METHOD OF PROVIDING MODULAR BATTERY PACKS FOR A HYBRID VEHICLE

• US 20100198754A1
• Filed: 12/15/2009
• Published: 08/05/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 01/30/2009
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC (General Motors Company)
• Original Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations Incorporated (General Motors Company)
• Inventors: Lannen, Richard J., Kern, Eric M., Guerin, John Thomas, Philippi, William R., Flood, Brandon Jeffrey, Aase, Jan H., Castillo, Brian V., Bucknor, Norman K., Jones, Thomas A., Bryant, Wade W., Tant, Therese A.
• Application Number:
  US12/637,821
• Publication Number:
  US 20100198754A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/500
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/76 Detection of handle operation; Detection of a user approaching a handle; Electrical switching actions performed by door handles
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 85/14 Handles pivoted about an axis parallel to the wing
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49002 Electrical device making
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/03 Miscellaneous
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/108 Lever
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/57 Operators with knobs or handles
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7124 Retracted electrically only

Abstract

A method of offering or providing batteries for a hybrid or electric vehicle allows the customer to choose a vehicle electrical battery power rating that will match their expected driving range needs. Specifically, the method includes offering different modular battery packs for an electric or hybrid electric vehicle. Each of the different modular battery packs has a different number of interconnected batteries, a different energy level, and is configured to be operable for providing propulsion power to the vehicle. At least one of the different modular battery packs is installed on the hybrid or electric vehicle. The method may include recharging and/or recycling used battery back modules.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

offering different modular battery packs for an electric or hybrid electric vehicle;

wherein each of the different modular battery packs has a different number of interconnected batteries, a different energy level, and is configured to be operable for providing propulsion power to the vehicle; and

installing at least one of the offered modular battery packs on the electric or hybrid vehicle.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the interconnected batteries of the modular battery packs is substantially the same energy level.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein each modular battery pack is operable for providing a total energy level substantially equal to a sum of the energy levels of the different interconnected batteries of the modular battery pack.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the offering includes offering for sale.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the offering includes offering for lease.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the offering includes offering for rent.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein at least some of the interconnected batteries of at least one of the different modular battery packs is recycled.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the interconnected batteries of at least one of the different modular battery packs is recharged.

9. A method comprising:

installing at least one modular battery back on an electric or hybrid vehicle;

wherein the at least one modular battery back is selected from a group of different modular battery packs;

wherein each of the different modular battery packs has a different number of interconnected batteries, a different energy level corresponding to the number of interconnected batteries, and is configured to be operable for providing propulsion power to the vehicle; and

wherein the at least one installed modular battery back is sold, leased, and rented.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein at least some of the interconnected batteries are recharged batteries.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein at least some of the interconnected batteries are recycled batteries.

12. A method comprising:

offering different modular battery packs for an electric or hybrid electric vehicle;

wherein each of the different modular battery packs has a different number of interconnected batteries, a different energy level, and is configured to be operable for providing propulsion power to the vehicle;

recharging at least one of the different modular battery packs;

recycling at least one other of the different modular battery packs;

installing at least some of the different modular battery packs offered on the electric or hybrid vehicle; and

wherein the battery packs installed include either the at least one recharged modular battery pack or the at least one recycled modular battery pack.