Procedures for operating an electric vehicle and electric vehicle

Abstract

Methods for operating an electric vehicle (50), wherein the electric vehicle (50) comprises a combined powertrain-battery module (1) and a vehicle cabin (2), wherein the combined powertrain-battery module (1) comprises an electrical energy storage device (5), a power converter (7) and an electric drive (8), and wherein the combined powertrain-battery module (1) is or can be detachably mechanically connected to the vehicle cabin (2) via coupling interfaces (3,4), wherein the combined powertrain battery module (1) is exchanged, if necessary, for another combined powertrain battery module (30) with a filled energy storage unit (5) while retaining the vehicle cabin (2), characterized by the fact that The combined powertrain battery module (1) is automatically disconnected from the vehicle cabin (2) for exchange by means of a control unit (14) of the powertrain battery module (1), and the other combined powertrain battery module (30) is automatically coupled to the vehicle cabin (2) by means of a control unit of the other combined powertrain battery module (30), wherein the disconnected powertrain battery module (1) is automatically driven into a charging bay (11) of a charging station and is automatically charged in the charging bay (11), wherein the other combined powertrain battery module (30) is automatically driven from a charging bay (11) of a charging station for coupling, and wherein the other combined powertrain battery module (30) was previously automatically charged in the charging bay (11).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating an electric vehicle and to an electric vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a combined powertrain-battery module.

[0002] In the field of electromobility, concepts for electrifying the powertrain of commercial vehicles are increasingly being developed. However, the insufficient energy density of the energy storage systems used poses a problem due to the increased power requirements. One solution is to supply electrical energy externally, for example via an overhead line system. However, this requires the construction of an extensive and costly infrastructure.

[0003] German patent DE 10 2012 016 234 A1 discloses a compact trailer for a passenger car or commercial vehicle, as well as a method for controlling and using the trailer, including infrastructure and a charging device. The trailer, in particular a push trailer, with an electric drive unit and an energy storage device for operating this drive unit, can be mechanically coupled to a vehicle with an internal combustion engine or hybrid drive unit by means of a coupling system, and electrically and electronically coupled by means of a coupling system.

[0004] German patent DE 10 2015 200 636 A1 discloses an electric vehicle consisting of an autonomous driving module and a battery carrier module, which are permanently but detachably connected. A large traction battery is housed within the battery carrier module. For short-distance travel, the driving module can be operated without the battery carrier module, saving space and energy. This enables flexible, environmentally friendly, and economically advantageous use of the vehicle.

[0005] From DE 42 06 360 B4, a two-axle motor vehicle is known, comprising a self-contained, interchangeable drive unit, a body, an underbody, and an electrical system, wherein the drive unit is either a self-contained electric drive unit with at least one electric motor as the drive unit or a self-contained drive unit with an internal combustion engine as the drive unit, and the respective drive unit has one of the two axles of the motor vehicle and is arranged under the body, is equipped with wheels, wheel suspensions, and brakes driven by the drive unit, includes a retractable support wheel for easy replacement of the drive unit, and wherein the motor vehicle has self-centering conical couplings which firmly connect the respective drive unit to the body.

[0006] From DE 22 08 140 A a vehicle is known comprising a housing part and an energy supply and drive unit, which is separably connected as a unit to the housing part and is wholly or partially supported by the vehicle wheels in such a way that in the assembled state no relative movement occurs except for a suspension movement between the housing part and the unit.

[0007] From JP H03 - 45 428 A a vehicle with an interchangeable drive unit is known.

[0008] From US patent 2018 / 0257498A1, a system and method for determining rendezvous points and autonomously exchanging a refueling vehicle with a vehicle along a route are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method, in response to a request to refuel the vehicle, includes a rendezvous point for the vehicle to meet a refueling vehicle. The method includes dispatching the refueling vehicle to meet the vehicle at the rendezvous point by sending an electronic signal to the refueling vehicle to cause it to autonomously travel to the rendezvous point. The method includes controlling the vehicle to exchange a current vehicle for the refueling vehicle to supply the vehicle with energy. The vehicle consists of a passenger compartment that is detachably attached to the current vehicle. The current vehicle and the refueling vehicle are interchangeable power sources for the vehicle.

