A leading-edge steering system is provided for a front suspension of an off-road vehicle. The leading-edge steering system is comprised of a spindle assembly that supports a drive axle assembly to conduct torque from a transaxle to a front wheel. A first rod-end joint pivotally couples an upper suspension arm and the spindle assembly, and a second rod-end joint pivotally couples a lower suspension arm and the spindle assembly. A steering rod-end joint pivotally couples a first end of a steering rod with a leading-edge portion of the spindle assembly. A steering gear is coupled with a second end of the steering rod and configured to move the steering rod, such that the spindle assembly rotates with respect to the upper and lower suspension arms. The leading-edge portion is configured to exert primarily tensile forces on the steering rod during travel over rough terrain.

A method for producing a vehicle structural component includes providing a first component body and a second component body and additively building up a connecting body. The first component body and the second component body are connected by the connecting body during the additively building up of the connecting body at least in a portion to form the vehicle structural component.

A vehicle chassis platform including: a frame having a front frame end, a rear frame end, a longitudinal frame axis, an upper frame surface, a bottom frame surface, a first longitudinal lateral frame surface and a second longitudinal lateral frame surface, wherein the upper frame surface is substantially flat; and two or more mechanical connection assemblies each coupled to one of the first and second longitudinal lateral surfaces, each of mechanical connection assemblies to couple a vehicle corner module (VCM) to the frame and to transfer mechanical loads between the frame and the VCM when the VCM is coupled to the frame.

A method for assembling a vehicle from a set of modules for travelling a planned route, wherein the set of modules comprises at least one functional module and a plurality of drive modules. Each drive module comprises a pair of wheels, electrical motor, and an interface releasably connectable to a corresponding interface on another module, wherein each drive module is configured to operate autonomously and has an individual set of energy parameters. The method comprising obtaining route information associated with route segments of the planned route, selecting a first drive module having an individual set of energy parameters matching route information associated with a first route segment and selecting a second drive module having an individual set of energy parameters matching route information associated with a second route segment, and thereafter commanding the drive modules to connect together and with a functional module.

A method for assembling a vehicle from a set of modules for travelling a planned route, wherein the set of modules comprises at least one functional module and a plurality of drive modules. Each drive module comprises a pair of wheels, electrical motor, and an interface releasably connectable to a corresponding interface on another module, wherein each drive module is configured to operate autonomously and has an individual set of energy parameters. The method comprising obtaining route information associated with route segments of the planned route, selecting a first drive module having an individual set of energy parameters matching route information associated with a first route segment and selecting a second drive module having an individual set of energy parameters matching route information associated with a second route segment, and thereafter commanding the drive modules to connect together and with a functional module.

Processes for producing an electric vehicle include manufacture of a lower body skateboard platform including at least energy storage/conversion (batteries within a ladder frame), propulsion, suspension and wheels, steering, crash protection, and braking, and manufacture of a top hat upper portion including at least the vehicle cabin housing various interior components such as passenger seats, frame covers, and a roof headliner, together with steering and acceleration controls. The upper body portion and the lower body platform are manufactured separately in parallel and then merged, which allows for ease of manufacture and a more compact design.

Processes for producing an electric vehicle include manufacture of a lower body skateboard platform including at least energy storage/conversion (batteries within a ladder frame), propulsion, suspension and wheels, steering, crash protection, and braking, and manufacture of a top hat upper portion including at least the vehicle cabin housing various interior components such as passenger seats, frame covers, and a roof headliner, together with steering and acceleration controls. The upper body portion and the lower body platform are manufactured separately in parallel and then merged, which allows for ease of manufacture and a more compact design.

Some embodiments relate to a vehicle corner module (VCM) connectable to a VCM-connection interface of a reference-frame of a vehicle platform (e.g. for regulating motion of a vehicle). Some embodiments relate to a multi-interface connection-element for connection of multiple electronic or flow vehicle subsystems of a vehicle to a Vehicle Corner Module (VCM). Related methods are disclosed herein.

A cutaway bus is provided with a monocoque body attached to an OEM cab frame having the chassis removed. The bus body includes a horizontal frame to which panels are attached to define a continuous, non-stepped floor for the passenger area of the bus. The floor resides at a lower level than the OEM cab frame. The bus entryway is sloped and includes a deployable ramp for wheelchair ingress and egress.

A method for producing and installing a front end of a motor vehicle, including an arrangement including a structural front surface forming a structure that supports engine-cooling elements, to which structure a front protective molding and the projector headlamps are attached. In addition, the vehicle includes a hood hinged on hinge brackets secured to the vehicle structure, and side wings connected to the front pillar lining of the vehicle structure. The method includes adjusting the structural front surface in the transverse direction to a transverse position determined relative to the hood, placing a gauge device between the hood and the front structural face.