Aspects of the disclosure relate to passenger or cargo vans. Features include the structure and assembly process using a framing structure which defines and supports a rearward compartment. In certain embodiments, the framing structure can be formed as modular subpanels which can be easily assembled while also providing superior strength and weight characteristics. In certain embodiments, specialized joints are arranged to connect the subpanels. Exterior shell portions and optionally windows can be mounted to the framing structure to form a rearward compartment.

The disclosure relates to a vehicle body element connecting joint for connecting a first body element to a second body element, which connecting joint comprises first and second elongate profiles arranged along adjacent edges of the first and second body elements, respectively. The connecting joint comprises a first projection protruding from the first elongate profile parallel to a side surface of the first elongate profile and extending towards a free end of the first elongate profile, a first recess arranged in a side surface of the second elongate profile and arranged parallel to an edge of the second elongate profile, wherein the first projection is inserted into the first recess. A first and second dovetail section protrude from the first and second elongate profile, respectively At least one fastening strip contacts the first and second dovetail sections to clamp the first and second elongate profiles to each other.

The disclosure relates to a vehicle body element connecting joint for connecting a first body element to a second body element, which connecting joint comprises first and second elongate profiles arranged along adjacent edges of the first and second body elements, respectively. The connecting joint comprises a first projection protruding from the first elongate profile parallel to a side surface of the first elongate profile and extending towards a free end of the first elongate profile, a first recess arranged in a side surface of the second elongate profile and arranged parallel to an edge of the second elongate profile, wherein the first projection is inserted into the first recess. A first and second dovetail section protrude from the first and second elongate profile, respectively At least one fastening strip contacts the first and second dovetail sections to clamp the first and second elongate profiles to each other.

An embodiment running bare chassis assembly includes a front frame on which a front suspension is mounted, a rear frame assembly on which a battery carrier is mounted, wherein the rear frame assembly comprises, a first rear frame on which a rear suspension is mounted, a second rear frame coupled to the first rear frame and on which a radiator is mounted, and a battery carrier frame on which the battery carrier is mounted and which is coupled to the first rear frame through a second engagement, and a center frame coupled to the front frame and the rear frame assembly through a first engagement, wherein a stress distribution due to the first engagement is greater than a stress distribution due to the second engagement.

An embodiment running bare chassis assembly includes a front frame on which a front suspension is mounted, a rear frame assembly on which a battery carrier is mounted, wherein the rear frame assembly comprises, a first rear frame on which a rear suspension is mounted, a second rear frame coupled to the first rear frame and on which a radiator is mounted, and a battery carrier frame on which the battery carrier is mounted and which is coupled to the first rear frame through a second engagement, and a center frame coupled to the front frame and the rear frame assembly through a first engagement, wherein a stress distribution due to the first engagement is greater than a stress distribution due to the second engagement.

A low floor electric bus is provided. The bus includes a frame extending longitudinally from a front end to a rear end, the frame having two sidepieces and a plurality of crossmembers extending between and coupled to the sidepieces, wherein the frame has a central section positioned at a lower height relative to the front and/or rear sections. The bus further includes a battery pack mounted to the central portion of the frame; a powertrain having an electric motor and a driveshaft, wherein the electric motor is mounted to the rear section of the frame behind a rear axle coupled to the frame and the driveshaft extends from the electric motor to the rear axle; and a cradle coupled to the front section of the frame. A mixed-material cabin is also provided. The cabin includes a passenger cabin with a floor, sidewalls, and ceiling having steel, ceramic, and composite components.

A low floor electric bus is provided. The bus includes a frame extending longitudinally from a front end to a rear end, the frame having two sidepieces and a plurality of crossmembers extending between and coupled to the sidepieces, wherein the frame has a central section positioned at a lower height relative to the front and/or rear sections. The bus further includes a battery pack mounted to the central portion of the frame; a powertrain having an electric motor and a driveshaft, wherein the electric motor is mounted to the rear section of the frame behind a rear axle coupled to the frame and the driveshaft extends from the electric motor to the rear axle; and a cradle coupled to the front section of the frame. A mixed-material cabin is also provided. The cabin includes a passenger cabin with a floor, sidewalls, and ceiling having steel, ceramic, and composite components.

A shared vehicle includes: a pair of right and left first pillars; a pair of right and left fourth pillars; a pair of right and left second pillars; a pair of right and left third pillars; an entrance door provided on one side wall of a vehicle body so as to be placed between the second pillar and the third pillar; and a front wheelchair space being provided such that at least a head of a wheelchair occupant is placed within a first region of the vehicle cabin in a plan view, the first region being surrounded by the first pillars and the second pillars, or a rear wheelchair space being provided such that at least the head of the wheelchair occupant is placed within a second region of the vehicle cabin in a plan view, the second region being surrounded by the third pillars and the fourth pillars.

A body frame joint and a vehicle having the same are provided. The body frame joint includes: a first sub-joint; and a second sub-joint. The first sub-joint and the second sub-joint are adapted to be mounted to a body frame. A transverse beam connection groove and a longitudinal beam connection groove are defined by engaging the first sub-joint and the second sub-joint. The transverse beam connection groove is adapted to accommodate a transverse beam of the body frame, and the longitudinal beam connection groove is adapted to accommodate a longitudinal beam of the body frame.

A body frame joint and a vehicle having the same are disclosed. The body frame joint includes a transverse beam connecting plate, provided with a first transverse beam mounting member and a second transverse beam mounting member and mounted to a transverse beam of a body frame by the first transverse beam mounting member and the second transverse beam mounting member; and a longitudinal beam connecting plate, provided with a first longitudinal beam mounting member and a second longitudinal beam mounting member and mounted to a longitudinal beam of the body frame by the first longitudinal beam mounting member and the second longitudinal beam mounting member.