Dual battery systems for electric vehicles

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a dual battery system (1) for providing power for propulsion of an electric vehicle (10) in a dual manner, the electric vehicle (10) comprising a first electric motor (2) coupled in a driving relationship to one or more rear wheels (3) and a second electric motor (4) coupled in a driving relationship to one or more front wheels (5), the dual battery system comprising a first battery (11) and a second battery (12). The first battery is adapted to provide power for driving the first electric motor, and the second battery is adapted to provide power for driving the second electric motor. The present disclosure also relates to an electric vehicle (10) comprising such a dual battery system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dual battery system suitable for providing power for propulsion of an electric vehicle in a dual manner. Background Art

[0002] The desire to reduce the negative consequences (ramifications) associated with transportation powered by internal combustion engines, particularly the desire to reduce carbon emissions, has led to significant attention being paid to electrifying transportation. As a result, battery-powered electric vehicles are beginning to play an important role in today's automotive industry. There is a high level of interest in the research and development of batteries used in electric vehicles, as these vehicles represent a future solution in the field of road transportation in view of the concern for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air and sound pollution.

[0003] There are many different types of batteries in the construction of electric vehicles today, with each respective battery type being associated with a combination of design ratings in terms of quantity of cycling, power ratio, total energy capacity, cycle depth, thermal characteristics, impedance, cost, etc. There are almost always tradeoffs between different choices of battery design ratings; for example, one type of battery may provide sufficient power for acceleration needs, but insufficient energy for long-term use, and / or batteries with long cycle life may generally be cost-prohibitive and bulky, while relatively inexpensive batteries are generally neither high-power nor high-cycling. Thus, deciding which battery type to select and / or being limited to only one battery - for use in providing propulsion for an electric vehicle - can be challenging, not at all where battery life is important. Summary of the invention

[0004] It is therefore an object of the embodiments herein to provide a method that overcomes or ameliorates at least one disadvantage of the prior art or provides a useful alternative.

[0005] The above objectives can be achieved by the subject matter disclosed herein.

[0006] The disclosed subject matter relates to a dual battery system for dually powering the propulsion of an electric vehicle including a first electric motor coupled in driving relationship to one or more rear wheels and a second electric motor coupled in driving relationship to one or more front wheels. The dual battery system includes a first battery and a second battery, wherein the first battery is adapted to provide power for driving the first electric motor and the second battery is adapted to provide power for driving the second electric motor.

[0007] The disclosed subject matter also relates to an electric vehicle comprising a first electric motor coupled in a driving relationship to one or more rear wheels of the electric vehicle and a second electric motor coupled in a driving relationship to one or more front wheels of the electric vehicle, the electric vehicle comprising the dual battery described herein.

[0008] In addition, the disclosed subject matter relates to a method for providing power for propulsion of an electric vehicle in a dual manner, performed by a dual battery system, the electric vehicle including a first electric motor coupled in driving relationship to one or more rear wheels and a second electric motor coupled in driving relationship to one or more front wheels. The dual battery system includes a first battery and a second battery. The dual battery system receives an input signal indicating selection of a first battery and / or a second battery, the first battery being adapted to provide power for driving the first electric motor, and the second battery being adapted to provide power for driving the second electric motor.

[0009] Thus, the present application introduces a method for supporting the provision of electrical power for driving an electric vehicle by means of more than one battery.

[0010] That is, since the dual battery system is adapted to provide power for propulsion of an electric vehicle in a dual manner, the electric vehicle includes a first electric motor coupled to one or more rear wheels in a driving relationship and a second electric motor coupled to one or more front wheels in a driving relationship, and the dual battery system includes a first battery and a second battery, wherein the first battery is adapted to provide power for driving the first electric motor, and the second battery is adapted to provide power for driving the second electric motor, the first battery is configured to provide power for rear-wheel drive propulsion of the electric vehicle, and the second battery is configured to provide power for front-wheel drive propulsion of the electric vehicle. Thus, the dual battery system supports use in conjunction with an electric vehicle, wherein the first battery is connected and / or connectable to the first electric motor of the vehicle, and the second battery is connected and / or connectable to the second electric motor of the vehicle, wherein the first electric motor is coupled to one or more rear wheels of the vehicle in a driving relationship, and the second electric motor is coupled to one or more front wheels of the vehicle in a driving relationship. Thus, using the concept introduced, the first battery supports powering the rear-wheel drive propulsion of the electric vehicle instead of its front-wheel drive propulsion, and the second battery supports powering the front-wheel drive propulsion of the electric vehicle instead of the rear-wheel drive propulsion. Thus, with the dual battery system described, the first battery may be used to power rear wheel drive propulsion of the electric vehicle, and / or the second battery may be used to power front wheel drive propulsion of the electric vehicle. Thus, the dual battery system may support different driving scenarios in which either the first battery or the second battery or both may be utilized. Furthermore, utilizing dual batteries rather than a single battery supports increased battery life for the electric vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Various aspects of the non-limiting embodiments, including particular features and advantages, will be readily understood through the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary dual battery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 shows a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary dual battery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0014] Figure 3 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary method for powering propulsion of an electric vehicle in a dual manner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Throughout the text, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. The dotted lines of some boxes in the figure indicate that these units or actions are optional rather than mandatory.

