Impact protector for mounting to a vehicle battery assembly of an offroad- capable vehicle

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention relate to an impact protector (300) for mounting to a vehicle battery assembly (200) of an offroad-capable vehicle to protect a component (208) of the vehicle battery assembly. The impact protector (300) comprises a planar body portion (302) having an inner edge (312) and an outer edge (314). The impact protector (300) also includes first and second mounting portions (306a, b) extending away from the planar body portion (302) at a location between the inner edge (312) and the outer edge (314). Each of the first and second mounting portions (306a, b) comprises a mounting hole for mounting the impact protector (300) to the vehicle battery assembly (200) such that the inner edge (312) of the planar body portion (302) overlies the vehicle battery assembly (200) and the outer edge (314) protrudes beyond an edge (224) of the vehicle battery assembly (200) to protect the component (208) from impacts.

Description

[0001] IMPACT PROTECTOR FOR MOUNTING TO A VEHICLE BATTERY ASSEMBLY OF AN OFFROAD- CAPABLE VEHICLE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an impact protector for mounting to a vehicle battery assembly of an offroad- capable vehicle. Aspects of the invention relate to an impact protector, a vehicle battery assembly, and an offroad-capable vehicle.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] In battery electric vehicles it is known to provide a pressure release valve on the battery housing that vents internal pressure of the battery housing when there is a battery malfunction or damage causes the internal pressure to increase above a threshold. This can help to prevent explosion or sudden release of high pressure gases and fluids from within the battery housing, for example in the event of a battery fire.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide an impact protector for mounting to a vehicle battery assembly of an offroad-capable vehicle, a vehicle battery assembly of an offroad-capable vehicle, and an offroad-capable vehicle as claimed in the appended claims

[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an impact protector for mounting to a vehicle battery assembly of an offroad-capable vehicle to protect a component of the vehicle battery assembly. The impact protector is mounted to the vehicle battery assembly and protrudes beyond an edge of the vehicle battery assembly adjacent to the component so as to protect the component from impacts.

[0009] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an impact protector for mounting to a vehicle battery assembly of an offroad-capable vehicle to protect a component of the vehicle battery assembly, the impact protector comprising: a planar body portion having an inner edge and an outer edge, and first and second mounting portions extending away from the planar body portion at a location between the inner edge and the outer edge, each of the first and second mounting portions comprising a mounting hole for mounting the impact protector to the vehicle battery assembly such that the inner edge of the planar body portion overlies the vehicle battery assembly and the outer edge protrudes beyond an edge of the vehicle battery assembly to protect the component from impacts.

[0010] Advantageously, when mounted to the vehicle battery assembly of a vehicle the impact protector protects the component from impacts, for example impacts from uneven road surfaces. This is particularly advantageous when the vehicle is driving offroad because the road surface (driving surface) will be more uneven and raised areas may impact the vehicle battery assembly. Advantageously, the planar body portion of the impact protector overlies a part of the vehicle battery assembly and protrudes beyond the edge of the vehicle battery assembly so that impact forces imparted on the planar body portion are transferred onto the vehicle battery assembly via the overlying portion and via the mounted parts (e.g., fasteners). This may reduce the impact force imparted on the mounted parts (e.g., fasteners) and increases the impact force that can be withstood by the impact protector. Accordingly, the component, e.g., a pressure release valve, can be protected from impacts.

[0011] In examples, each of the first and second mounting portions are attached to the planar body portion at a bend.

[0012] Advantageously, the bends make it easier to locate and mount the impact protector on the vehicle battery assembly. In addition, the bends increase the strength of the impact protector and impact forces may be imparted on fasteners as a shear force, improving the impact resistance of the impact protector.

[0013] In examples, each of the bends has an inner radius directed towards the outer edge of the planar body portion.

[0014] Advantageously, this allows the impact protector to be mounted on a sharp (e.g., not rounded) corner of the vehicle battery assembly. In addition, the inner radius increases the bending resistance (bending stiffness) of the impact protector. Due to the increased bending resistance any impact forces imparted on the protruding part of the planar body would be transferred onto the vehicle battery assembly, improving protection of the component.

[0015] In examples, each bend comprises a reinforcement rib.

