Patent attributes
An electric automotive vehicle gross vehicle rating of greater than 10,000 pounds includes an electric powertrain connected to the frame and positioned at a base of the frame. The vehicle includes a first central axis, and the weight of the electric powertrain is centered about the first central axis. All drivetrain components of the vehicle other than the electric powertrain may be positioned above the base of the electric powertrain. The vehicle includes two electric drive units configured to drive the front and rear axles respectively. The electric drive units consist of an electric motor, motor controller, two speed electrically actuated gearbox, electrically actuated park lock, and electrically actuated locking differential. The drive units transmit power to inboard mounted brakes, which in turn are connected by constant velocity driveshaft to the wheel hubs where a further final gear reduction resides. Additionally, the suspension of the vehicle utilizes a dynamically adjustable hydraulic suspension that is capable of automatically leveling the vehicle and also provides capability to adjust nominal vehicle ride height. The vehicle is capable of multiple modes of operation, and in one mode the vehicle is able to export electrical power for usage outside of the vehicle. The vehicle body has been designed in multiple embodiments, including a sport utility model and pickup truck model. Additionally, each embodiment is designed with available two door and four door variants. All vehicle variants utilize the aforementioned common powertrain and chassis.