[0009] A modular vehicle is known from US Patent 6,059,058 A. This vehicle comprises a pre-assembled undercarriage module, a pre-assembled upper chassis module, and coupling means for detachably coupling the undercarriage module to the upper chassis module. The undercarriage module includes wheels to enable the vehicle to travel on a road surface, means for holding a power source to supply the vehicle with operating power, and means for transmitting a controlled driving force from the power source to at least one of the wheels. The upper chassis module includes control means that can be connected to the undercarriage module to control the operation of the vehicle.If the power source associated with a first undercarriage module requires maintenance, a procedure is provided for handling an upper undercarriage module coupled to the first undercarriage module, comprising the steps of decoupling and separating the two modules; then releasably coupling the upper undercarriage module to a second such undercarriage module, the associated power source of the second undercarriage module requiring no maintenance service; then operating the upper undercarriage module and the second undercarriage module together as a vehicle while the maintenance service required by the power source of the first undercarriage module is provided.

[0010] The invention is based on the objective of creating a method for operating an electric vehicle and an electric vehicle in which the provision of electrical energy by means of an electrical energy storage device is improved.

[0011] The problem is solved according to the invention by a method with the features of claim 1, a combined powertrain-battery module with the features of claim 3, and an electric vehicle with the features of claim 7. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0012] In particular, a method for operating an electric vehicle is provided, wherein the electric vehicle comprises a combined powertrain-battery module and a vehicle cabin, wherein the combined powertrain-battery module includes an electrical energy storage device, a power converter and an electric drive, and wherein the combined powertrain-battery module is or can be detachably mechanically connected to the vehicle cabin via coupling interfaces, wherein the combined powertrain-battery module can be exchanged for another combined powertrain-battery module with a filled energy storage device if required, while retaining the vehicle cabin.

[0013] Furthermore, in particular a combined powertrain-battery module is created, comprising at least one electrical energy storage device, a power converter, an electric drive, and a mechanical coupling interface for detachably mechanically connecting the combined powertrain-battery module to a complementary coupling interface of a vehicle cabin.

[0014] Furthermore, in particular an electric vehicle is created, comprising a combined powertrain-battery module according to the invention and a vehicle cabin, comprising a complementary coupling interface for forming a detachable mechanical connection with a coupling interface of a combined powertrain-battery module according to the invention, wherein the combined powertrain-battery module is detachably mechanically connected to the vehicle cabin via the coupling interfaces.

[0015] The process, the combined powertrain-battery module, and the electric vehicle enable an improved supply of electrical energy to the electric vehicle, even over extended distances. This is achieved by designing the electric vehicle with a cabin and a combined powertrain-battery module. The cabin comprises, in particular, an interior space that accommodates the driver and, if applicable, additional passengers. The combined powertrain-battery module is also controlled from the cabin. This module includes an electrical energy storage device, a power converter, and an electric drive.The combined powertrain-battery module can be replaced with another combined powertrain-battery module with a fully charged battery, if necessary, particularly when one battery is running low, while retaining the vehicle cabin. This is done without altering the cabin, meaning the driver's personal environment and any modifications made by the cabin owner, such as a tachograph for a transport company, remain in place and do not need to be replaced.Replacing the combined powertrain-battery module saves time, as the other combined powertrain-battery module can be provided with a fully charged energy storage system, and the electric vehicle does not have to be held stationary for a longer period of time for charging, but can continue driving after a short stop during which the combined powertrain-battery modules are exchanged.

[0016] An example application scenario is as follows. The electric vehicle, consisting of a combined powertrain-battery module and a vehicle cabin, is driven by a driver. If the energy level in the combined powertrain-battery module falls below a certain threshold, the driver drives to a charging station, which is, for example, located next to a conventional gas station. There, the driver parks the electric vehicle, and the combined powertrain-battery module is exchanged for another combined powertrain-battery module with a charged energy storage unit, which is provided, for example, by a third-party supplier or the electric vehicle manufacturer. This is done by decoupling the combined powertrain-battery module from the vehicle cabin. This involves releasing the mechanical connection between the complementary coupling elements.The combined powertrain-battery module is removed from the vehicle cabin, and the other combined powertrain-battery module is coupled to the vehicle cabin by forming a mechanical connection between the complementary coupling means. The electric vehicle can then continue driving with a charged energy storage system.

[0017] The advantage of a combined powertrain-battery module is that both the electrical energy storage and the electric drive are integrated into a single, cohesive module. Therefore, when replacing the combined powertrain-battery module, no high-voltage electrical connections need to be established, as is the case, for example, with mobility solutions where only the energy storage is replaced, but the electric drive remains in the electric vehicle. Significant wear and tear from contacting high-voltage and / or high-current electrical contacts, and the resulting considerable effort in manufacturing and maintaining these contacts, can thus be avoided. Only a communication connection to a control unit in the vehicle cabin and, if necessary, a low-voltage connection for supplying low-voltage consumers in the vehicle cabin need to be established during connection.Both connections can be wireless (e.g., inductive).

