NL2035091B1

NL2035091B1 - Electric power module and truck

Info

Publication number: NL2035091B1
Application number: NL2035091A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Petrus Adrianus Dingemans Cornelis
Original assignee: Daf Trucks Nv
Priority date: 2023-06-14
Filing date: 2023-06-14
Publication date: 2024-12-20

Abstract

Title: ELECTRIC POWER MODULE AND TRUCK ABSTRACT An electric power module for providing electric power in a truck driven by an electric power train, comprising a mounting frame to be mounted to a chassis having a pair of longitudinal chassis members extending between a front axle and a rear axle of the truck. The mounting frame comprises a bottom section that includes a LV battery casing and a detachable support member arranged for supporting a LV battery pack. The support member is detachable between a drive position, in which the support member is attached to the LV battery casing for thereby suspending the LV battery pack inside the LV battery casing, and a service position, in which the support member is detached and movable between the LV battery casing and a ground surface. The support member is coupled to the LV battery casing by a winch device. [FIG 1]

Description

P134847NL00

Title: ELECTRIC POWER MODULE AND TRUCK

The invention relates to an electric power module for providing electric power in a truck driven by an electric power train. The invention further relates to a truck, comprising said electric power module.

In electric vehicles, such as battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles or fuel cell electric vehicles, it is desired to optimally occupy the available installation space with HV traction batteries and other high voltage power system components, to maximize the driving range of the vehicle.

Meanwhile, components related to low voltage (LV) applications such as an air conditioning system and lighting, also need to be integrated in the truck. For this reason, compared to a conventional truck driven by an internal combustion engine, a high capacity electric truck may be larger in size or wheel base. However, as a result the cost of the vehicle is increased, and, for some applications the dimensions of the vehicle may render it unsuitable for use.

In other electric trucks, LV components may be mounted behind the cabin or on top of the chassis to allow servicing. However, such placement reduces the available volume behind the cabin, e.g. for transporting cargo. Conversely, when these LV system components are tucked away, e.g. between or behind other parts, the components cannot be easily accessed and replaced, which would reduce the serviceability of the truck.

It 1s known to provide a pre-assembled HV electric drive module (EDM) in the engine compartment space, to be accessible when the cabin is tilted forward. However, because such electric drive modules comprise delicate and heavy parts that are intricately interconnected, the modules are pre-assembled before installation in the truck to facilitate the assembly process. Known electric drive modules do not provide easy access to and replacement of individual parts while the module is installed in the truck, because their parts are intended to have a lifetime equal to the lifetime of the vehicle. Conversely, low voltage power system components, such as an

LV battery pack, wear down faster and are more commonly due for replacement.

It is an object of the present invention to increase the energy capacity of an electric truck without compromising on its dimensions and serviceability.

SUMMARY

In summary, the invention pertains to an electric power module for providing electric power in a truck driven by an electric power train. The electric power module comprises a mounting frame to be mounted to a chassis having a pair of longitudinal chassis members extending between a front axle and a rear axle of the truck.

Said mounting frame comprises a front and rear section arranged for mounting one or more high voltage (HV) components of a high voltage power system for powering the electric power train, and a bottom section arranged for mounting a low voltage (LV) battery pack for powering auxiliary components of the truck.

The front section of the mounting frame comprises module mounts arranged for suspending the electric power module to the chassis between the pair of longitudinal chassis members near the front axle of the truck.

The bottom section of the mounting frame comprises an LV battery casing mounted to the front section below the module mounts, and a detachable support member arranged for supporting the LV battery pack.

The support member 1s detachable between a drive position, in which the support member is attached to the LV battery casing for thereby suspending the LV battery pack inside the LV battery casing, and a service position, in which the support member 1s detached and movable between the

LV battery casing and a ground surface.

The support member is coupled to the LV battery casing by a winch device arranged for winching the support member in the service position between the LV battery casing and the ground surface.

