A range extended eVTOL swap car
The design of the range-extended electric vehicle (eVTOL) battery swapping vehicle solves the problem of limited eVTOL energy replenishment, realizes convenient battery swapping and continuous power supply, improves range and flexibility, and ensures the stability and security of power supply.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MIT AUTOMOBILE SERVICE
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
AI Technical Summary
The limited energy refueling methods of existing eVTOL aircraft result in insufficient flexibility and convenience in their use, making it difficult to apply them efficiently in remote areas.
Design a range-extended electric VTOL battery swapping vehicle, equipped with an engine, generator, electric motor, stationary battery and swapping battery. The main control system controls the power distribution to achieve continuous power supply and convenient battery swapping service. Multiple swapping batteries are connected in parallel to improve range and reliability, and a built-in BMU is equipped for battery status monitoring and management.
It enables convenient battery swapping services for eVTOL, improves range and flexibility, ensures the stability and security of power supply, reduces maintenance costs and time, and improves power utilization efficiency and battery pack reliability.
Smart Images

Figure CN224408998U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This solution relates to the field of low-altitude aircraft, specifically to a range-extended eVTOL battery swapping vehicle. Background Technology
[0002] eVTOL is an abbreviation for Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL). Its operation is highly dependent on an electric power supply; therefore, timely charging or battery replacement is fundamental to ensuring its continuous, stable, and normal operation. If energy replenishment is limited to fixed takeoff and landing locations, its flexibility and convenience will be severely restricted, significantly reducing its practical application range. However, developing and launching a mobile battery swapping vehicle could greatly expand the application scenarios and scope of eVTOL. Such a mobile battery swapping vehicle can be flexibly deployed in various environments, enabling eVTOL to be used efficiently not only within cities but also in remote areas far from city centers with relatively weak power infrastructure, thus greatly enhancing its overall application value and market potential. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a range-extended eVTOL battery swapping vehicle.
[0004] The specific technical solution of this utility model to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:
[0005] An extended-range vehicle (eVTOL) battery swapping vehicle includes an engine, a generator, an electric motor, a stationary battery, a battery swapping unit for eVTOL, and a main control system. The engine drives the generator to generate electricity, which in turn drives the electric motor to propel the vehicle. The main control system is electrically connected to the generator, the electric motor, the stationary battery, the battery swapping unit, and a DC charging dock. The main control system is used to control the distribution of energy generated by the generator, the electrical energy input to the DC charging dock, and the electrical energy stored in the stationary battery. The battery swapping unit is used for power swapping in the eVTOL system.
[0006] This solution offers the following advantages over existing technologies: it can serve as a mobile battery swapping vehicle for eVTOLs, providing convenient battery swapping services. Simultaneously, through the coordination of the engine and generator, a continuous power supply is achieved, ensuring the energy needs of the eVTOL during mission execution.
[0007] Furthermore, the main control system is also used to control the distribution of the electrical energy stored in the swappable battery, which can be used to power the electric motor. The advantage of this is that the dual design of a fixed battery and a swappable battery further enhances the vehicle's range and flexibility.
[0008] Furthermore, the battery swapping system comprises multiple batteries connected in parallel and fed into the main control system, which can then individually charge any one of these batteries. This design allows for higher energy storage capacity, meeting the battery swapping needs of different eVTOL systems. Simultaneously, the parallel design of multiple batteries improves the reliability and stability of the battery pack; even if one battery fails, it will not affect the normal operation of the others, thus ensuring the battery swapping efficiency and safety of the eVTOL. Moreover, this design facilitates the maintenance and replacement of individual batteries, reducing maintenance costs and time.