[0016] Hereinafter, according to embodiments of the present disclosure relating to a dual battery system adapted to power propulsion of an electric vehicle in a dual manner, a method of providing electric power to drive an electric vehicle by means of more than one battery support will be disclosed.

[0017] Referring now to the drawings, in particular Figure 1 , a schematic diagram of an exemplary dual battery system 1 for providing power to propel an electric vehicle 10 in a dual manner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. The electric vehicle 10 that may include the dual battery system 1 may refer to any known electric vehicle, such as a passenger car. According to an example, the vehicle 10 may further potentially refer to an electric vehicle that at least partially supports autonomous driving.

[0018] The expression "dual battery system" may refer to "multi-battery system" and / or "hybrid battery system", and the expression "for providing power to propel an electric vehicle in a dual manner" may refer to "suitable for providing power for the propulsion of an electric vehicle in a dual manner", "for providing electric power to drive" an electric vehicle in a dual manner, "suitable for inclusion in an electric vehicle", "for providing power for the propulsion of an electric vehicle", "suitable for coupling with, connecting to and / or connecting with an electric vehicle". According to one example, the phrase "for providing power to propel an electric vehicle in a dual manner" may refer to "for meeting different driving scenarios of an electric vehicle" and / or "for supporting an increase in the battery life cycle, lifespan, service life and / or durability of an electric vehicle". According to another example, the expression "for providing power for the propulsion of an electric vehicle in a dual manner, the electric vehicle comprising" may refer to "for providing power to propel an electric vehicle in a dual manner, the electric vehicle comprising". The expression "electric vehicle" may refer to "EV", "battery electric vehicle", "BEV", "electrically propelled vehicle" and / or "a vehicle suitable for propulsion using one or more electric motors".

[0019] The electric vehicle 10 includes a first electric motor 2 coupled to one or more rear wheels 3 in a driving relationship and a second electric motor 4 coupled to one or more front wheels 5 in a driving relationship. The respective electric motors 2, 4 may refer to any - for example known - traction motors suitable for propelling the vehicle 10. The first electric motor 2 may be connected to the one or more rear wheels 3 in any known manner so that the first electric motor 2 can drive the one or more rear wheels 3 and / or support the first electric motor 2 in driving the one or more rear wheels 3. Correspondingly, the second electric motor 4 may be connected to the one or more front wheels 5 in any known manner so that the second electric motor 4 can drive the one or more front wheels 5 and / or support the second electric motor 4 in driving the one or more front wheels 5.

[0020] The expression "first / second motor" may refer to "at least" the first / second motor, and the expression "motor" may refer to "traction motor" and may also refer to "motor of the vehicle". On the other hand, the motor "coupled in driving relationship to" one or more rear / front wheels may refer to the motor "connected to" one or more rear / front wheels, and the rear / front "wheels" may refer to the rear / front "wheels".

[0021] The dual battery system 1 includes a first battery 11 and a second battery 12. The first battery 11 and the second battery 12 may respectively refer to any - for example known - electric vehicle battery suitable for providing power for a sustained period of time, such as lithium ion, lithium ion polymer, lithium titanium oxide, lithium cobalt oxide, lead acid, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, zinc-air and / or molten-salt batteries, and the first battery 11 may also be different from the second battery 12. The first battery 11 and the second battery 12 may also respectively include any number of known battery cells 111, 121, and / or modules including stacked battery cells 111, 121 considered feasible for the current application, and the number of battery cells 111, 121 for the respective first and second batteries 11, 12 may be, for example, from a single battery cell 111, 121 up to hundreds of battery cells 111, 121. The number of battery cells 111 of the first battery 11 may be different from the number of battery cells 121 of the second battery 12. In addition, the chemistry, size, and / or physical shape of the respective first and second batteries 11, 12 and / or the battery cells 111, 121 included therein may be selected as deemed appropriate for the current implementation, and may potentially be different between the first and second batteries 11, 12. The first battery 11 and the second battery 12 may further include any known components that enable the first battery 11 and the second battery 12 to respectively support powering the propulsion of the electric vehicle 10 for a sustained period of time.

[0022] The expression "battery" may refer to an "electric vehicle battery", "traction battery", "rechargeable battery" and / or "secondary battery", and according to one example may also refer to a "deep-cycle battery". A "battery" may also refer to a "battery pack", a "battery comprising one or more battery cells and / or electrochemical cells" and / or a "battery comprising one or more modules, wherein the modules respectively comprise and / or are stacked one or more battery cells". According to one example, the phrase "second battery" may refer to "at least a second battery".