[0016] Advantageously, the reinforcement rib(s) increase the bending resistance of the impact protector and improve protection of the component. Due to the increased bending resistance any impact forces imparted on the protruding part of the planar body would be transferred onto the vehicle battery assembly, improving protection of the component.

[0017] In examples, each reinforcement rib is formed on an inner radius of the respective bend.

[0018] Advantageously, this allows the impact protector to be mounted on a sharp (e.g., not rounded) corner of the vehicle battery assembly and positions the reinforcement rib(s) to resist bending of the planar body portion that may be caused by an impact on the planar body portion.

[0019] In examples, each reinforcement rib comprises a deformed section of the respective bend.

[0020] Advantageously, the reinforcement rib(s) can be formed integrally with the impact protector, e.g., by a stamping or bending operation. This simplifies manufacture, reduces the number of components, and improves the bending stiffness of the impact protector.

[0021] In examples, the first and second mounting portions extend perpendicularly to the planar body portion.

[0022] Advantageously, this allows the impact protector to be mounted to a 90 degree edge of the vehicle battery assembly. In examples, a distance between the outer edge and the first and second mounting portions is such that in use the planar body portion protrudes beyond the edge of the vehicle battery assembly by a distance approximately the same distance that the component protrudes beyond the edge of the vehicle battery assembly.

[0023] Advantageously, the planar body portion provides impact protection for the component, but does not extend substantially further than the component. This may help to reduce bending of the planar body portion when it is subject to an impact because the leverage is reduced. In addition, if the planar body portion were bent towards the component by an impact then contact between the planar body portion and the component is reduced.

[0024] In examples, the protruding distance of the planar body portion beyond the edge of the vehicle battery assembly is at most the protruding distance of the component.

[0025] Advantageously, this may help to reduce bending of the planar body portion when it is subject to an impact because the leverage is reduced, and even if the planar body portion were bent towards the component by an impact then contact between the planar body portion and the component is reduced. In addition, the planar body portion cannot be bent towards the component so as to cover the component, which may be advantageous if the component were a pressure release valve as the bend planar body portion then cannot block the pressure release valve.

[0026] In examples, the planar body portion protrudes beyond the edge of the vehicle battery assembly by less than a protruding distance of the component mounted to the vehicle battery assembly.

[0027] Advantageously, this may help to reduce bending of the planar body portion when it is subject to an impact because the leverage is reduced, and even if the planar body portion were bent towards the component by an impact then contact between the planar body portion and the component is reduced. In addition, the planar body portion cannot be bent towards the component so as to cover the component, which may be advantageous if the component were a pressure release valve as the bend planar body portion then cannot block the pressure release valve.

[0028] In examples, the first and second mounting portions are spaced apart to be disposed either side of the component when mounted to the vehicle battery assembly.

[0029] Advantageously, the impact protector can thereby be mounted directly next to the component and on both sides of the component, improving protection of the component.

[0030] In examples, a part of the planar body portion adjacent to the inner edge abuts an underside of the vehicle battery assembly when mounted to the vehicle battery assembly. Advantageously, impact forces on the impact protector are thereby transferred directly to the vehicle battery assembly without bending or deforming the impact protector.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle battery assembly of an offroad- capable vehicle, the vehicle battery assembly comprising a frame member having a bottom and a side joined at an edge, the side having a mounting location for a component and first and second mounting holes, and wherein the vehicle battery assembly further comprises the impact protector descried above, wherein the first and second mounting portions of the impact protector are attached to the first and second mounting holes, respectively, such that the planar body portion of the impact protector partially overlies the bottom and protrudes beyond the edge of the frame member.

[0032] Advantageously, the impact protector thereby protects the component from impacts, for example impacts from uneven road surfaces. This is particularly advantageous when the vehicle is driving offroad because the road surface (driving surface) will be more uneven and raised areas may impact the vehicle battery assembly.

[0033] Advantageously, the planar body portion of the impact protector overlies a part of the vehicle battery assembly and protrudes beyond the edge of the vehicle battery assembly so that impact forces imparted on the planar body portion are transferred onto the vehicle battery assembly via the overlying portion and via the mounted parts (e.g., fasteners). This may reduce the impact force imparted on the mounted parts (e.g., fasteners) and increases the impact force that can be withstood by the impact protector. Accordingly, the component, e.g., a pressure release valve, is protected from impacts.