[0009] Furthermore, the battery swapping unit is equipped with a built-in BMU, and the main control system includes a Master BMU. The built-in BMU can communicate with the Master BMU of the main control system, and the Master BMU regulates the built-in BMU of the battery swapping unit. All battery swapping units are fully charged when installed in the vehicle, ensuring consistent output voltage. During discharge, there is no voltage difference between the multiple battery swapping units, and they operate simultaneously without uneven power output due to voltage differences. This ensures stable voltage when the battery pack operates in parallel, avoiding energy loss and safety hazards caused by voltage differences. Simultaneously, a unified voltage output facilitates matching with electrical equipment such as electric motors, improving energy utilization efficiency. In addition, the battery swapping unit with the built-in BMU also has intelligent management functions, capable of real-time monitoring of battery status, including key parameters such as charge and temperature, providing strong support for the safe operation of the vehicle.
[0010] Furthermore, the main control system is used to decide whether to allocate the electrical energy generated by the generator to the stationary battery or the swappable battery. The main control system is also used to decide whether to allocate the electrical energy generated by the electric motor during braking to the stationary battery or the swappable battery. The advantage of this design is its ability to intelligently manage energy distribution. When the electric motor generates electrical energy during braking, the main control system determines whether to allocate this energy to the stationary battery or the swappable battery based on the current energy demand of the vehicle and the battery status, converting the vehicle's kinetic energy into electrical energy for storage, increasing driving range, and achieving energy recovery and utilization. If the stationary battery has sufficient charge or is close to saturation, the main control system may prioritize allocating electrical energy to the swappable battery for rapid replacement when needed. Conversely, if the swappable battery is at a high charge level or about to be replaced, the electrical energy may be stored in the stationary battery.
[0011] Furthermore, the electrical connections between the stationary battery, the swappable battery, and the vehicle's power supply circuit are interlocked, ensuring that the stationary battery and the swappable battery will never be simultaneously connected to the vehicle's power supply circuit. This interlocked connection design provides multiple safety guarantees. First, it effectively prevents short circuits or overloads caused by incorrect battery connections, protecting the stable operation of the vehicle's electrical system. Second, during the swapping process, when the swappable battery is connected, the main control system controls the stationary battery to disconnect from the vehicle's power supply circuit, and vice versa. This switching mechanism ensures the safety and efficiency of the swapping operation. In addition, the interlocked connection also facilitates precise monitoring and management of the battery status, improving the reliability and durability of the entire power system. Attached Figure Description
[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical connections of the range-extended eVTOL battery swapping vehicle of this utility model.
[0013] The component names represented by each number in the diagram are as follows:
[0014] 1. First battery swapping unit; 2. Second battery swapping unit; 3. Third battery swapping unit; 4. Fourth battery swapping unit; 5. Engine; 6. Generator; 7. Electric motor; 8. Wheels; 9. Fixed battery; 10. DC charging base; 11. Main control system. Detailed Implementation
[0015] The principles and features of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples given are only for explaining this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.
[0016] A range-extended electric vehicle, such as Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle is equipped with an engine 5, a generator 6, an electric motor 7, and a stationary battery 9. It can also accommodate four battery swapping units for the eVTOL aircraft: the first swapping battery 1, the second swapping battery 2, the third swapping battery 3, and the fourth swapping battery 4. The electric vehicle, carrying four fully charged eVTOL battery swapping units, travels to the eVTOL landing point. The landing point is equipped with battery swapping facilities that can replace the depleted batteries from the eVTOL. The four fully charged batteries transported by the electric vehicle are then installed on the eVTOL, achieving rapid energy replenishment and saving the high cost of building eVTOL battery swapping stations. The depleted batteries swapped from the eVTOL can be charged via an external charging station, taken to a battery swapping station, or charged using the generator 6 carried by the vehicle itself.
[0017] When the fixed battery 9 has low power, the vehicle's instrument panel will display a selection prompt:
[0018] 1. Activate the range extender mode for engine 5.
[0019] 2. Activate the pure electric mode for battery swapping.
[0020] If the user selects mode one, then the engine 5 will run to drive the generator 6 to generate electricity, the generator 6 will drive the motor 7 to rotate, and the kinetic energy of the motor 7 will be converted into the wheels 8 to drive the vehicle. In addition to meeting the vehicle's driving needs, the excess electricity generated by the generator 6 can charge the fixed battery 9.