[0023] The first battery 11 and the second battery 12 may optionally be included in a common battery pack 13 (in Figure 2The common battery pack 13 may have any feasible, e.g. known, geometry and / or features deemed suitable for the current application and / or constraints. In addition, the dual battery system 1 may optionally include a heating and / or cooling system 14 (in Figure 2 ). The heating and / or cooling system 14 may refer to any - for example known - feasible battery heating and / or cooling system, and may also include, for example, a heat pump, a cooling plate and / or a coolant. In addition, the first battery 11 and the second battery 12 may optionally be connected in series, such as in the same voltage combination.

[0024] The first battery 11 is adapted to provide power for driving the first motor 2, and the second battery 12 is adapted to provide power for driving the second motor 4. Thus, the first battery 11 is configured to provide power for rear-wheel drive propulsion of the electric vehicle 10, and the second battery 12 is configured to provide power for front-wheel drive propulsion of the electric vehicle 10. Thus, the dual battery system 1 supports use in conjunction with the electric vehicle 10, wherein the first battery 11 is connected and / or connectable to the first motor 2 of the vehicle 10, which is coupled to one or more rear wheels 3 of the vehicle 10 in a driving relationship, and the second battery 12 is connected and / or connectable to the second motor 4 of the vehicle 10, which is coupled to one or more front wheels 5 of the vehicle 10 in a driving relationship. Thus, with the concepts introduced, the first battery 11 supports powering the rear-wheel drive propulsion of the electric vehicle 10 instead of its front-wheel drive propulsion, and the second battery 12 supports powering the front-wheel drive propulsion of the electric vehicle 10 instead of its rear-wheel drive propulsion. Thus, with the described dual battery system 1, the first battery 11 can be used to power the rear wheel drive propulsion of the electric vehicle 10, and / or the second battery 12 can be used to power the front wheel drive propulsion of the electric vehicle 10. Thus, the dual battery system 1 can support different driving situations, where the first battery 11 or the second battery 12 or both can be utilized. In addition, the use of dual batteries 11, 12 instead of a single battery supports an increased battery life for the electric vehicle 10.

[0025] The first battery 11 can be connected to the first motor 2 in any manner deemed suitable for providing power for driving the first motor 2, such as in a known manner. Correspondingly, the second battery 12 can be connected to the second motor 4 in any manner deemed suitable for providing power for driving the second motor 4, such as in a known manner.

[0026] The expression that the first battery / the second battery is “suitable for providing” power may mean that the first battery / the second battery is “suitable for supporting the provision” of power, and the first battery / the second battery “suitable for providing power for driving the first motor / the second motor” may mean that the first battery / the second battery is “connectable and / or suitable for being connected to” the first motor / the second motor. According to an example, the phrase “wherein the first battery is suitable for providing power for driving the first motor and the second battery is suitable for providing power for driving the second motor” may mean “wherein the first battery is suitable for providing power for driving the first motor instead of driving the second motor, and the second battery is suitable for providing power for driving the second motor instead of driving the first motor”.

[0027] Optionally, the first battery 11 may have a first battery configuration, and the second battery 12 may have a second battery configuration different from the first battery configuration. Thus, the first battery 11 may have a different battery configuration compared to the second battery 12, resulting in different, for example, application and / or battery performance requirements and / or needs compared to the second battery 12 being supported by the first battery 11. That is, the first battery 11 may have and / or support, for example, a first set of design ratings, and the second battery has and / or supports a second set of at least partially different design ratings, for example in terms of life cycle ratings, energy density, specific power, charging time, resistance, thermal stability and / or cost. Thus, the beneficial design ratings provided by the first battery configuration can be combined with the beneficial design ratings provided by the different second battery configuration.

[0028] The first battery configuration may refer to any known battery configuration that is feasible to support powering the electric vehicle 10 for a sustained period of time. Accordingly, the second battery configuration may refer to any known battery configuration that is feasible to support powering the electric vehicle 10 for a sustained period of time.

[0029] The expression battery “configuration” may refer to battery “characteristics”, battery “performance attributes”, battery “type” and / or battery “construction type”, and “a second battery configuration different from the first battery configuration” may refer to “a second battery configuration at least partially different from the first battery configuration”, “a second battery configuration different from the first battery configuration” and / or “a different second battery configuration”. According to one example, the phrase “battery configuration” may refer to “a battery cell configuration of a battery” and / or “a battery cell configuration”.