Accordingly, by providing an electric power module with a bottom section for suspending LV components, such as a LV battery pack, a compact yet serviceable truck architecture is created. By having the LV battery pack suspended at a bottom section of the electric power module, , its mass adds to the front axle biased weight distribution provided by the electric power module near the front axle of the truck. Accordingly, the electric truck is capable of supporting larger cargo loads on its rear axle without adversely affecting the dynamic properties and driveability of the electric truck.

Also, the volume downstream of the cabin is maximized for transporting cargo, and/or for carrying additional HV power source units. As a result, the driving range and the cargo capacity of the truck can be increased, without increasing the overall size of the truck or extending the wheelbase.

By having the LV battery casing provided in a bottom section of the electric power module, a suspended LV battery can easily be serviced by detaching and lowering the support member including the LV battery towards the ground surface, where it can be moved away from the vehicle for better access.

Preferably, the support member forms a bottom plate of the LV battery casing in the drive position. For example, as a bottom plate, the support member provides structural integrity to the LV battery casing. In this way, the mounting frame of the electric power module is reinforced to stiffly suspend the masses of the HV and LV power system components, e.g.

such that the eigenfrequency of the electric power module is distinct from critical eigenfrequencies of the truck.

In some embodiments, the support member comprises a fixture arrangement arranged for mounting and aligning the LV battery pack to the support member. For example, the fixture arrangement can comprise one or more fixture elements, like upstanding plates, pins, edges or grooves. In this way, the fixture arrangement can e.g. be configured to mount and align the centre of gravity of the LV battery pack with respect to the winch mechanism. Accordingly, when the support member is moved in the service position, between the LV battery casing and the ground surface, the support member remains substantially level, to prevent uncontrolled movement of and damage to the LV battery pack.

Preferably, the support member comprises one or more rollers that are mounted to the fixture arrangement and partially extend through the support member, for thereby allowing the support member to roll along the ground surface.

Preferably, a fixation mechanism is provided between the LV battery casing and the support member, wherein the fixation mechanism configured to attach and detach the support member to the LV battery casing in the drive position and service position, respectively. For example, the fixation mechanism comprises removable fasteners, such as screws, bolts, or clamps. Alternatively, the fixation mechanism comprises a lock- and-release mechanism arranged for locking relative movement between the support plate and the LV battery casing in the drive position, and for allowing said relative movement in the service position. For example, the lock-and-release mechanism comprise one or more movable latches or pins that extend between the support member and the LV battery casing in the drive position and that are retractable by hand or by an actuator device to release the support member from the LV battery casing in the service position.

In other or further embodiments, the support member comprises a partition that defines a first and second compartment of the LV battery casing for mounting a first and second part of the LV battery pack, respectively, wherein the winch device is coupled to the partition. In this 5 way, the partition can provide an anchor for anchoring the winch device to the support member, e.g. at a central anchor position above the centre of gravity of the LV battery pack.

In yet other or further embodiments, the support member has a mount side arranged for mounting the LV battery pack and a guide side opposite the mount side and arranged for guiding the LV battery pack along the ground surface. The guide surface can e.g. be provided with a profile or coating that is adapted to provide a reduced coefficient of friction between the support member and the ground surface, e.g. a friction coefficient that is lower than 0.6, preferably lower than 0.4. Accordingly, when the support member is at the ground surface, the guide side allows the support member to be slid or rolled over the ground surface. For example, the guide side is provided with one or more rollers arranged for rolling along the ground surface.

In some embodiments, the winch device is mounted to a wall of the

LV battery casing and comprises a cable coupled to the support member, one or more pulleys for guiding the cable toward the support member along a top side of the LV battery casing, and an actuator for driving the one or more pulleys. In this way, the winch cable can be aligned with the centre of gravity of the LV battery pack, while the actuator is accessible from an outside of the LV battery casing, e.g. for manual operation or service.

