall is fixedly engaged to said first lower battery tray and/or one or more of said one or more main support members;

(f) said second side wall extends substantially vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(g) said first upper battery tray is engaged directly or indirectly to and is supported by said first side wall and said second side wall;

(h) said first side wall and said second side wall are positioned relative to one another such that a lower battery space is defined horizontally between said first side wail and said second side wall and vertically above at least a portion of said first lower battery tray;

(i) said first upper battery tray is disposed such that a majority of a battery support surface of said first upper battery tray is disposed horizontally between said first side wall and said second side wall;

(j) said first battery mounting assembly is further comprised of a first end wall and a second end wall;

(k) said first end wall is directly or indirectly fixedly engaged to said first lower battery tray and/or one or more of said one or more main support members and extends vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(l) said second end wall is directly or indirectly fixedly engaged to said first lower battery tray and/or one or more of said one or more main support members and extends vertically above said first lower battery tray;

(m) said first end wall and said second end wall are each substantially planar and are disposed such that they are substantially parallel to one another and perpendicular to said first side wall and said second side wall; and

(n) said first end wall and said second end wall are each fixedly engaged to said side walls at outer end portions of said side walls.