[0030] Alternatively, the first battery configuration may be tailored to meet a first driving situation, and the second battery configuration may be tailored to meet a second driving situation, the second driving situation being different from the first driving situation. Thus, the first battery configuration may be balanced to be beneficial for use in providing power for propulsion of the electric vehicle 10 for a first driving pattern and / or distance, and the second battery configuration may be balanced to be beneficial for use in providing power for propulsion of the electric vehicle 10 for a second driving pattern and / or distance. That is, by tailoring the respective battery configurations for each battery 11, 12, for example, balancing one or more design ratings relative to each other, such as with respect to life cycle rating, energy density, specific power, charging time, resistance, thermal stability and / or cost, different beneficial design ratings associated with different batteries 11, 12 may be developed for different driving situations. Thus, the beneficial design ratings provided by the first battery configuration for one driving situation may be combined with the beneficial design ratings provided by the different second battery configuration for another driving situation. Thus, the dual battery system 1 may support the unique needs of meeting different driving scenarios of the electric vehicle 10 , such as typical short-range driving, city driving, and / or commuter driving versus long-range driving and / or extended driving.

[0031] The first driving situation may accordingly be represented, for example, by relatively short distance driving, city driving and / or commuting driving, whereas the second driving situation may be represented, for example, by relatively long distance driving and / or extended driving, or vice versa.

[0032] The expression "customized to" satisfy may refer to "balanced to" satisfy, "suitable to" satisfy, "selected to" satisfy and / or "configured to" satisfy, while "satisfying" the first / second driving situation may refer to "benefitting" the first / second driving situation, "supporting" the first / second driving situation, conforming to the first / second driving situation and / or "suitable for" the first / second driving situation. On the other hand, "driving situation" may refer to "driving distance (also referred to as driving distance)", "driving mileage (also referred to as driving mileage)", "driving mode", "driving conditions" and / or "driving route", and may also refer to "vehicle driving situation" and / or "planned, expected and / or predetermined driving situation". According to one example, the phrase "first driving situation" may refer to "a first set of design ratings", while the phrase "second driving situation" may refer to "a second set of design ratings". The expression "a second driving situation different from the first driving situation" may refer to "a second driving situation at least partially different from the first driving situation", "a second driving situation different from the first driving situation" and / or "a different second driving situation".

[0033] Optionally, the cycle rating of the first battery configuration may be greater than the cycle rating of the second battery configuration, or vice versa. Further optionally, the cycle rating of the first battery configuration may be at least twice the cycle rating of the second battery configuration, or vice versa. Thus, the dual battery system 1 may include one battery 11, 12 with a relatively low cycle rating and another battery 11, 12 with a relatively high cycle rating. Therefore, the dual battery system 1 supports the following situation, that is, the life of the batteries 11, 12 with relatively low cycle ratings can be protected by enabling the use of batteries 11, 12 with relatively high cycle ratings. Compared with batteries 11, 12 with relatively high cycle ratings, fewer cycles of batteries 11, 12 with relatively low cycle ratings translate into longer life, thereby compensating for their - potentially significantly - lower cycle ratings.

[0034] The cycle ratings of the first and second battery configurations may refer to any feasible cycle ratings, respectively, and may range from a few hundred cycles to a few thousand or even tens of thousands of cycles, for example. According to an example, the cycle rating of one of the first and second battery configurations exceeds, for example, 2,000 cycles, while the cycle rating of the other battery configuration is limited to, for example, 2,000 cycles. Therefore, the batteries 11, 12 with larger cycle ratings may be represented, for example, by known plug-in hybrid electric vehicle batteries (i.e., PHEV batteries), respectively, while the batteries 11, 12 with lower cycle ratings may be represented, for example, by known electric vehicle high energy density batteries.

[0035] The expression "cycle rating" of the first / second battery configuration may refer to the "life cycle rating" of the first / second battery configuration and / or the "battery cycle rating" of the first / second battery configuration, and the cycle rating "of" the first / second battery configuration may refer to the cycle rating "provided by" the first / second battery configuration and / or the cycle rating caused by the first / second battery configuration. On the other hand, the expression "wherein the cycle rating of the first battery configuration is greater than the cycle rating of the second battery configuration, or vice versa" may refer to "wherein the cycle rating of the first battery configuration is greater than the cycle rating of the second battery configuration, or the cycle rating of the second battery configuration is greater than the cycle rating of the first battery configuration". According to one example, the phrase "wherein the cycle rating of the first battery configuration is greater than the cycle rating of the second battery configuration, or vice versa" may refer to "wherein the dual-battery system is customized, adjusted and / or balanced so that the cycle rating of the first battery configuration is greater than the cycle rating of the second battery configuration, or vice versa". Furthermore, the expression “wherein the cycle rating of the first battery configuration is at least twice the cycle rating of the second battery configuration, or vice versa” may mean “wherein the cycle rating of the first battery configuration is at least twice the cycle rating of the second battery configuration, or the cycle rating of the second battery configuration is at least twice the cycle rating of the first battery configuration”. Furthermore, the phrase “the cycle rating of the first battery configuration” may mean “the first cycle rating of the first battery configuration”, and the phrase “the cycle rating of the second battery configuration” may mean “the second cycle rating of the second battery configuration”.