In other or further embodiments, the winch device comprises a biasing mechanism arranged for providing a biasing torque on an output shaft of the winch device, wherein the biasing torque counteracts a movement of the support member from the drive position towards the service position. For example, the biasing mechanism comprises coil springs for preloading the output shaft, and/or a counterweight, to provide the counteracting biasing force. As a result, the force required to move the support plate between the LV battery casing and the ground surface, e.g. due to gravity, is reduced.

In yet other or further embodiments, the winch device comprises a detent mechanism arranged to arrest a movement of the support member between the drive position and the service position. For example, the detent mechanism comprises a preloaded protrusion, pin or roller, that engages with a cam or gear on the output shaft. In this way, rotation of the output shaft is periodically arrested, to better control the movement of the support plate between the LV battery casing and the ground surface.

In preferred embodiments, the winch device comprises an input shaft for receiving an input torque, an output shaft for providing an output torque for moving the support member between the drive position and the service position, wherein the input shaft is arranged for driving the output shaft via a transmission between the input and output shaft. The input shaft can e.g. be operable by a tool from an outside of the casing, or by an electromechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic actuator. Optionally, the transmission self-locking, i.e. configured to allow the input shaft to drive the output shaft, but not vice versa. For example, the transmission comprises a worm at a driving side of the transmission, and worm gear at a driven side.

Other aspects of the present invention pertain to a truck, comprising a chassis, an electric drive train, a high voltage power system, and the electric drive module described herein.

The chassis has a pair of longitudinal chassis members extending between a front axle and a rear axle of the truck. The electric drive train is arranged for driving the rear axle of the truck. The high voltage power system is arranged for powering the electric drive train. The electric power module 1s suspended to the chassis between the pair of longitudinal chassis members near the front axle of the truck.

The electric power module comprises one or more high voltage (HV) components of the high voltage power system, and the electric power module comprises a low voltage (LV) battery pack for powering auxiliary components of the truck.

For example, the LV battery casing of the electric power module extends from the front section towards the road surface, between the front axle and a front side bumper of the truck.

In preferred embodiments, the truck comprises a cargo container mounted to the chassis and extending along the pair of longitudinal chassis members, wherein the cargo container has a front side adjacent to a cabin at the front axle of the truck and a rear side beyond the rear axle, e.g. asin a box truck, dump truck or (pressurized) fluid transporter. For example, the cargo container is arranged for transporting objects, people, liquids, or bulk materials such as sand. By providing an electric power module with a bottom section for mounting LV components in a serviceable fashion, the volume of the cargo container can be maximized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be further elucidated in the figures:

FIG 1 illustrates an embodiment of an electric power module comprising a bottom section;

FIGs 2-5 provides detailed views of embodiments of the bottom section;

FIG 6 illustrates a truck, comprising an embodiment of the electric power module;

FIG 7 provides a bottom view of an embodiment of the truck.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown.

In the drawings, the absolute and relative sizes of systems, components, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Embodiments may be described with reference to schematic and/or cross-section illustrations of possibly idealized embodiments and intermediate structures of the invention. In the description and drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Relative terms as well as derivatives thereof should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the system be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless stated otherwise.

FIG 1 illustrates an embodiment of an electric power module 100 for providing electric power to an electric drive train of a truck, or any other type of vehicle. The electric power module 100 comprises a mounting frame 200 to be mounted to a ladder frame of the truck, i.e. a chassis comprising a pair of longitudinal chassis members that extend between a front axle and a rear axle of the truck.

The mounting frame 200 comprises a front section 210 and a rear section 220. The front and rear section 210, 220 are arranged for mounting one or more high voltage (HV) components of a high voltage power system for powering the electric drive train of the truck, e.g. at nominal voltages of 400 Volt or more, e.g. between 400-1500 Volt, preferably between 600-900

Volt. For example, as illustrated, the high voltage component(s) may include a HV electric power source 50, such as a HV battery unit (traction battery unit) or fuel cell unit, and one or more of a power convertor, an invertor, an onboard charger, a power junction box for distributing electric power between components of the high voltage power system, a thermal system for managing temperature of the high voltage system, and a controller. The mounting frame 200 thus provides an assembly of electric power system components that can be pre-assembled as a unit and installed 1n a truck.

