Patent ID: 8555659

Claim:
A method of controlling the temperature of an electrical energy storage system (ESS) coupled to an electric powertrain of an electric vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: a) monitoring an operational condition of said electric vehicle, wherein said operational condition is either in a first state of operation or a second state of operation, wherein said first state of operation corresponds to said electric vehicle being turned on, and wherein said second state of operation corresponds to said electric vehicle being turned off, wherein when said electric vehicle is in said second state of operation the method further comprises the steps of: b) determining a current ambient temperature; c) comparing said current ambient temperature with a preset temperature; d) circulating coolant through a coolant loop in thermal communication with said electrical ESS and through a radiator coupled to said coolant loop if said current ambient temperature is lower than said preset temperature; e) suspending circulation of said coolant through said coolant loop if said current ambient temperature is greater than said preset temperature; and f) repeating steps b) through e).