[0036] Optionally, the range rating of the second battery configuration may be greater than the range rating of the first battery configuration, or vice versa. Further optionally, the range rating of the second battery configuration may be at least twice the range rating of the first battery configuration, or vice versa. Thus, the dual battery system 1 may include one battery 11, 12 having a relatively high range rating and another battery 11, 12 having a relatively low range rating. Therefore, the dual battery system 1 supports the following situation by enabling the use of batteries 11, 12 with relatively short range ratings instead of relatively short driving distances, that is, batteries 11, 12 with relatively wide range ratings can be used and / or reserved for relatively wide driving distances. Fewer cycles of batteries 11, 12 with relatively wide range ratings translate into longer lifespans of the batteries 11, 12.

[0037] The range ratings of the first battery configuration and the second battery configuration may refer to any feasible range rating, and for example, from a few kilometers up to hundreds or even thousands of kilometers of range. Therefore, the batteries 11, 12 with lower range ratings may be represented by, for example, known plug-in hybrid electric vehicle batteries (i.e., PHEV batteries), respectively, while the batteries 11, 12 with larger range ratings may be represented by, for example, known electric vehicle high energy density batteries.

[0038] The expression "range rating" may refer to a "battery range rating", and the range rating "of" the first / second battery configuration may refer to a range rating "provided by" the first / second battery configuration and / or a range rating "resulting from" the first / second battery configuration. On the other hand, the expression "wherein the range rating of the second battery configuration is greater than the range rating of the first battery configuration, or vice versa" may refer to "wherein the range rating of the second battery configuration is greater than the range rating of the first battery configuration or the range rating of the first battery configuration is greater than the range rating of the second battery configuration". According to one example, the phrase "wherein the range rating of the second battery configuration is greater than the range rating of the first battery configuration, or vice versa" may refer to "wherein the dual-battery system is customized, adapted and / or balanced so that the range rating of the second battery configuration is greater than the range rating of the first battery configuration, or vice versa". Furthermore, the expression “wherein the range rating of the second battery configuration is at least twice the range rating of the first battery configuration, or vice versa” may mean “wherein the range rating of the second battery configuration is at least twice the range rating of the first battery configuration, or the range rating of the first battery configuration is at least twice the range rating of the second battery configuration.” Furthermore, the phrase “the range rating of the second battery configuration” may mean “the second range rating of the second battery configuration,” and the phrase “the range rating of the first battery configuration” may mean “the first range rating of the first battery configuration.”

[0039] Optionally, the first battery configuration may include a first chemical configuration, and the second battery configuration may include a second chemical configuration different from the first chemical configuration. Thus, the first battery 11 may have a different chemical configuration and / or chemical properties compared to the second battery 12, and the different battery chemistry may thus cause the first battery 11 to support different, for example, needs, applications, and / or battery performance requirements compared to the second battery 12. That is, as a result of the different battery chemistry, the first battery 11 may, for example, have and / or support a first set of design ratings, and the second battery may have and / or support a second set of at least partially different design ratings, for example in terms of life cycle ratings, energy density, specific power, charging time, resistance, and / or thermal stability.

[0040] The first chemical configuration may refer to any known battery chemical configuration that is feasible for supporting the propulsion of the electric vehicle 10 for a sustained period of time. Accordingly, the second chemical configuration may refer to any known battery chemical configuration that is feasible for supporting the propulsion of the electric vehicle 10 for a sustained period of time. Therefore, one of the batteries 11, 12 may be represented by, for example, a known high power density battery, and the other battery 11, 12 may be represented by, for example, a known high energy density battery. Additionally or alternatively, one of the batteries 11, 12 may be represented by, for example, a known battery and / or its battery cells 111, 121, and the battery and / or its battery cells 111, 121 include the following chemical configuration, that is, the chemical configuration supports, enables and / or has the beneficial characteristics of high power density, high specific power, low energy density, low resistance, fast charging, thermal stability and / or high cycle rating, which may be beneficial for urban driving situations and / or commuting situations. Accordingly, the other batteries 11, 12 can be represented, for example, by - for example known - batteries and / or their battery cells 111, 121, which include a chemical configuration that supports, enables and / or has beneficial characteristics of high power density, high specific power, low energy density, low resistance, fast charging, thermal stability and / or high cycle rating, which may be beneficial for urban driving situations and / or commuting situations.