In conventional trucks driven by an internal combustion engine, the engine is provided near the front axle of the truck, while the gear transmission and driveshaft extend from the engine towards the rear of the truck. The thus formed weight distribution of the power train typically entails that the suspension system of the truck is adapted thereto, such that the truck as a whole exhibits a desirable dynamic behaviour. When designing an electric truck that has a dynamic behaviour similar to a conventional truck, the properties of the suspension system can be maintained by installing the electric power train in such a way that its weight distribution is more or less equal to the weight distribution of the conventional internal combustion type power train.

For this reason, the front section 210 of the mounting frame 200 comprises module mounts 211 arranged for suspending the electric power module 100 to the chassis between the pair of longitudinal chassis members near the front axle of the truck. The front section 210 can e.g. comprise a relatively large and heavy HV component to mimic an internal combustion engine, such as a HV electric power source 50. The elasticity and/or damping properties of the module mounts 211, as well as the position of the module mounts 211 with respect to the centre of gravity of the electric power module 100 and the chassis, can be tuned to adjust the dynamic behaviour of the electric power module relative to the chassis.

The rear section 220 of the mounting frame 200 extends beyond the front section 210 in a cantilevered fashion. The rear section 220 thus mimics a transmission of a conventional powertrain, and can e.g. comprise one or more HV components that are preferably smaller and lighter than the front section components, such as an invertor or on-board charger. To stabilize the electric power module 100, and to further control its dynamic behaviour with respect to the chassis, the rear section 220 comprises shock absorbers

221 arranged for absorbing a pitch movement of the mounting frame 200 relative to the chassis behind the module mounts 211.

To maximize the driving range, the truck may preferably be equipped with a large capacity electric power module 100, e.g. having an energy content up to 500 kWh, or more. However, since space available on board of the truck is typically sparse, increasing the size of the electric power module reduces the installation space for other components of the truck, e.g. components that are part of a low voltage (LV) power system, such as an LV battery pack arranged for supplying a voltage between 12-36

Volt, e.g. 24 volt, for powering auxiliary electric components like an air conditioning system, lighting, windscreen wipers, multimedia system, camera devices, etc. For serviceability, these LV power system components, such as a 24 V battery unit, are preferably accessible without having to disassemble adjacent parts or panels. This poses an architectural challenge, especially when converting a fossil fuel based truck to an electric truck.

To address this challenge, the mounting frame 100 comprises a bottom section 230, arranged for mounting other components of the truck, in particular a low voltage (LV) battery pack 60 for powering auxiliary components of the truck. Thus, the bottom section 230 provides additional installation space for mounting these and other LV components below the

HV power system components that are mounted to the front and rear section 210, 220.

As illustrated in FIG 1, the bottom section 230 comprises an LV battery casing 231 that is mounted to the front section 210 below the module mounts 211, and a detachable support member 232 arranged for supporting an LV battery pack 60 inside the LV battery casing 231.

The support member 232 1s detachable between a drive position, in which the support member 232 1s attached to the LV battery casing 231, e.g. forming a bottom, for suspending the LV battery pack 60 inside the LV battery casing 231, and a service position, in which the support member 232 is detached and movable between the LV battery casing 231 and a ground surface such as a road surface or garage floor. Removable fastening means, such as screws or bolts, may be provided between the support member 232 and the LV battery casing, to fasten the support member 232 to the LV battery casing 231 in the drive position. Alternatively, a lock-and-release mechanism may be provided between the support member 232 and the LV battery casing, wherein the lock-and release mechanism is lockable in a lock position, in which the support member 232 is secured to the LV battery casing 231, and a release position, in which the support member 232 can be removed from the LV battery casing 231.