[0034] In examples, the component protrudes from the side surface of the frame member by a distance, and wherein the planar body portion of the impact protector protrudes beyond the edge of the frame member by approximately the same distance.

[0035] Advantageously, the planar body portion provides impact protection for the component, but does not extend substantially further than the component. This may help to reduce bending of the planar body portion when it is subject to an impact because the leverage is reduced. In addition, if the planar body portion were bent towards the component by an impact then contact between the planar body portion and the component is reduced.

[0036] In examples, the protruding distance of the planar body portion beyond the edge of the vehicle battery assembly is at most the protruding distance of the component.

[0037] Advantageously, this may help to reduce bending of the planar body portion when it is subject to an impact because the leverage is reduced, and even if the planar body portion were bent towards the component by an impact then contact between the planar body portion and the component is reduced. In addition, the planar body portion cannot be bent towards the component so as to cover the component, which may be advantageous if the component were a pressure release valve as the bend planar body portion then cannot block the pressure release valve. In examples, the planar body portion protrudes beyond the edge of the vehicle battery assembly by less than a protruding distance of the component mounted to the vehicle battery assembly.

[0038] Advantageously, this may help to reduce bending of the planar body portion when it is subject to an impact because the leverage is reduced, and even if the planar body portion were bent towards the component by an impact then contact between the planar body portion and the component is reduced. In addition, the planar body portion cannot be bent towards the component so as to cover the component, which may be advantageous if the component were a pressure release valve as the bend planar body portion then cannot block the pressure release valve.

[0039] In examples, the component comprises one of: a cooling inlet, a cooling outlet, an electronics assembly, a power connection (e.g., high power connection or low power connection), a sensor, or a pressure equalisation device, for example a breather device or a high pressure release valve.

[0040] Advantageously, the impact protector protects the component form impacts that may damage or impair the function of the component. The impact protector provides particular advantages when the component is safety- critical, for example a high pressure release valve of the vehicle battery assembly.

[0041] In examples, the vehicle battery assembly further comprises a plurality of battery cells.

[0042] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an offroad-capable vehicle comprising the vehicle battery assembly described above.

[0043] Advantageously, the impact protector protects the component on the vehicle battery assembly from impacts, for example impacts from uneven road surfaces.

[0044] In examples the offroad-capable vehicle has a selectable offroad driving mode. When the offroad-capable vehicle is driven in an offroad driving mode it may be driven over uneven driving surfaces with protrusions and obstacles that may impact the underside of the vehicle, particularly the vehicle battery assembly.

[0045] Advantageously, the impact protector protects the component on the vehicle battery assembly against such impacts.

[0046] In examples, the bottom of the frame member faces a driving surface on which the vehicle is driveable. Advantageously, the impact protector, being mounted to overlie the bottom of the frame member, provides impact protection for the component.

[0047] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a vehicle according to embodiments of the invention.

[0049] Figure 2 shows a vehicle battery assembly according to embodiments of the invention.

[0050] Figure 3 shows a component and impact protector mounted to a vehicle battery assembly according to embodiments of the invention.

[0051] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an impact protector according to embodiments of the invention. Figure 5 shows a side view of an impact protector according to embodiments of the invention.

[0052] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] A vehicle 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 1. The vehicle 100 is an offroad-capable vehicle, having a selectable offroad driving mode. In examples the vehicle 100 is a four wheel drive vehicle. The vehicle 100 may be a battery electric vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle (e.g., a plug-in hybrid vehicle or a mild hybrid vehicle). The vehicle 100 includes a vehicle battery assembly 200, shown in Figure 2, that may be a primary or secondary energy source for vehicle propulsion. The vehicle battery assembly 200 may be a traction battery of the vehicle 100.

[0054] The vehicle battery assembly 200 is installed on an underside of the vehicle 100. The vehicle battery assembly 200 may include a plurality of fixings for mounting the vehicle battery assembly 200 to the underside of the vehicle 100. The fixings may attach to various parts of the underside of the vehicle 100, for example parts of a chassis and / or monocoque and / or other structural members of the vehicle 100.

