An electrically-operated electric drive module for use in a vehicle framework that is configured for a powertrain that includes an internal combustion engine. The electrically-operated electric drive module permits the vehicle to be converted to an electrically propelled vehicle in a manner that is cost-effective and which is relatively low in weight.

Vehicles may be composed of a relatively few number of “modules” that are assembled together during a final assembly process. An example vehicle may include a body module, a first drive module coupled to a first end of the body module, and a second drive module coupled to a second end of the body module. One or both of the drive modules may include a pair of wheels, a battery, an electric drive motor, and/or a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. One or both of the drive modules may also include a crash structure to absorb impacts. If a component of a drive module fails or is damaged, the drive module can be quickly and easily replaced with a new drive module, minimizing vehicle down time.

Vehicles may be composed of a relatively few number of “modules” that are assembled together during a final assembly process. An example vehicle may include a body module, a first drive module coupled to a first end of the body module, and a second drive module coupled to a second end of the body module. One or both of the drive modules may include a pair of wheels, a battery, an electric drive motor, and/or a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. One or both of the drive modules may also include a crash structure to absorb impacts. If a component of a drive module fails or is damaged, the drive module can be quickly and easily replaced with a new drive module, minimizing vehicle down time.

A wheel assembly includes an attachment module, a motor module, a battery module, and a wheel. The wheel is rotatably coupled to the attachment module about a rotational axis of the wheel. The attachment module has a plurality of coupling elements, and the motor module and the battery module each releasably couple to one of the coupling elements. The wheel extends around the attachment, motor, and battery modules. The motor and battery modules are identically shaped in a direction along the rotational axis.

A system and method are provided for repowering an electric motor-powered PTV to convert it into an engine-powered PTV. The system includes a power unit with an ICE, an integrated CVT, and an integrated forward/reverse gearbox. An adapter system includes an adapter geartrain that includes a transmission intermediate gear that is configured to overdrive a transmission output shaft. The transmission output shaft may be internally splined.

Vehicles may be composed of a relatively few number of “modules” that are assembled together during a final assembly process. An example vehicle may include a body module, a first drive module coupled to a first end of the body module, and a second drive module coupled to a second end of the body module. One or both of the drive modules may include a pair of wheels, a battery, an electric drive motor, and/or a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. One or both of the drive modules may also include a crash structure to absorb impacts. If a component of a drive module fails or is damaged, the drive module can be quickly and easily replaced with a new drive module, minimizing vehicle down time.

Apparatus and method for converting a gas-powered vehicle to an electric vehicle. For example, one embodiment of an apparatus comprises: a motor case comprising: an inner surface forming a central cavity with a volume sufficient to enclose a first type of electric motor, the volume of the central cavity formed, at least in part, based on dimensions of a crankshaft of a gas-powered engine to be replaced by an electric motor; an outer surface coupled to the inner surface through a material layer comprising a material from which the motor case is fabricated; a plurality of internal connection elements to fixedly couple the motor within the motor case; and a set of external connection elements coupled to or formed on the outer surface of the motor case, the set of external connection elements arranged in accordance with connection points of a vehicle chassis, the set of external connection elements to be used to couple the motor case to the chassis at the connection points and to couple various gas-powered engine accessories. In one implementation, a second set of external connection elements are used to connect accessories, including accessories which are in combination with the electric motor and accessories which are not used, but which are coupled to the motor case for aesthetic purposes.

An electrically-operated electric drive module for use in a vehicle framework that is configured for a powertrain that includes an internal combustion engine. The electrically-operated electric drive module permits the vehicle to be converted to an electrically propelled vehicle in a manner that is cost-effective and which is relatively low in weight.

Suitable for frame vehicles, the kit provides a frame to be mounted on the chassis with attachment devices at a head section and at a middle section of the frame that supports an electric motor, a transmission and at least one battery system. Replacement of the conventional engine and transmission by the frame-mounted unit can be fast. The frame can be attached at the middle section using shear bolts to avoid impeding a crumple of the chassis during a front impact.

Vehicles may be composed of a relatively few number of modules that are assembled together during a final assembly process. An example vehicle may include a body module, a first drive module coupled to a first end of the body module, and a second drive module coupled to a second end of the body module. One or both of the drive modules may include a pair of wheels, a battery, an electric drive motor, and/or a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. One or both of the drive modules may also include a crash structure to absorb impacts. If a component of a drive module fails or is damaged, the drive module can be quickly and easily replaced with a new drive module, minimizing vehicle down time.