Electric vehicle

摘要

A utility vehicle is disclosed having an electric drive. The drivetrain is comprised of batteries, a motor, a transaxle driven by the motor, a rear differential driven by the transaxle, and a prop shaft which is driven by the transaxle and drives a front differential. The batteries are provided in two groups and are supported on the frame of the vehicle.

主权项

1. An electric vehicle, comprising:
a frame having front and rear ends; a plurality of ground engaging members supporting the frame, the plurality of ground engaging members including a first group positioned adjacent the frame front end and a second group positioned adjacent the frame rear end; an electric motor supported by the frame; a front drive system supported by the frame and positioned adjacent the frame front end, the front drive system operatively coupled to the electric motor and to the first group of ground engaging members, the electric motor providing power to at least one of the first group of ground engaging members; a rear drive system supported by the frame and positioned adjacent the frame rear end, the rear drive system being operatively coupled to the electric motor and to the second group of ground engaging members, the electric motor providing power to at least one of the second group of ground engaging members; a plurality of batteries supported by the frame; an electronic controller which controls a provision of power from the plurality of batteries to the electric motor; and a throttle input system operatively coupled to the electronic controller to provide an indication of a desired speed for the vehicle, the throttle input system including
a throttle input member;at least two sensors each of which provide an indication of a position of the throttle input member; andat least two voltage supplies, a first voltage supply being operatively coupled to a first sensor of the at least two sensors and a second voltage supply being operatively coupled to a second sensor of the at least two sensors,wherein the electronic controller operates the electric motor in one of a normal drive mode of operation and a safety drive mode of operation based on the indications from the at least two sensors, and in the safety drive mode of operation the electronic controller operates the electric motor to limit a speed of the vehicle to a maximum speed regardless of the desired speed indicated with the throttle input system being greater than the maximum speed.