[0018] The system is designed so that the combined powertrain-battery module is automatically disconnected from the vehicle cabin for replacement using a control unit within the powertrain-battery module itself. The other combined powertrain-battery module is then automatically connected to the vehicle cabin using a control unit within the other combined powertrain-battery module. This allows the replacement of the combined powertrain-battery module to be fully automated. For example, the driver of the electric vehicle can request a replacement of the combined powertrain-battery module before taking a break at a rest area. Once the driver has parked the electric vehicle and the replacement process has started, the combined powertrain-battery modules are exchanged fully automatically. The driver can then continue driving the electric vehicle.The combined powertrain-battery module includes sensors for sensing its surroundings. The control unit of the combined powertrain-battery module detects objects and obstacles in the environmental data provided by the sensors and can automatically decouple the combined powertrain-battery module and move it away from the vehicle cabin. The other combined powertrain-battery module also has sensors, allowing its control unit to automatically couple the other combined powertrain-battery module to the vehicle cabin. The control units can also include navigation systems that provide navigation data, for example, in the form of trajectories on an environmental map.

[0019] It is further planned that the detached powertrain-battery module will be automatically driven into a charging bay of a charging station and automatically charged there. Similarly, the other combined powertrain-battery module will be automatically driven from such a charging bay to be connected, or will have been automatically charged in such a charging bay before being connected to the vehicle cabin.

[0020] The electrical energy storage device is, in particular, a battery. The battery can comprise several battery modules.

[0021] The electric vehicle is primarily operated and controlled manually or semi-automatically by a driver from the vehicle cabin. The driver can control longitudinal and lateral steering from the cabin. Longitudinal steering, in particular, controls the power output of the electric drive system of the combined powertrain-battery module.

[0022] The combined powertrain-battery module includes, in particular, at least one axle with wheels which can be driven by the electric drive.

[0023] The combined powertrain-battery module and the vehicle cabin each have complementary mechanical coupling interfaces. These interfaces can include guide elements, such as rails, as well as fixing or locking elements, such as snap-fit, screw, and / or clamp connections. The coupling interfaces can also incorporate hydraulically and / or electrically driven actuators that support and / or facilitate the formation and release of the mechanical connection between the combined powertrain-battery module and the vehicle cabin. Furthermore, sensors can be provided to monitor the mechanical connection and, for example, the locking status of locking elements. The vehicle cabin may also feature a receiving recess for accommodating at least part of the combined powertrain-battery module.The complementary coupling interface of the vehicle cabin is located in this receiving bay.

[0024] The combined powertrain-battery module includes, in particular, a charging controller and / or battery controller for charging and / or controlling the electrical energy storage device. The charging controller and / or battery controller can be integrated into a control unit of the combined powertrain-battery module.

[0025] The combined powertrain-battery module and the vehicle cabin each feature a communication interface, which enables secure wireless communication. The combined powertrain-battery module can be controlled from the vehicle cabin via these communication interfaces. Conversely, the combined powertrain-battery module can transmit status information, such as the state of the energy storage system, to the vehicle cabin.

[0026] A control unit for the combined powertrain-battery module and / or the vehicle cabin can be designed as a combination of hardware and software, for example as program code that is executed on a microcontroller or microprocessor.

[0027] In one embodiment, the electric vehicle is a commercial vehicle. Such a commercial vehicle is specifically designed as a truck or semi-trailer truck, onto whose axle a trailer with a payload can be mounted, thus forming a semi-trailer truck. In this case, the electric vehicle acts as the tractor unit for the semi-trailer truck.

[0028] In one embodiment, at least one auxiliary wheel is extended to decouple the powertrain-battery module, with the combined powertrain-battery module being supported and / or steered by means of this auxiliary wheel. This allows the combined powertrain-battery module to be supported and / or steered, particularly when only one axle with two driven wheels is present. In one embodiment, the auxiliary wheel is rotatable by 180°, enabling the combined powertrain-battery module to be steered with a very small turning radius and to rotate on the spot ("zero turn").