The support member 232 is suspended to the LV battery casing 231 by a winch device 233 arranged for winching the support member 232 in the service position, e.g. by a winch cable or chain 233-1.

FIGs 2-5 provide detailed views of embodiments of the bottom section 230. The support member 232 may comprise one or more alignment fixtures 234, such as upstanding plates provided with mounting and positioning means 235, like edges, cut outs, holes or pins, for mounting and positioning (parts of) the LV battery pack 60 with respect to the support member 232. The one or more alignment fixtures 234 may further include clamping means, such as brackets or retainers, for holding together different parts of the LV battery pack 60. In this way, the centre of gravity of the LV battery pack can be aligned with respect to the winch mechanism 233. As a result, when winching the support member 232 (including the LV battery pack 60) in the service position, the support member 232 remains substantially level.

The LV battery pack 60 is mounted on a mount side 232-1 of the support member 232, facing the interior of the LV battery casing 231. The support member may comprise a guide side 232-2 opposite the mount side 232-1, for guiding the LV battery pack along the ground surface. For example, the guide side 232-2 comprises a profile and/or coating for reducing sliding friction between the support member 232 and the ground surface, e.g. when the support member 232 is slid along the ground surface, out from under the truck. This facilitates placing the LV battery pack 60 next to the truck for service. Alternatively, for the same purpose, the guide side 232-2 can be provided with one or more rollers 236 configured to roll along the ground surface, for guiding the support member 232.

The support member 232 may comprise a partition 237, such as an upstanding plate or frame element, that defines a first and second compartment of the LV battery casing 231 for mounting a first and second part of the LV battery pack 60, respectively. For example, the partition 237 extends perpendicularly from the mount side 232-1 of the support member 232 towards a top side of the (parts of the) LV battery pack 60. The support member 232 may be connected to the winch device 233, e.g. a winch cable 233-1 thereof, via the partition 237. Accordingly, the partition 237 provides an anchor for anchoring the winch device 233 to the support member 232.

When the partition provides such an anchor above the centre of gravity of the LV battery pack 60, the support member 232 remains substantially level during movement in the service position.

As illustrated, the winch device 233 can be mounted to a wall of the

LV battery casing 231, e.g. a side wall or top wall. One or more winch cables 233-1 may be coupled to the support member 232 for winching the support member 232 in the service position. For example, a single cable may be substantially aligned with the centre of gravity of the LV battery pack 60.

Alternatively, or additionally, a number of parallel winch cables can be coupled to corners or edges of the support member 232. In either variant, the winch device 233 may comprise one or more pulleys 233-2 for guiding the one or more winch cables 233-1 toward the support member 232 along a top side of the LV battery casing 231, and an actuator 233-3 for driving the one or more pulleys 233-2.

The actuator 233-3 may comprise an input shaft of the winch device 233 that is operable by a tool from an outside of the LV battery casing 231, for providing an input torque to winch the support member 232 between the drive position and the service position, e.g. via a transmission of the winch device. In this way, the actuator 233-3 can be manually operated. Alternatively, the actuator 233-3 1s an electromechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic actuator. In this way, the actuator 233-3 can be controlled by a controller, e.g. of the electric power module.

To prevent the support plate 232 from moving due to the weight of the LV battery pack 60, the winch device 233 may comprise a self-locking transmission. For example, the transmission may comprise a worm type input shaft that engages with a worm gear type output shaft. In this way, the output shaft cannot drive the input shaft.

The winch device 233 may further comprise a biasing mechanism 240 arranged for providing a biasing torque on an output shaft of the winch device 233 to counteract a movement of the support member 232 in the service position, e.g. due to gravity. For example, the biasing mechanism 240 can comprise a coil spring or counterweight to provide the biasing torque. The biasing torque may be substantially matched with a torque applied on the output shaft by the winch cable 233-1 when the LV battery pack 60 is mounted to the support member 232. As a result, the net torque acting on the winch device 233 is reduced, both when winching the support member 232 toward the LV battery casing, as well as when lowering the support member towards the ground surface.