[0055] As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle battery assembly 200 includes a battery frame 202, a lid 204 and a base 206. The lid 204 is attached to a top of the battery frame 202 and faces the vehicle 100 when the vehicle battery assembly 200 is mounted to the vehicle 100. The base 206 faces the driving surface when the vehicle battery assembly 200 is mounted to the vehicle 100. The vehicle battery assembly 200, in particularthe battery frame 202, lid 204 and base 206, houses a plurality of battery cells (not illustrated). The battery cells may be secondary cells of the vehicle battery assembly 200. The vehicle battery assembly 200 may also house battery monitoring systems, control systems, cooling systems, and other sub-assemblies (not illustrated).

[0056] As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle battery assembly 200 also includes a component 208 mounted to an external surface of the battery frame 202. In this example, the component 208 is mounted on a side 220 of the vehicle battery assembly 200, on the battery frame 202. The vehicle battery assembly 200 incudes a front 214 and a rear 212, where the rear 212 is directed towards the rear of the vehicle 100 when the vehicle battery assembly 200 is mounted to the vehicle 100. The component 208 is mounted towards the rear 212 of the vehicle battery assembly 200, which may provide some protection of the component 208 against frontal impacts and protrusions on the driving surface (road surface or offroad surface). The rear 212 of the vehicle battery assembly 200 may also include a high voltage power connection 210, as illustrated, for electrically connecting the vehicle battery assembly 200 to other components of the vehicle 100.

[0057] The vehicle battery assembly 200 is a sealed assembly. The battery frame 202, lid 204 and base 206 are sealed to each other to provide a sealed interior of the vehicle battery assembly 200. In examples, the component 208 is a pressure release valve configured to vent internal pressure of the vehicle battery assembly 200 to the surrounding environment when the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined value. In examples, the pressure release valve would vent the pressure during a battery malfunction or fire generating pressure within the vehicle battery assembly 200. The pressure release valve covers a passage through a part of the vehicle battery assembly 200 (in particular a passage through the battery frame 202), the passage extending from an internal side to an external side of the vehicle batter assembly 200. The pressure release valve may include a cover or other removable component that is moved or separated when the internal pressure of the vehicle battery assembly 200 exceeds a predetermined value. As such, the cover may be vulnerable to external impacts that cause it to detach. In examples, the pressure release valve is mounted to the side 220 of the vehicle battery assembly 200, as illustrated. Beneficially, this position means that, if operated, the gases are vented sideways and not towards the passenger compartment or other important components of the vehicle 100. Additionally, mounting the pressure release valve to the side 220 of the vehicle battery assembly 200, rather than the base 206, helps to protect the pressure release valve against impacts from protrusions on the driving surface (road surface or offroad surface) during driving the vehicle 100. This is particularly advantageous as the vehicle 100 is offroad-capable, so would be driven over uneven driving surfaces, increasing the chances of impacts on the vehicle battery assembly 200. In other examples the pressure release valve may be mounted to a bottom or top of the vehicle battery assembly 200.

[0058] Figure 3 shows the component 208 mounted to the side 220 of the vehicle battery assembly 200, particularly to the battery frame 202. As shown, the component 208 is mounted to the battery frame 202 via a mounting plate 216 that is bolted to the battery frame 202 so that the component 208 covers a passage (not shown) that passes into the interior of the vehicle battery assembly 200. In other examples, the component 208 may be mounted directly to the vehicle battery assembly 200, in particular the battery frame 202. The battery frame 202 may include a (machined) flat area onto which the component 208 can be fastened. Figure 3 also shows the base 206 of the vehicle battery assembly 200 joined to the battery frame 202 at weld 222. The weld 222 is offset from an edge 224 of the battery frame 202. A part 218 of the bottom of the battery frame 202 is thereby exposed adjacent to the weld 222. The bottom 218 of the battery frame 202 faces the driving surface (e.g., road surface or offroad surface). As illustrated, the component 208 is mounted to the side 220 of the battery frame 202 proximate to the edge 224. In particular examples, the component 208 is within about 200mm of the edge 224, for example within about 100mm of the edge 224. Such a position may ensure that vented gases are directed towards the driving surface and not towards other components of the vehicle 100. As illustrated in Figure 3, an impact protector 300 is mounted to the vehicle battery assembly 200 to protect the component 208. In particular, the impact protector 300 protects the component 208 from impacts from beneath the vehicle battery assembly 200, for example a protrusion on the driving surface, or similar.