[0029] In one embodiment of the combined powertrain-battery module, it is provided that the combined powertrain-battery module includes at least one auxiliary wheel which can be extended to decouple the battery-powertrain module, wherein the combined powertrain-battery module can be supported and / or steered by means of the at least one auxiliary wheel.

[0030] In one embodiment of the combined powertrain-battery module, the module includes a charging interface with electrical contacts through which the at least one electrical energy storage device can be charged. For charging, the electrical contacts of the charging interface are connected to complementary electrical contacts of a charging bay or charging station.

[0031] In one embodiment of the combined powertrain-battery module, the module includes an inductively operated charging interface through which the at least one electrical energy storage device can be charged. This allows for contactless charging of the energy storage device. Such an inductively operated charging interface can, for example, be located on the underside of the combined powertrain-battery module. The combined powertrain-battery module can then be moved onto a complementary inductively operated charging interface in a charging bay, and the electrical energy storage device can be inductively charged.

[0032] In one embodiment of the electric vehicle, it is provided that the vehicle cabin includes a steering system with at least one steerable wheel for steering an electric vehicle formed from the vehicle cabin and a combined powertrain-battery module during driving operation.

[0033] In one embodiment of the electric vehicle, the vehicle cabin includes at least one mechanical support device that can be extended to decouple the combined powertrain-battery module. This allows the vehicle cabin to be supported, for example, if it has only a single axle with (steerable) wheels. Before the combined powertrain-battery module is to be decoupled from the vehicle cabin, the at least one mechanical support device is extended, thereby securing the vehicle cabin against tipping over and keeping it level. With the combined powertrain-battery module detached, the vehicle cabin then rests, for example, on the wheels of one axle and the at least one support device. After another combined powertrain-battery module has been successfully coupled, the at least one support device is retracted.The at least one support device can be extended and retracted, for example, by means of hydraulic and / or electrical actuators.

[0034] The invention will be explained in more detail below using preferred embodiments with reference to the figures. Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the electric vehicle as a commercial vehicle; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the electric vehicle as a commercial vehicle in the form of a tractor with a coupled trailer; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the combined powertrain battery module with a charging interface with electrical contacts in a top view; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of another embodiment of the combined powertrain-battery module with an inductively operating charging interface in a side view; Fig. 5a to 5e provide a schematic sequence of individual process steps of an embodiment of the method for operating an electric vehicle.

[0035] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the electric vehicle 50. The electric vehicle 50 is designed as a commercial vehicle 60, which serves as a tractor 61 ( Fig. 2) can be used for a semi-trailer truck 63 formed from the tractor unit 61 and a trailer 62 with a payload.

[0036] The electric vehicle 50 comprises a combined powertrain-battery module 1 and a vehicle cabin 2. The combined powertrain-battery module 1 is mechanically connected to the vehicle cabin 2 in a detachable manner via coupling interfaces 3, 4.

[0037] A front axle 20 of the electric vehicle 50 with a steering system 15 is integrated into the vehicle cabin 2. A driven rear axle 21 of the electric vehicle 50 is integrated into the combined powertrain-battery module 1.

[0038] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic top view of an embodiment of the combined powertrain-battery module 1. The combined powertrain-battery module 1 comprises an electrical energy storage device 5 in the form of several battery modules 6, a power converter 7, an electric drive 8 in the form of two electric motors 9 and a gearbox 10, and a mechanical coupling interface 3 for detachably connecting the combined powertrain-battery module 1 to a complementary coupling interface of a vehicle cabin.

[0039] The electric drive 8 can drive 21 rear wheels 12 via a rear axle. For this purpose, direct current supplied by the battery modules 6 is converted into alternating current by the inverter 7 to drive the electric motors 9. When the combined powertrain-battery module 1 is coupled, the electric drive 8 is controlled from the vehicle cabin via a communication interface (not shown). When the combined powertrain-battery module 1 is disconnected, it is controlled automatically. For this purpose, the combined powertrain-battery module 1 has two steerable auxiliary wheels 13 and a control unit 14. The steerable auxiliary wheels 13 are extended before the combined powertrain-battery module 1 is disconnected and retracted after the combined powertrain-battery module 1 is coupled.Additionally, the combined powertrain-battery module 1 can have sensors (not shown) for detecting its surroundings. The control unit 14 automatically disconnects the combined powertrain-battery module 1 from a vehicle cabin and can automatically drive the combined powertrain-battery module 1 to a charging bay and connect it to a charging interface there. For this purpose, the control unit 14 controls the steerable auxiliary wheels 13 and the electric drive 8. To connect, the control unit 14 controls the steerable auxiliary wheels 13 and the electric drive 8 accordingly; that is, the combined powertrain-battery module 1 is automatically driven from the charging bay to the vehicle cabin and connected to it from a predefined direction or at a predefined angle (in particular from the rear).