[0041] The expression "chemical" configuration may refer to a "battery chemistry" configuration, and a first / second battery configuration "including" a first / second chemical configuration may refer to the first / second battery configuration being "represented by" the first / second chemical configuration. On the other hand, a "second chemical configuration different from the first chemical configuration" may refer to a "second chemical configuration at least partially different from the first chemical configuration", a "second chemical configuration different from the first chemical configuration" and / or a "different second chemical configuration". According to one example, the phrase "chemical configuration" may refer to a "battery cell chemical configuration". According to another example, the phrase "wherein the first battery configuration includes a first chemical configuration and the second battery configuration includes a second chemical configuration different from the first chemical configuration" may refer to "wherein the first battery configuration includes a first chemical configuration and the second battery configuration includes a second chemical configuration different from the first chemical configuration, and the first or second chemical configuration includes a high power density configuration". According to yet another example, the phrase “wherein the first battery configuration includes a first chemical configuration and the second battery configuration includes a second chemical configuration different from the first chemical configuration” may mean “wherein the first battery configuration includes a first chemical configuration and the second battery configuration includes a second chemical configuration different from the first chemical configuration, and the first or second chemical configuration includes a high energy density configuration.” Furthermore, according to yet another example, the phrase “wherein the first battery configuration includes a first chemical configuration and the second battery configuration includes a second chemical configuration different from the first chemical configuration” may mean “wherein the first battery configuration includes a first chemical configuration and the second battery configuration includes a second chemical configuration different from the first chemical configuration, the first chemical configuration includes a high power density configuration, and the second chemical configuration includes a high energy density configuration, or vice versa”.

[0042] Optionally, additionally or alternatively, the first battery configuration may include a first design configuration and the second battery configuration may include a second design configuration different from the first design configuration. Thus, the first battery 11 may have a different design than the second battery 12, and the different battery designs may result in the first battery 11 supporting different, for example, needs, applications, and / or battery performance requirements compared to the second battery 12. That is, as a result of the different battery designs, the first battery 11 may, for example, have and / or support a first set of design ratings and the second battery may have and / or support a second set of at least partially different design ratings, for example in terms of life cycle ratings, energy density, specific power, charging time, resistance, and / or thermal stability.

[0043] The first and second design configurations may respectively refer to any known battery design configurations that are feasible to support, over a sustained period of time, powering propulsion of electric vehicle 10. The second design configuration may differ from the first design configuration, for example, in terms of different electrode loading levels.

[0044] The expression "design" configuration may refer to a "battery design" configuration, and a first / second battery configuration "including" a first / second design configuration may refer to the first / second battery configuration being "represented by" the first / second design configuration. On the other hand, a "second design configuration different from the first design configuration" may refer to a "second design configuration different at least in part from the first design configuration", a "second design configuration different from the first design configuration" and / or a "different second design configuration". According to one example, the phrase "design configuration" may refer to a "battery cell design configuration". According to another example, the phrase "wherein the first battery configuration includes a first design configuration and the second battery configuration includes a second design configuration different from the first design configuration" may refer to "wherein the first battery configuration includes a first design configuration and the second battery configuration includes a second design configuration different from the first design configuration, the first design configuration including a first electrode loading level and the second design configuration including a second electrode level different from the first electrode level".

[0045] Optionally, the dual battery system 1 may further include a selection receiving unit 101 for receiving an input signal 6 indicating a selection of the first battery 11 and / or the second battery 12 (in Figure 2 ). Thus, the dual battery system 1 can know whether the first battery 11 and / or the second battery 12 - or both the first battery 11 and the second battery 12 - have been selected, for example, by a person and / or a system.

[0046] The input signal 6 may be received in any manner, eg known, deemed feasible, eg via wire and / or wirelessly, eg via Bluetooth and / or Wi-Fi.

[0047] The expression "for" receiving a selection receiving unit may refer to a selection receiving unit "suitable for" receiving. Furthermore, "receiving" an input signal may refer to "receiving an input signal via wire or wirelessly", and an "input signal" may refer to a "user input signal", a "vehicle route destination input signal" and / or an "electrical and / or digital input signal". On the other hand, an "indicating" selection may refer to a "communication" selection, a "reflecting" selection and / or a "specifying" selection, and a "selection" indicating a first / second battery may be a "user selection" indicating a first / second battery, and / or an indication of a "vehicle navigation destination" from a navigation system, for example - from which the selection of the first / second battery can be derived. According to one example, the phrase "wherein the dual battery system also includes a selection receiving unit" may refer to "wherein the dual battery system also includes a battery selection system, the battery selection system including a selection receiving unit".

[0048] Optionally, the electric vehicle 10 may further include an interface 7 (in Figure 2), the interface 7 is adapted to detect a selection of the first battery 11 and / or the second battery 12, wherein the input signal 6 is based on the selection. Thus, the input signal 6 can be derived from the selection provided via the interface 7.

[0049] The interface 7 may be represented by any - e.g. known - interface suitable for receiving input from a user such as an occupant and / or a driver, and may be represented, for example, by a touch display and / or area, buttons, knobs and / or controls etc. providing the ability to select the first and / or second battery 11, 12. According to one example, the interface 7 may be suitable for deriving a selection from a given navigation destination, wherein the navigation destination is provided, for example, from and / or via a possible optional navigation system associated with the electric vehicle 10.