[0059] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the impact protector 300 includes a planar body portion 302 having an inner edge 312 and an outer edge 314. The impact protector 300 also includes first and second mounting portions 306a, b. The first and second mounting portions 306a, b extend away from the planar body portion 302 at a location between the inner edge 312 and the outer edge 314. Each of the first and second mounting portions 306a, b includes a mounting hole 310a, b for mounting the impact protector 300 to the vehicle battery assembly 200, in particular to the battery frame 202 as shown in Figure 3.

[0060] In particular, as shown in Figure 3, first and second fasteners 308a, b (e.g., bolts) fix the first and second mounting portions 306a, b to the battery frame 202. The first and second fasteners 308a, b may be screwed into mounting elements of the battery frame that may comprise threaded blind holes in the battery frame 202 so that the fastenings (the bolts) do not need to be sealed to maintain the seal of the vehicle battery assembly 200. The first and second fasteners 308a, b may be received in the threaded holes formed on the side 220 of the vehicle battery assembly 200 (in particularthe battery frame 202). Accordingly, the first and second fasteners 308a, b are protected from impacts caused by protrusions on the driving surface. In addition, providing the threaded holes on the side 220 of the battery frame 202 may be advantageous when manufacturing the battery frame 202 component as there are other machining operations on the side 220 of the battery frame 202 but not necessarily on the bottom 218, so this may avoid having to re-orient the battery frame 202 for a further machining operation to form the threaded holes. However, threaded studs may also form the mounting elements of the battery frame, and nuts employed to fasten the first and second mounting portions 306a, b to the battery frame 202.

[0061] As shown in Figure 3, when the impact protector 300 is mounted to the battery frame 200 the outer edge 314 protrudes beyond the edge 224 of the battery frame 202. The inner edge 312 and an adjacent overlying portion

[0062] 304 overly (overlap) the bottom 218 of the battery frame 202. The inner edge 312 may additionally overly a part of the base 206. In this way, the protruding part of the planar body portion 302 that protrudes beyond the edge 224 of the battery frame 202 protects the component 208. In examples the overlying portion 304 may be in abutment with the bottom 218 of the battery frame 202 (and optionally also the base 206). In addition, advantageously, the force of any impact on the impact protector 300 would be at least partly transferred into the battery frame 202 through the overlying portion 304, reducing the likelihood of bending or failure of the impact protector 300.

[0063] In this example the first and second mounting portions 306a, b are perpendicular to the planar body portion 202 and the edge 224 is a right angle. In other examples, the edge 224 may be a non-right angle and the first and second mounting portions 306a, b may extend non-perpendicularly from the planar body portion 302.

[0064] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first and second mounting portions 306a, b are joined to the planar body portion 302 by bends 318a, 318b. In particular, the first and second mounting portions 306a, b are bent out of the plane of the planar body portion 302. The impact protector 300 may therefore be made from a sheet material that is cut and bent, for example by pressing or stamping. The impact protector 300 may be made from a metal, in particular steel or aluminium. The impact protector 300 (e.g., the sheet metal) may have a thickness of between 1 mm and 5mm, for example between 1 mm and 4mm, for example between 1 mm and 3mm, for example 2mm. Each bend 318a, b is stiffened by a reinforcement rib 316a, b. The reinforcement ribs 316a, b are formed by deforming a part of the material within the bend 318a, b. The reinforcement ribs 316a, 6 may be formed on a side of the bends 318a, b towards the outer edge 314. In this way the first and second mounting portions 316a, b and the overlying portion 304 form a sharp angle to fit the edge 224 of the battery frame 202 as shown in Figure 3.

[0065] As shown in Figure 5, when the impact protector 300 is attached to the battery frame 202 the outer edge 314 protrudes from the battery frame 202 by a distance 320. The distance 320 is the distance between the outer edge 314 and the side of the first and second mounting portions 306a, b that abuts the battery frame 202. The distance 320 may be substantially equal to a distance that the component 208 protrudes from the battery frame 202 such that the outer edge 314 is approximately aligned with an outermost part of the component 208. In some examples the distance 320 may be slightly less than the distance that the component 208 protrudes from the battery frame 202. Accordingly, the planar body portion 302 provides impact protection for the component 208, but does not extend away from the battery frame 202 substantially furtherthan the component 208. This may help to reduce bending of the planar body portion 302 when it is subject to an impact because the leverage is reduced. In addition, if the planar body portion 302 were bent towards the component 208 by an impact then contact between the planar body portion 302 and the component 208 is reduced.