[0021] If the user selects Mode 2, a further prompt will appear: "Please stop the vehicle to complete the switch." After the user stops the vehicle and completes the switch, the swap battery begins to work, providing power to drive the motor 7 and enabling vehicle propulsion. The MasterBMU within the main control system 11PDU controls the relays within the main control system 11PDU to switch the circuits of the fixed battery 9 and the swap battery, thereby enabling the circuit of the fixed battery 9 or the swap battery to conduct. The circuits of the fixed battery 9 and the swap battery are connected to the main control system 11PDU, which is connected to the motor 7. During discharge, the main control system 11PDU outputs power to the motor 7.
[0022] Four swappable batteries are connected in parallel in the external circuit and converged within the main control system 11PDU. Each swappable battery has a built-in BMU (battery pack controller). The master BMU of the main control system 11 communicates with the built-in BMUs in the battery packs and regulates the built-in BMUs of the four battery packs. All four swappable batteries are fully charged when installed in the vehicle to ensure consistent voltage. During discharge, there is no voltage difference between the four battery packs, and all four swappable batteries operate simultaneously during discharge. The DC charging socket 10 is connected to the main control system 11PDU. During charging, the master BMU of the main control system 11 switches the charging circuit between the fixed battery 9 and the swappable batteries, directing the charging current to either the fixed battery 9 or the swappable batteries via the main control system 11PDU. The master BMU of the main control system 11 regulates the charging of the four swappable batteries.
[0023] When the vehicle performs regenerative braking, the electrical energy recovered by the electric motor 7 is transferred to the stationary battery 9 or the swapped battery via the PDU. The stationary battery 9 and the swapped battery are not connected to the vehicle's circuitry at the same time. Either the stationary battery 9 or the swapped battery participates in charging and discharging, thus avoiding confusion during the charging and discharging of the two.
[0024] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A range-extended electric VTOL (eVTOL) battery swapping vehicle, characterized in that, The system includes an engine, a generator, an electric motor, a stationary battery, a battery swapping device for eVTOL, and a main control system. The engine drives the generator to generate electricity, which provides electrical energy. The electric motor drives the vehicle. The main control system is electrically connected to the generator, the electric motor, the stationary battery, the battery swapping device, and the DC charging dock. The main control system is used to control the distribution of the energy generated by the generator, the electrical energy input to the DC charging dock, and the electrical energy stored in the stationary battery. The battery swapping device is used for battery swapping in eVTOL.
2. The range-extended eVTOL battery swapping vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main control system is also used to control the distribution of the electrical energy stored in the battery swapping system, which can be used to provide power to the motor.
3. The range-extended eVTOL battery swapping vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The battery swapping system comprises multiple batteries, which are connected in parallel and then converged within the main control system.
4. The range-extended eVTOL battery swapping vehicle according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The battery swapping system contains a built-in BMU, and the main control system contains a Master BMU module. The built-in BMU is communicatively connected to the Master BMU of the main control system, and the Master BMU controls the built-in BMU.
5. The range-extended eVTOL battery swapping vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that, When multiple swappable batteries are installed in the vehicle, they have the same output voltage, and all of them work simultaneously when discharging.
6. The range-extended eVTOL battery swapping vehicle according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, When the engine is running, the engine drives the generator to generate electricity. The main control system is used to decide whether to allocate the electrical energy generated by the generator to the stationary battery or the swappable battery. When the vehicle decelerates, the vehicle's braking energy drives the electric motor to reverse and convert into electrical energy. The main control system is used to decide whether to allocate the electrical energy generated by the electric motor to the stationary battery or the swappable battery.
7. The range-extended eVTOL battery swapping vehicle according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The electrical connections between the stationary battery, the swappable battery, and the vehicle's power supply circuit are interlocked, ensuring that the stationary battery and the swappable battery will not be simultaneously connected to the vehicle's power supply circuit at any given time.