Optionally, the winch device 233 comprises a detent mechanism 250 arranged to arrest a movement of the support member 232 between the drive position and the service position, during winching towards the LV battery casing 231 and/or lowering towards the ground surface. For example, the winch device 233 may comprise a gear or cam profile, e.g. at the output shaft, and the detent mechanism 250 comprises a preloaded roller or pin that engages with the gear or cam profile. Accordingly, the speed at which the support plate 232 1s lowered or raised can be controlled.

FIGs 6 and 7 illustrate embodiments of a truck 10 that comprises the electric power module 100 described herein. The truck 10 comprises a chassis 11 with a pair of longitudinal chassis members that extend between a front axle 12 and a rear axle 13 of the truck. An electric drive train, e.g. comprising an electric motor or E-axle, is arranged for driving the rear axle 13. The electric drive train is powered by a high voltage power system. The electric power module 100 comprises one or more high voltage (HV) components of the high voltage power system, such as a HV electric power source 50 (e.g. traction battery unit or fuel cell unit) mounted to the front and rear section of the mounting frame, and optionally comprises additional power source units 51 suspended between the front and rear axle 12, 13 along the pair of longitudinal chassis members. The mounting frame suspends the electric power module 100 to the chassis 11, by the module mounts, between the pair of longitudinal chassis members near the front axle 12. FIG 7 illustrates that the electric power module 100 comprises a low voltage (LV) battery pack, encased by an LV battery casing 231 at a bottom section 230 of the mounting frame below the front and rear section, for powering auxiliary components of the truck such as lighting, an air conditioning system, cameras and display devices.

Because the electric power module 100 comprises a bottom section 230 for suspending LV components of the truck, such as an LV battery pack 60, below the HV power source 50 in a serviceable fashion, the volume downstream of the cabin 16 of the truck can be maximized for transporting cargo. Accordingly, in preferred embodiments, the truck 10 comprises a cargo container 20 mounted to the chassis 11 and extending along the pair of longitudinal chassis members, wherein the cargo container 20 has a front side adjacent to the cabin 16 and a rear side beyond the rear axle 13 of the truck.

For example, as illustrated in FIG 7, the LV battery casing 231 of the electric power module 100 extends from the front section towards the road surface, between the front axle 12 and a front side bumper 15 of the truck 10, such that the support member 232 1s movable between the LV battery casing 231 and the ground surface when the support member 232 is detached in the service position. Alternatively, or additionally, the bottom section 230 may be provided beyond the front axle 12, e.g. between the front axle and a HV electric motor for providing drive power to the wheels of the truck.

The invention applies not only to truck applications where the electric power module is arranged for powering an electric truck, but can also be applied in other types of vehicles, and in other technical, agricultural or industrial applications where an electric power module 1s used. It will be clear to the skilled person that the invention is not limited to any embodiment herein described and that modifications are possible which may be considered within the scope of the appended claims. Also kinematic inversions are considered inherently disclosed and can be within the scope of the invention. In the claims, any reference signs shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

The terms ‘comprising’ and ‘including’ when used in this description or the appended claims should not be construed in an exclusive or exhaustive sense but rather in an inclusive sense. Thus expression as including’ or ‘comprising’ as used herein does not exclude the presence of other elements, additional structure or additional acts or steps in addition to those listed. Furthermore, the words ‘a’ and ‘an’ shall not be construed as limited to ‘only one’, but instead are used to mean ‘at least one’, and do not exclude a plurality. Features that are not specifically or explicitly described or claimed may additionally be included in the structure of the invention without departing from its scope.

Expressions such as: “means for ...” should be read as: "component configured for …" or "member constructed to ..." and should be construed to include equivalents for the structures disclosed.

The use of expressions like: "critical", "preferred", "especially preferred" etc. is not intended to limit the invention.

To the extent that structure, material, or acts are considered to be essential they are mexpressively indicated as such.