[0040] For charging the electrical energy storage device 5 or the battery modules 6, the combined powertrain-battery module 1 has a charging interface 16 with electrical contacts 17. The charging interface 16 or the electrical contacts 17 are connected to a complementary charging interface or complementary electrical contacts of a charging bay.

[0041] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the combined powertrain-battery module 1 in a side view. This embodiment largely corresponds to the one shown in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in section 3, the same reference numerals therefore denote the same features and terms.

[0042] In contrast to the one in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the combined powertrain-battery module 1 has an inductively operated charging interface 18 on its underside for charging the electrical energy storage device 5 or the battery modules 6. The inductively operated charging interface 18 is arranged above a complementary inductively operated charging interface 19 of a charging bay 10 by positioning the combined powertrain-battery module 1 accordingly, and the electrical energy storage device 5 or the battery modules 6 are then charged contactlessly by means of inductive energy transfer.

[0043] The Fig. Figures 5a to 5e show a schematic sequence of individual process steps of an embodiment of the method for operating an electric vehicle 50. The reference numerals used here denote the features and terms already introduced.

[0044] The process is described here starting with an electric vehicle 1 with a coupled vehicle cabin 2 and a combined powertrain-battery module 1. The electric vehicle 50, for example, travels as part of a semi-trailer truck with a payload in a trailer to a charging station next to a gas station. An electrical energy storage unit 5 of the combined powertrain-battery module 1 is almost completely discharged.

[0045] The driver of the electric vehicle 50 leaves the vehicle to eat and rest in a restaurant. Beforehand, he starts the procedure, for example by pressing a button in the vehicle cabin 2 or by using an app on a smartphone that is linked to the combined powertrain-battery module 1.

[0046] After the process is started, the trailer of the semi-trailer truck (not shown) is uncoupled first. This is done automatically by the electric vehicle 1 uncoupling from the trailer and moving away from it in a forward direction (situation shown in [reference]). Fig. 5a).

[0047] At some distance from the trailer, the combined powertrain-battery module 1 then detaches from the vehicle cabin 2 ( Fig. 5b). For this purpose, steerable auxiliary wheels 13 are first extended, then a mechanical connection between the complementary coupling interfaces 3, 4 is released. Furthermore, low-voltage connections and a communication connection to the vehicle cabin 2 are disconnected. The combined powertrain-battery module 1 then reverses out of a receiving bay in the vehicle cabin 2. Beforehand, a mechanical support device 22 of the vehicle cabin 2 is lowered hydraulically or electrically to support the vehicle cabin 2 with the combined powertrain-battery module 1 disconnected. The combined powertrain-battery module 1 drives fully automatically, with steering being achieved by means of the steerable auxiliary wheels 13. The automated driving is carried out by means of a control unit of the combined powertrain-battery module 1.

[0048] Subsequently, the decoupled combined powertrain-battery module 1 automatically drives to a charging bay 11, where the electrical energy storage 5 or the battery modules 6 are charged via inductive charging interfaces 18, 19 ( Fig. 5c).

[0049] Meanwhile, another combined powertrain-battery module 30 with a filled energy storage unit 5 or charged battery modules 6 automatically drives from a charging bay 11 or from a parking space to the vehicle cabin 2. There, the other combined powertrain-battery module 30 drives into the receiving bay of the vehicle cabin 2 from the rear ( Fig. 5d).

[0050] Once the other combined powertrain-battery module 30 has been driven into the vehicle cabin 2, the mechanical connection between the complementary coupling interfaces 3,4 is formed ( Fig.5e) and the mechanical support device 22 is retracted. Simultaneously, low-voltage connections and a communication link are established between the vehicle cabin 2 and the combined powertrain-battery module 1. The trailer is then automatically reattached, and the electric vehicle 50 or the semi-trailer truck can continue its journey.

[0051] It may be provided that communication links are established, or already established, between the vehicle cabin 2 and the combined powertrain-battery modules 1.30 before and / or after coupling and uncoupling to coordinate the process. This can be done, for example, via a central server provided by a third-party supplier of the combined powertrain-battery modules 1.30.

