Patent ID: 7443049
Filing Date: 2008-10-28
Classification: B60L,H02J,Y02E,Y02T,Y04S

Abstract:
1. A vehicle comprising: a power source for powering the vehicle; an electrical system connected to the power source, the electrical system having a battery, a first portion which is electrically coupled to the battery and configured to supply electrical power from the battery to at least one electrical device associated with the vehicle, the at least one electrical device selected from a group consisting of exterior lights, interior lights, instrument panels, seat motors, window motors, and combinations thereof, the electrical system further including a second portion with an electrical interface module and an inverter module, the electrical interface module having a first electrical interface and a second electrical interface, the inverter module being electrically coupled to the electrical interface module and the battery and being operable in a first state and a second state, wherein operation of the inverter module in the first state permits the battery to be charged through the first electrical interface based on a determination that the power source is off, a source of electrical power is coupled to the first electrical interface, and a charge level of the battery is less than a predetermined charge threshold, and wherein operation of the inverter module in the second state permits the battery to provide electrical power that is output from the electrical interface module through the second electrical interface based on a determination that at least one of the source of electrical power is not coupled to the first interface, the power source is on, and the charge level of the battery is greater than or equal to the predetermined charge threshold.