Controlled battery box

A control system for a battery container, the system comprising:

• a temperature sensor for sensing temperature within the container;
• a sensor for detecting battery state of charge of a battery in the container, wherein the battery is a dedicated battery;
• and
• a controller programmed to, in response to a first signal from the temperature sensor and a second signal from the battery state of charge sensor, wherein battery state of charge is related to battery voltage, control an active temperature control element to maintain the battery temperature within a selected temperature range by selectively providing heating or cooling.

A lift gate system, comprising:

• a lift gate assembly including a lifting platform coupled to a linkage mechanism, and an actuator for moving the lifting platform via the linkage mechanism;
• a battery for powering the actuator for moving the lifting platform;
• a battery container for housing said battery, the battery container including an enclosure for receiving the battery, wherein at least a portion of the housing comprises a thermal insulation material for insulating the interior of the enclosure against ambient temperature, and wherein the battery container is disposed proximate the lift gate assembly and the battery comprises a dedicated lift gate battery that only provides electrical power for operation of the lift gate assembly;
• and
• a temperature control element;
• and
• a controller programmed to, in response to a first signal indicating battery temperature and a second signal indicating battery state of charge, wherein battery state of charge is related to battery voltage, control the temperature control element to maintain the battery temperature within a selected temperature range by selectively providing heating or cooling.

A control system for a battery container, the system comprising:

• a temperature sensor for sensing temperature within the container;
• a sensor for detecting battery state of charge of a battery in the container, wherein the battery is a dedicated battery;
• and
• a controller programmed to, in response to a first signal from the temperature sensor and a second signal from the battery state of charge sensor, wherein battery state of charge is related to battery voltage, control an active temperature control element to maintain the battery temperature within a selected temperature range by providing heating.