Patent attributes
A drive unit includes an electric motor, a torque converter, a power transmission unit, a first shaft, a second shaft, and a first switching mechanism. The torque converter amplifies torque from the electric motor in a first rotation direction. The power transmission unit includes first and second forward drive gear trains. The first shaft transmits torque from the electric motor to the torque converter. The second shaft transmits torque from the torque converter to the second forward drive gear train. The first switching mechanism transmits torque from the first shaft to the first forward drive gear train in a first forward drive state. The first switching mechanism does not transmit torque from the first shaft to the first forward drive gear train in a first neutral state. The first switching mechanism is configured not to allow the first forward drive gear train to rotate in a locking state.