[0066] However, in some examples it will be appreciated that the distance 320 may be such that the outer edge 314 is spaced further from the battery frame 202 than an outermost part of the component 208, or the distance 320 may be such that the outer edge 314 closer to the battery frame 202 than an outermost part of the component 208.

[0067] In the above-described example the component 208 is a pressure release valve, in particular an emergency pressure vent. However, it will be appreciated that the impact protector 300 may be used to protect any component mounted to a vehicle battery assembly 200, in particular to a battery frame 202 of a vehicle battery assembly 200, in particular to a side 220 of a vehicle battery assembly 200. In examples, the impact protector 300 may be used to protect other components mounted to the vehicle battery assembly 200 and that may extend through the battery frame 202, lid 204 or base 206 into the interior of the vehicle battery assembly 200. For example, the impact protector 300 may be attached to a vehicle battery assembly 200 to protect one or more of: a pressure equalisation device (e.g., an emergency pressure relief valve, or a breathing assembly), a coolant conduit, an electronics module, an electrical power connection (high or low voltage), or a sensor or connector for a sensor. In examples, the component 208 may include plastic or metal, for example it may include a plastic or metal housing.

[0068] It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An impact protector for mounting to a vehicle battery assembly of an offroad-capable vehicle to protect a component of the vehicle battery assembly, the impact protector comprising: a planar body portion having an inner edge and an outer edge, and first and second mounting portions extending away from the planar body portion at a location between the inner edge and the outer edge, each of the first and second mounting portions comprising a mounting hole for mounting the impact protector to the vehicle battery assembly such that the inner edge of the planar body portion overlies the vehicle battery assembly and the outer edge protrudes beyond an edge of the vehicle battery assembly to protect the component from impacts.

2. The impact protector of claim 1 , wherein each of the first and second mounting portions are attached to the planar body portion at a bend. The impact protector of claim 2, wherein each of the bends has an inner radius directed towards the outer edge of the planar body portion.

4. The impact protector of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein each bend comprises a reinforcement rib. The impact protector of claim 4, wherein each reinforcement rib is formed on an inner radius of the respective bend.

6. The impact protector of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein each reinforcement rib comprises a deformed section of the respective bend.

7. The impact protector of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second mounting portions extend perpendicularly to the planar body portion.

8. The impact protector of any preceding claim, wherein a distance between the outer edge and the first and second mounting portions is such that in use the planar body portion protrudes beyond the edge of the vehicle battery assembly by a distance approximately the same distance that the component protrudes beyond the edge of the vehicle battery assembly.

9. The impact protector of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second mounting portions are spaced apart to be disposed either side of the component when mounted to the vehicle battery assembly.

10. The impact protector of any preceding claim, wherein a part of the planar body portion adjacent to the inner edge abuts an underside of the vehicle battery assembly when mounted to the vehicle battery assembly.

11. A vehicle battery assembly of an offroad-capable vehicle, the vehicle battery assembly comprising a frame member having a bottom and a side joined at an edge, the side having a mounting location for a component and first and second mounting elements, and wherein the vehicle battery assembly further comprises the impact protector of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first and second mounting portions of the impact protector are attached to the first and second mounting elements, respectively, such that the planar body portion of the impact protector partially overlies the bottom and protrudes beyond the edge of the frame member.

12. The vehicle battery assembly of claim 11 , wherein the component protrudes from the side of the frame member by a distance, and wherein the planar body portion of the impact protector protrudes beyond the edge of the frame member by approximately the same distance.

13. The vehicle battery assembly of claim 11 or claim 12, further comprising a plurality of battery cells.

14. An offroad-capable vehicle comprising the vehicle battery assembly of claim 13.

15. The offroad-capable vehicle of claim 14, wherein the bottom of the frame member faces a driving surface on which the vehicle is driveable.

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