[0052] The method, the combined powertrain-battery module 1, the vehicle cabin 2 and the electric vehicle 50 make it possible to provide a filled energy storage unit 5 without a long dwell time and thereby increase the range of the electric vehicle 50. Reference symbol list 1 combined powertrain-battery module 2 vehicle cabin 3 Coupling interface 4 complementary coupling interfaces 5 electrical energy storage 6 battery module 7 power converters 8 electric drive 9 Electric motor 10 gearboxes 11 Loading bay 12 rear wheel 13 Auxiliary wheel 14 Control unit 15 Steering 16 Charging interface 17 electrical contacts 18 inductively operating charging interfaces 19 complementary inductively operating charging interfaces 20 front axle 21 Rear axle 21 Steering 22 mechanical support device 30 other combined powertrain battery module 50 electric vehicles 60 commercial vehicles 61 tractor 62 followers 63 semi-trailer truck

Claims

[1] Method for operating an electric vehicle (50), wherein the electric vehicle (50) comprises a combined drive train-battery module (1) and a vehicle cabin (2), wherein the combined drive train-battery module (1) has an electrical energy store (5), a power converter (7) and an electric drive (8), and wherein the combined drive train-battery module (1) is or can be mechanically connected to the vehicle cabin (2) in a detachable manner via coupling interfaces (3, 4), wherein the combined drive train-battery module (1) is replaced, if necessary, with another combined drive train-battery module (30) with a filled energy storage device (5) while retaining the vehicle cabin (2), characterized by , that the combined drive train battery module (1) is automatically uncoupled from the vehicle cabin (2) for replacement by means of a control device (14) of the drive train battery module (1), and the other combined drive train battery module (30) is automatically coupled to the vehicle cabin (2) by means of a control device of the other combined drive train battery module (30), wherein the uncoupled drive train battery module (1) is automatically moved into a charging bay (11) of a charging station and is automatically charged in the charging bay (11), wherein the other combined drive train battery module (30) is automatically moved from a charging bay (11) of a charging station for coupling, and wherein the other combined drive train battery module (30) was previously automatically charged in the charging bay (11). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized byin that at least one auxiliary wheel (13) is extended to decouple the drive train-battery module (1), wherein the combined drive train-battery module (1) is supported and / or steered by means of the at least one auxiliary wheel (13). [3] Combined powertrain-battery module (1), comprising: at least one electrical energy storage device (5), a power converter (7), an electric drive (8), a mechanical coupling interface (3) for detachably mechanically connecting the combined drive train-battery module (1) to a complementary coupling interface (4) of a vehicle cabin (2), and a control device (14), characterized by , that the control device (14) is designed to automatically uncouple or couple the combined drive train battery module (1) from the vehicle cabin (2) for replacing the drive train battery module (1), furthermore to automatically move the uncoupled drive train battery module (1) into a charging bay (11) of a charging station after uncoupling and to automatically charge it in the charging bay (11), or to automatically move the combined drive train battery module (1) from a charging bay (11) of a charging station for coupling and to automatically charge the combined drive train battery module (1) in the charging bay (11) beforehand. [4] Combined drive train battery module (1) according to claim 3, characterized byat least one auxiliary wheel (13) which can be extended to decouple the drive train-battery module (1), wherein the combined drive train-battery module (1) can be supported and / or steered by means of the at least one auxiliary wheel (13). [5] Combined drive train battery module (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by a charging interface (16) with electrical contacts (17) via which the at least one electrical energy storage device (5) can be charged. [6] Combined drive train battery module (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by an inductively operating charging interface (18) via which the at least one electrical energy storage device (5) can be charged. [7] Electric vehicle (50), comprising a combined powertrain-battery module (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, and a vehicle cabin (2), wherein the vehicle cabin (2) has a complementary coupling interface (4) for forming a detachable mechanical connection with the coupling interface (3) of the combined drive train battery module (1), wherein the combined drive train-battery module (1) is mechanically connected to the vehicle cabin (2) in a detachable manner via the coupling interfaces (3,4). [8] Electric vehicle (50) according to claim 7, characterized by a steering system (15) enclosed by the vehicle cabin and having at least one steerable wheel for steering an electric vehicle (50) formed from the vehicle cabin (2) and a combined drive train-battery module (1) during driving operation. [9] Electric vehicle (50) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized byat least one mechanical support device (22) enclosed by the vehicle cabin, which can be extended to uncouple the combined drive train-battery module (1). [10] Electric vehicle (50) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by that the electric vehicle (50) is a commercial vehicle (60).

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