Meaning
Battery integration concepts where the battery enclosure serves as the primary floor or chassis of a vehicle eliminate the need for a separate frame. This structural pack supports the seats and suspension mounts directly on the battery housing. It represents the highest level of vehicle integration and provides significant savings in weight and part count.
Chassis Integration
Removing the traditional subframe allows for a lower vehicle height and more interior space. The structural pack must be engineered to withstand the bending and twisting forces experienced during high speed cornering. This design requires the cells to be bonded into a honeycomb like structure that provides extreme rigidity.
Weight Reduction
Eliminating heavy steel beams and mounting brackets increases the driving range of the vehicle. By using a structural pack the manufacturer can achieve a better weight balance by placing the heaviest component at the center of the car. This efficiency is a key factor in the competition to produce long range electric cars at lower prices.
Vehicle Rigidity
A stiff battery container reduces noise and vibration for the passengers inside the cabin. Because the structural pack is a permanent part of the car, it is often designed to be repaired or recycled as a single unit. This level of integration makes the battery a fundamental part of the vehicle’s structural integrity.