Additions, deletions, and modifications within the purview of the skilled person may generally be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as determined by the claims.

Claims

CONCLUSIONS

1. An electric power module for providing electric power in a truck powered by an electric driveline, comprising a mounting frame mountable to a chassis having a pair of chassis side members extending between a front axle and a rear axle of the truck; the mounting frame having a front and rear portions adapted to mount one or more high voltage (HV) components of a high voltage power system for powering the electric drive, and a lower portion adapted to mount a low voltage (LV) battery pack for powering auxiliary components of the truck; the front portion of the mounting frame being provided with module mounts adapted to suspend the electric power module from the chassis between the pair of chassis side members at the front axle of the truck; and the lower portion of the mounting frame comprising a LV battery housing mounted to the front portion below the module mounts, and a detachable support member adapted to support the LV battery pack; wherein the support member is detachable between a driving position, in which the support member is attached to the LV battery housing to thereby suspend the LV battery pack within the LV battery housing, and a maintenance position, in which the support member is detachable and movable between the LV battery housing and a ground surface; wherein the support member is coupled to the LV battery housing by a winch device configured to winch the support member between the LV battery housing and the ground surface in the maintenance position.

2. The electric power module according to claim 1, wherein the support member forms a bottom plate of the LV battery housing in the driving position.

3. The electrical power module of any preceding claim, wherein the support member comprises a clamping device adapted to secure and align the LV battery pack to the support member.

4. The electrical power module of claim 3, wherein the support member comprises one or more rollers attached to the fixture and extending partially through the support member, thereby permitting rolling of the support member over the ground surface.

5. The electrical power module of any preceding claim, wherein the support member comprises a bulkhead defining a first and second compartment of the LV battery housing for respectively securing a first and second portion of the LV battery pack, the winch apparatus 1s coupled to the bulkhead.

6. The electrical power module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support member has a mounting side adapted for mounting the LV battery pack, and opposite the mounting side a guiding side adapted for guiding the LV battery pack over the ground surface.

7. The electrical power module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a mounting mechanism is provided between the LV battery housing and the support member, the mounting mechanism being adapted to mount the support member to the LV battery housing in the driving position and to release the support member in the maintenance position.

8. The electrical power module of any preceding claim, wherein the winch device is attached to a wall of the LV battery enclosure and includes a cable coupled to the support member, one or more pulleys for guiding the cable toward the support member along a top of the LV battery enclosure, and a drive for driving the one or more pulleys.

9. The electrical power module according to any preceding claim, wherein the winch device 1s comprises a pre-tensioning mechanism adapted to provide a pre-tensioning torque on an output shaft of the winch device, the pre-tensioning torque opposing a movement of the support member from the driving position to the maintenance position.

10. The electrical power module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the winch device 1s comprises a detent mechanism adapted to detent movement of the support member between the driving position and the maintenance position.

11. The electrical power module of any preceding claim, wherein the winch device includes an input shaft operable by a tool from an exterior side of the LV battery housing.

12. The electrical power module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the winch device has a self-locking transmission.

13. A truck comprising: - a chassis having a pair of chassis side members extending between a front axle and a rear axle of the truck; - an electric driveline adapted to drive the rear axle of the truck; - a high-voltage power system for energizing the electric driveline; and - the electric power module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric power module is suspended from the chassis between the pair of chassis side members at the front axle of the truck; wherein the electric power module comprises one or more high-voltage (HV) components of the high-voltage power system; and wherein the electric power module comprises a low-voltage (LV) battery pack for energizing auxiliary components of the truck.

14. The truck according to claim 13, wherein the LV battery housing of the electric power module extends from the front portion between the front axle and a front bumper of the truck toward the road surface.

15. The truck of claim 13 or 14, wherein the truck further comprises a loading bed mounted on the chassis and extending along the pair of side members, the loading bed having a front end adjacent a cab at the front axle of the truck and a rear end beyond the rear axle.