Series-connected battery packs, system and method

A method of operating a power device, the method comprising:

• receiving, via a first support, a first battery pack;
• receiving, via a second support, a second battery pack;
• electrically connecting the first battery pack to a charging circuitry in a parallel-type electrical connection;
• electrically connecting the second battery pack to the charging circuitry in a parallel-type electrical connection;
• simultaneously charging, via the charging circuitry, the first battery pack and the second battery pack;
• and
• electrically connecting the first battery pack to the second battery pack in a series-type electrical connection during a discharge.

A system comprising:

• a first battery pack including
• a first battery pack housing, and
• a first battery cell contained within the housing;
• a second battery pack including
• a second battery pack housing, and
• a second battery cell contained within the housing;
• and
• a power device including
• a power device housing defining a first support operable to support the first battery pack housing, and a second support operable to support the second battery pack housing, and
• discharging circuitry electrically connected to the first battery pack and the second battery pack, the discharge circuitry configured to electrically connect the first battery pack and the second battery pack in a series-type connection during a discharge;
• wherein during charging, the first battery pack and the second battery pack are connected in a parallel-type connection and the first battery pack and the second battery pack are charged simultaneously.