SYSTEM AMD METHOD FOR RAPID BATTERY EXCHANGE IN ELECTRIC VEHICLES

摘要

A system and method for the rapid exchange of batteries in an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle contains a removable battery housed in the vehicle's undercarriage. The electric vehicle moves through the exchange system either by propelling itself or by being propelled by the system. As the vehicle is propelled forward, the removable battery within the vehicle is unlocked from the vehicle and replaced with a charged battery. The charged battery forces the removable battery out of the rear of the vehicle as the vehicle moves forward through the exchange. The vehicle remains powered throughout the exchange process. Once the charged battery is aligned in position under the vehicle and connected to the vehicle through corresponding contacts, the charged battery is located into place in the vehicle's undercarriage and the vehicle is ready for additional driving.

主权项

1. A battery exchange method comprising the steps of:
releasing a first battery from a secured position in a battery housing in an electric vehicle, in which secured position at least a first electrical contact in the vehicle electrically contacts a first terminal of a first polarity on a surface of the first battery and at least a second electrical contact electrically contacts a second terminal of a second and opposite polarity on the surface of the first battery; moving the first battery to a position outside the battery housing while the first electrical contact(s) and the second electrical contact(s) maintain electrical contact with the first and second terminals of the first battery and move to respective second positions on the first and second terminals; moving the first and second electrical contacts from their respective second positions on the first and second terminals of the first battery to respective third positions in electrical contact with first and second terminals on the surface of a second battery outside the battery housing; moving the second battery to the secured position in the battery housing while the first electrical contact(s) and the second electrical contact(s) maintain electrical contact with the first and second terminals of the second battery and move back to their original position within the housing but now in electrical contact with the first and second terminals of the second battery; and securing the second battery in the battery housing.