DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to two-wheeled electric vehicle and more particularly, but not exclusively, to two-wheeled electric vehicles with step-though type frame structure.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, in a two-wheeled saddle-ride type vehicle a frame structure extends rearward from a head tube. The frame structure acts as a skeleton for the vehicle that supports the vehicle loads. Moreover, in a two-wheeled vehicle with a step-through type frame structure, a step-through space is provided. The step-though space provided may be used for carrying loads or for the rider to rest feet. Generally, a front wheel and a rear wheel are mounted to a frame structure of the vehicle. The front wheel is rotatably connected to the frame structure through one or more front suspension(s) and a rear wheel is connected to the frame structure through one or more rear suspension(s). Generally, such vehicles are provided with an internal combustion engine functionally connected to the rear wheel, which provides the forward motion to the vehicle. Typically, plurality of panels is mounted to the frame structure of the vehicle that covers various vehicle components. The vehicle components include electrical and electronic components including an electric starter system. Also, some of the vehicles have an anti-lock braking system, a synchronous braking system, or a vehicle control unit. The electrical and electronic components are powered by an on-board auxiliary power source.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0004] Fig. 1 (a) illustrates a left side view of an exemplary vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0005] Fig. 1 (b) illustrates a left side view of a structural member of the vehicle with selected parts laid thereon, in accordance with an embodiment of Fig. 1 (a).
[0006] Fig. 1 (c) depicts a top view of the structural member with selected parts laid thereon, in accordance with as depicted in Fig. 1 (b).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0007] Generally, the two-wheeled vehicles with internal combustion engines provide desired torque and power, depending on demand from user. Moreover, such vehicles with step-through type frame structure are widely popular for their compact layout and load carrying space. Generally, gasoline is used as fuel in such vehicles. However, such vehicles are known for emissions due to the combustion process taking place in the internal combustion (IC) engine. However, with time, vehicles are provided with an electrical motor that is capable of operating in conjunction with the IC engine. Such electric motor provided is used to provide initial moment to the vehicle, which otherwise have higher fuel consumption and resulting in higher emission due to cold start and other reasons. Thus the electric motor is used in reducing emissions and improving the economy of the vehicle to some extent. Nevertheless, such vehicles still result in emissions and also require space on the vehicle for accommodating the large sized internal combustion engine. Especially, such a problem is more prominent in compact vehicles having naked appearance.
[0008] Typically, with the advent of technology, the vehicles are employed with only the electric motor that is capable of providing sufficient torque at wide range of speeds. The electric motor is driven by auxiliary power source like battery. The range (distance) the vehicle can run depends on the capacity of battery being used. A large capacity battery is desired, as it capable of providing improved range for the vehicle. Conventionally, in order to accommodate the large capacity battery, the vehicle layout is modified whereby the compact layout and the utility space are compromised. For example, some vehicles are provided with batteries below the seat that are inclinedly disposed and such batteries are accessible only in an open condition of the seat assembly. This is cumbersome for the user to access the batteries for replacement or other purposes. Moreover, the batteries disposed below the seat are generally away from the longitudinal center of the vehicle because of which the weight distribution is uneven and is biased onto the rear wheel, which is not desired. In some other implementations, the batteries are disposed at the step-though space itself eating away the step-through space, comprising on the utility space affecting the load carrying function of the vehicle.
[0009] Furthermore, some vehicles include the batteries disposed on the swing arm of the vehicle, which requires the swing arm to be larger size as the swing arm in order to support the rear wheel, the batteries, and the electric motor. This increases weight of the vehicle due to larger swing arm or due to reinforcements. Also, such vehicles offer poor riding dynamics. For example, in certain vehicles, the wheel base is increased for accommodating the batteries on the swing arm, which affects the turning radius and also the maneuverability of the vehicle. Moreover, vehicles are known to accommodate the batteries at the step-through portion; however, such vehicles have a complex frame layout or complex mounting schemes that affect the compact layout of the vehicle. For example, the frame itself is used for storing batteries on the vehicle. However, this affects the structural integrity of the frame, which is the structural member of the vehicle. Moreover, conventionally multiple railings/tubes are used to accommodate and mount the batteries. This requires multiple welding on the frame to connect the multiple railings. This requires additional welding procedure, and also results in distortions in the frame. In addition, these frame, even though offer step-through space for loads, are having poor design as the batteries can be accessed from the top portion only thereby requiring the loads to be removed. This contingency is cumbersome as the user has to remove the loads to access the batteries. Ease of access is a major challenge. Further, the amount of load that can be disposed at the step-though space may also be limited due to presence of batteries thereat. Also, the batteries are subjected to heating due to poor ventilation thereby requiring forced cooling like use of electric fans that consumes battery power.
[00010] Thus, there is a need for addressing the aforementioned and other problems in the prior art. There is need for providing a two-wheeled electric vehicle with utility space and at the same time is capable having a compact layout.
[00011] Hence, the present subject matter provides a two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle. The electric vehicle is provided with a structural member capable of accommodating one or more auxiliary power sources without comprising on the utility space of the electric vehicle.