[0050] The expression "interface" may refer to a "selection interface", a "user interface" and / or a "vehicle interface", and "suitable for" detecting a selection may refer to "used for" detecting a selection. On the other hand, the input signal being "based on" the selection may refer to the input information being "derived from" the selection and / or the input signal "corresponding to" the selection.

[0051] Optionally, the dual battery system 1 may further include a selected battery enabling unit 102 (in Figure 2 ), for enabling power from the first battery 11 to be provided when the input signal 6 indicates that the first battery 11 is selected, and / or enabling power from the second battery 12 to be provided when the input signal 6 indicates that the second battery 12 is selected. Thus, if the input signal 6 indicates that the first battery 11 has been selected, the dual-battery system 1 may specify that the first battery 11 can be used to drive the first electric motor 2 coupled to the rear wheel 3 in a driving relationship, and / or if the input signal 6 additionally or alternatively indicates that the second battery has been selected, it may be specified that the second battery 12 can be used to drive the second electric motor 4 coupled to the front wheel 5 in a driving relationship.

[0052] The expression that the selective battery enabling unit is "used to" enable the provision may mean that the selective battery enabling unit is "suitable for" enabling the provision. Furthermore, "enabling the provision of" power may mean "starting to provide" power, "activating the provision of" power and / or "providing" power, and "power from" the first / second battery may mean power "of" the first / second battery. On the other hand, "when the input signal indicates..." may mean "while the input signal indicates..." According to the example, the phrase "wherein the dual-battery system further includes the selective battery enabling unit" may mean "wherein the dual-battery system further includes a battery selection system, the battery selection system including the selective battery enabling unit".

[0053] Figure 2A schematic block diagram showing an exemplary dual battery system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted, as shown in Figure 2 As further shown in FIG. 1 , the dual battery system 1 may include an optional battery selection system 100, which is included in one or more control modules (such as an electronic control module (ECU)). The battery selection system 100 may include an optional selection receiving unit 101 and an optional selection battery enabling unit 102. In addition, the embodiments herein for providing power for the propulsion of the electric vehicle 10 in a dual manner can be implemented together with one or more processors (such as processor 103) and computer program code for performing the functions and actions of the embodiments herein, the processor being represented here as a central processing unit (CPU). The program code can also be provided as a computer program product, for example in the form of a data carrier carrying a computer program code for executing the embodiments herein when loaded into the battery selection system 100. One such carrier may be in the form of a CD ROM disk or a DVD. However, other data carriers such as memory sticks are also feasible. The computer program code can also be provided on a server as pure program code and downloaded to the battery selection system 100. The battery selection system 100 may also include a memory 104, which includes one or more memory units. The memory 104 may be arranged to store, for example, information, and to store data, configurations, schedules, and applications to perform the methods herein when operating in the battery selection system 100. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that the units 101, 102 may refer to a combination of analog and digital circuits, and / or one or more processors configured with, for example, software and / or firmware stored in a memory such as the memory 104, which are executed as described herein when operated by one or more processors such as the processor 103. One or more of these processors, as well as other digital hardware, may be included in a single ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or several processors and various digital hardware may be distributed among several separate components, whether packaged separately or assembled into a SoC (System on Chip).

[0054] exist Figure 2 Further shown are a first battery 11, a second battery 12, an optional common battery pack 13, an optional heating and / or cooling system 14, as well as the electric vehicle 10, optional first and second electric motors 2, 4, optional rear wheels 3 and front wheels 5 and an optional interface 7. Additionally, an input signal 6 is depicted.

[0055] Figure 3 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary method for providing power for propulsion of an electric vehicle 10 in a dual manner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The exemplary method includes combining Figure 1-2The method is performed by a dual battery system 1 or by an optional battery selection system 100 included in the dual battery system 1 and is used to provide power for propulsion of an electric vehicle 10 in a dual manner, the electric vehicle 10 including a first motor 2 coupled in a driving relationship to one or more rear wheels 3 and a second motor 4 coupled in a driving relationship to one or more front wheels 5, the dual battery system 1 including a first battery 11 and a second battery 12.

[0056] Action 1001

[0057] In action 1001, the dual battery system 1 and / or the battery selection system 100 receives an input signal 6 indicating a selection of a first battery 11 and / or a second battery 12, for example by means of a selection receiving unit 101, the first battery 11 being suitable for providing power for driving the first motor 2, and the second battery 12 being suitable for providing power for driving the second motor 4.

[0058] Action 1002

[0059] In optional action 1002, the dual battery system 1 and / or the battery selection system 100 may, for example, by means of the battery selection enabling unit 102, enable power to be supplied from the first battery 11 when the input signal 6 indicates that the first battery 11 is selected, and / or enable power to be supplied from the second battery 12 when the input signal 6 indicates that the second battery 12 is selected.

