An electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle 3 comprises an electric traction motor, an energy storage device or battery, suspension 7 for adjusting the height h of the vehicle 3, means for monitoring or detecting charging of the battery or energy storage device and control means to raise or lower the height h of the suspension 7 and vehicle 3, dependent on the charge monitoring. The height h may be adjusted if charging is detected. The vehicle may be lowered in the event of charging. The height h adjustment indicates the charging status of the battery from the vehicles 3 exterior. Charging may be non-contact, via induction coils 17,19. Lowering the car while charging may optimise the efficiency of the inductive power transfer. An additional charging indicator comprising a light source may also be provided. The fluid reservoir of the suspension system 7 may be recharged while the vehicle 3 is charging.
Charging indicator
2016-01-06
Patent
Electronic Resource
English