Alternative electric and IC engine propulsion of motor vehicle - is effected by selective installation of either battery-powered or piston-engined rear axle unit with rapid-action couplings

摘要

The driven rear axle (14) is part of a drive unit (16) fixed to the body of the vehicle with four rapid-action cone couplings (18) and free electrical (or hydraulic) plug connections (20) into control sockets (22). Ahead of the tailgate (24) a horizontal support (28) carries tapered sockets (30) for the pins (32) of the couplings. An electrohydraulic jack (41) under the floor (34) is extended by a pump (43) wired to the battery (42), to elevate the rear of the vehicle when it is desired to replace an electric battery-powered drive unit by a combustion-engined unit or vice versa. ADVANTAGE - Optimal operation of vehicle is possible with min. wt. in both modes.