[0060] Those skilled in the art recognize that the present disclosure is by no means limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, within the scope of the appended claims, many modifications and variations are possible. It should also be noted that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and that the dimensions of certain features may have been exaggerated for clarity. Instead, the emphasis is on illustrating the principles of the embodiments herein. In addition, in the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite word "a" or "an" does not exclude plural situations.

[0061] Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A dual battery system (1) for providing power for propulsion of an electric vehicle (10) in a dual manner, the electric vehicle comprising a first electric motor (2) coupled in a driving relationship to one or more rear wheels (3) and a second electric motor (4) coupled in a driving relationship to one or more front wheels (5), the dual battery system (1) comprising a first battery (11) and a second battery (12), wherein: The first battery (11) is suitable for providing power for driving the first motor (2), and the second battery (12) is suitable for providing power for driving the second motor (4); wherein the first battery (11) has a first battery configuration, and the second battery (12) has a second battery configuration different from the first battery configuration; wherein the cycle rating of the first battery configuration is greater than the cycle rating of the second battery configuration, or vice versa; The dual battery system (1) further comprises a selection receiving unit (101) for receiving (1001) an input signal (6) indicating a selection of the first battery (11) and / or the second battery (12) from an interface (7), wherein the interface (7) provides the ability to select power from the first battery (11) or the second battery (12), and the input signal (6) is represented by a user input signal or a vehicle route destination input signal; Wherein, if the input signal (6) indicates that the first battery (11) has been selected, the dual battery system (1) is configured to drive the first motor (2) connected to the rear wheel (3) in a driving relationship according to rear-wheel drive propulsion, or, if the input signal (6) indicates that the second battery (12) has been selected, the second battery (12) is configured to drive the second motor (4) connected to the front wheel (5) in a driving relationship according to front-wheel drive propulsion.

2. The dual battery system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first battery configuration is customized to meet a first driving scenario, and the second battery configuration is customized to meet a second driving scenario, the second driving scenario being different from the first driving scenario.

3. The dual battery system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cycle rating of the first battery configuration is at least twice the cycle rating of the second battery configuration, or vice versa.

4. The dual battery system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the range rating of the second battery configuration is greater than the range rating of the first battery configuration, or vice versa.

5. The dual battery system (1) of claim 4, wherein the range rating of the second battery configuration is at least twice the range rating of the first battery configuration, or vice versa.

6. The dual battery system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first battery configuration comprises a first chemical configuration and the second battery configuration comprises a second chemical configuration different from the first chemical configuration.

7. The dual battery system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first battery configuration comprises a first design configuration and the second battery configuration comprises a second design configuration different from the first design configuration.

8. A dual battery system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the dual battery system (1) further comprises a battery selection enabling unit (102) for enabling (1002) the provision of power from the first battery (11) when the input signal (6) indicates selection of the first battery (11), or enabling the provision of power from the second battery (12) when the input signal (6) indicates selection of the second battery (12).

9. An electric vehicle (10), comprising a first electric motor (2) connected in a driving relationship to one or more rear wheels (3) of the electric vehicle (10) and a second electric motor (4) connected in a driving relationship to one or more front wheels (5) of the electric vehicle (10), the electric vehicle (10) comprising a dual battery system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A method performed by a dual battery system for providing power for propulsion of an electric vehicle (10) in a dual manner, the electric vehicle (10) comprising a first electric motor (2) coupled in driving relationship to one or more rear wheels (3) and a second electric motor (4) coupled in driving relationship to one or more front wheels (5), the dual battery system (1) comprising a first battery (11) and a second battery (12), the method comprising: receiving (1001) an input signal (6) indicating a selection of the first battery (11) or the second battery (12) from an interface (7), the interface (7) providing the ability to select power from the first battery (11) or the second battery (12), the input signal (6) being represented by a user input signal or a vehicle route destination input signal; wherein if the input signal (6) indicates that the first battery (11) has been selected, the dual battery system (1) is configured to drive the first motor (2) connected in a driving relationship to the rear wheel (3) in a rear-wheel drive propulsion, or, if the input signal (6) indicates that the second battery (12) has been selected, the second battery (12) is configured to drive the second motor (4) connected in a driving relationship to the front wheel (5) in a front-wheel drive propulsion; the first battery (11) is adapted to provide power for driving the first motor (2), and the second battery (12) is adapted to provide power for driving the second motor (4), wherein the first battery (11) has a first battery configuration, and the second battery (12) has a second battery configuration different from the first battery configuration; Wherein a cycle rating of the first battery configuration is greater than a cycle rating of the second battery configuration, or vice versa.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: When the input signal (6) indicates selection of the first battery (11), power is enabled (1002) to be provided from the first battery (11), or when the input signal (6) indicates selection of the second battery (12), power is enabled (1002) to be provided from the second battery (12).

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