A vehicle has a driver module and a propulsion module selectively connected to the driver module. The modules are separable from each other as independent units. The driver module has a driver module frame, at least one front wheel operatively connected to the driver module frame, at least one front suspension assembly operatively connecting the at least one front wheel to the driver module frame, and a seat connected to the frame. The propulsion module has a propulsion module frame, at least one rear wheel operatively connected to the propulsion module frame, at least one rear suspension assembly operatively connecting the at least one rear wheel to the propulsion module frame, a motor operatively connected to the at least one rear wheel, and an energy storage device operatively connected to the motor.

A frame structure for maintaining energy storage devices of a vehicle in position which is deformed in a controlled way in the event of a side-impact, in such a way to avoid deforming into the location of the vehicle seats. The proposed frame structure is adapted to deform controllably in a centre position align with a location between the vehicle seats. In this way are occupants of the vehicle kept safe since no or less deformation occur in the vehicle seat location. The above advantages are provided by that lateral support members of the frame includes a deformation zone adapted to deform in response to a lateral force exerted on the lateral support member. The deformation zone is located such that, when the frame structure is installed in the vehicle, the deformation zone is aligned with a location between seats of the vehicle.

A high voltage battery unit for a vehicle and an underbody of the vehicle are provided. The high voltage battery unit mounted to the vehicle is installed under a center floor of the vehicle at the outdoor side. A drive shaft forming a drive device of the vehicle is installed to penetrate between battery built-in parts positioned at both sides with respect to a center tunnel to deliver the power of a powertrain mounted at the front of the vehicle to a rear wheel through the drive shaft.

A vehicle driving apparatus including, a first shaft provided at a center portion of a rotor and having a first bevel gear projected from an top surface of the rotor, a second bevel gear engaged with the first bevel gear and having an inner peripheral surface fitted to an outer peripheral surface of a second shaft extended in a horizontal direction, and a case having a first case forming a first housing space to accommodate the first shaft and the first bevel gear and a second case forming a second housing space to accommodate the second shaft and the second bevel gear. The second case has an opening at an upper surface thereof for inserting the second bevel gear and a cover to close the opening.

A vehicle battery protection structure includes a vehicle frame member, a first duct, and a second duct. The vehicle frame member is disposed in a region including a battery. The vehicle frame member has a through hole. The battery is mountable on a vehicle. The first duct is disposed on an outside of the battery at a location oriented toward an outside of the vehicle. The second duct is inserted through the through hole of the vehicle frame member. The second duct is disposed to overlap the first duct in a vertical direction of the first duct on the outside of the battery at the location oriented toward the outside of the vehicle.

A battery pack for a vehicle electrical system includes a casing for receiving one or more battery modules. The battery modules are insertable into a casing of the battery pack by sliding couplers along pairs of rails and are securable to the ends of the rails. After insertion, the rails thermally insulate one battery module from other battery modules in the battery pack. Additionally, the battery modules may include a top cover with an insulating material to further thermally insulate one battery module from another battery module. The battery pack may additionally be configured with vents for venting the hot gases, such as those generated by a battery module in a thermal runaway event. Additionally, the battery modules may include a second insulating material disposed between cells and configured to thermally insulate the cells from one another.

To provide a vehicle drive device capable of efficiently driving a vehicle by using in-wheel motors without falling into the vicious cycle between enhancement of driving via the motors and an increase in vehicle weight. The present invention is a vehicle drive device that uses in-wheel motors to drive a vehicle and includes in-wheel motors (20) that are provided in wheels (2b) of a vehicle (1) and drive wheels, in which the in-wheel motors generate the maximum output power in a high revolutions range equal to or more than a predetermined number of revolutions that is more than zero.

A utility vehicle includes: a pair of front wheels; a pair of rear wheels; at least one front wheel power source configured to drive the front wheels and not to drive the rear wheels; at least one rear wheel power source configured to drive the rear wheels and not to drive the front wheels; and a controller that controls the front wheel power source and the rear wheel power source. Upon receiving a predetermined two-wheel drive command, the controller brings the front wheel power source into a non-operative state while allowing the rear wheel power source to drive the rear wheels. Upon receiving a predetermined four-wheel drive command, the controller brings the front wheel power source into operation while allowing the rear wheel power source to drive the rear wheels.

To provide a vehicle drive device capable of efficiently driving a vehicle by using in-wheel motors without falling into the vicious cycle between enhancement of driving via the motors and an increase in vehicle weight. The present invention is a vehicle drive device that uses in-wheel motors to drive a vehicle and includes a vehicle speed sensor that detects the travel speed of a vehicle, in-wheel motors that are provided in wheels of the vehicle and drive the wheels, and a controller that controls the in-wheel motors, in which the controller controls the in-wheel motors so as to generate driving forces when the travel speed of the vehicle detected by the vehicle speed sensor is equal to or more than a predetermined first vehicle speed that is more than zero.

A battery system for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The battery system includes a tray having a plurality of battery receptacles. A plurality of batteries are also provided, each battery in the plurality of batteries being received in a battery receptacle. A conductive layer in electrical communication with the plurality of batteries and a terminal for electrically coupling to a vehicle are also provided in the battery system. A cover interlocks with the tray. The cover carries a computer and a diagnostic identification system for the plurality of batteries. A housing for a battery system and a vehicle including a battery system are also disclosed.