[00012] It is an aspect of the present subject matter that the structural member defines a step-through portion. It is an advantage that the step-though portion is used for carrying loads.
[00013] It is a feature that the structural member includes a first inclined portion, a first load-bearing portion connected to a rear portion of the first inclined portion, a second inclined portion connected to a rear portion of the first load-bearing portion, and a second load-bearing portion connected to a rear portion of the second inclined portion. Preferably, the first inclined portion, the second inclined portion, and the first loads bearing portion form an integral single tubular member. This single tubular member is disposed substantially at the electric vehicle lateral center and is capable of supporting electric vehicle loads.
[00014] It is another feature that the first inclined portion and second inclined portion are disposed at an acute angle and the first load-bearing portion and the second load-bearing portion are substantially horizontally disposed. The first inclined portion and the second inclined portion are capable of supporting at least one storage unit capable of supporting a control unit that connects the traction motor to the auxiliary power sources. The term ‘traction motor’ is not limiting and includes any electric motor like the brushless direct current (BLDC) motor or induction motor or the like.
[00015] It is yet another feature that, in one embodiment, the first inclined portion, the first load bearing portion, the second inclined portion, and second load-bearing portion are composed of a single tubular member. The first load-bearing portion and the second load-bearing portion are substantially horizontal. It is an advantage that that the structural member provides a compact layout.
[00016] According to another aspect, the first load-bearing portion is capable of supporting one or more auxiliary power sources that are disposed adjoiningly. Also, the auxiliary power sources are disposed adjacently extending in downward direction or substantially below the first load-bearing portion. In one embodiment, the auxiliary power sources are disposed at a lateral offset from the lateral center of the electric vehicle, on either side of the first load bearing portion to maintain the desired ground clearance.
[00017] It is yet another aspect that in one embodiment, the traction motor is hub mounted to at least one wheel of the electric vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the traction motor is hub mounted to the rear wheel. It is an advantage that the present subject matter provides design flexibility depending on the application of the electric vehicle. For example, high capacity auxiliary power sources are mounted to the first loading bearing portion, acting as primary set of auxiliary power sources. The second load-bearing portion supports additional auxiliary power sources from improving the range of the electric vehicle, without compromising on compact layout of the electric vehicle. The second load-bearing portion also supports the seat assembly and the second set of auxiliary power sources is disposed substantially below the seat assembly.
[00018] It is a feature that the primary set of auxiliary power source(s) are disposed substantially in a lower half portion of the electric vehicle thereby keeping one of the heaviest parts of the vehicle substantially in lower portion thereby providing stability.
[00019] It yet another feature the primary casing, which is capable of accommodating primary set of auxiliary power sources, disposed below the step-through portion is having a lower portion substantially in proximity to an imaginary axle line, which is passing through front wheel and rear wheel. Therefore, the electric vehicle provides the advantage that the primary casing is having a substantial ground clearance thereby protecting the primary casing from any bumps or stones.
[00020] The structural member supports at least one storage unit mounted to at least one of the first inclined member and the second inclined member, and the storage unit is capable of accommodating a control unit, whereby said control unit is in proximity to the primary set of auxiliary power sources mounted to first load bearing portion, the second set of auxiliary power sources mounted to said second load bearing portion, and to the traction motor hub mounted to the rear wheel. It is an advantage that the wiring harness length is kept optimal thereby reducing copper losses and also reducing short circuits due to reduced length of wiring harness.
[00021] It is yet another advantage that the auxiliary power sources are accessible for charging off-board, for replacement, or the like without the need for removing or opening the seat assembly.
[00022] It is an additional advantage that the auxiliary power sources are disposed adjacent to the first load bearing portion, which is a single tubular member disposed at the lateral center of the electric vehicle. This enables the auxiliary power sources to be accessible in more than one direction including upward or lateral direction thereby providing ease of access freedom of design. Further advantage being, there is no need for the user to remove any loads mounted on the floorboard.
[00023] In one another embodiment, the structural member is capable of supporting additional auxiliary power sources disposed at the first inclined portion or the second inclined portion. It is an advantage that the range of the electric vehicle can be improved.
[00024] It is yet an additional advantage that the, electric vehicle is provided with auxiliary power sources having outer peripheral portion substantially inward with respect to a lateral outer most portion the electric vehicle whereby the compact layout of electric vehicle is retained.
[00025] It is a feature that the structural member provided with the single tubular member that extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle supporting the electric vehicle parts including the auxiliary power sources. Thus, need for provision of any additional railings extending in longitudinal direction is eliminated. Further advantage being, number of weldings are reduced thereby reducing structural member distortions.
[00026] Further feature being, the loads disposed at the step-through portion are directly resting on the first load bearing portion of the structural member thereby isolating the auxiliary power source(s)/casing from being subjected to any load bearing.
[00027] In one embodiment, the auxiliary power sources are enclosed by a casing. The casing is disposed rearward of the front wheel, whereby flowing air substantially passes by the casing thereby enabling natural cooling of the auxiliary power sources.
[00028] It is an additional feature that the primary set of auxiliary power source(s) are disposed below the step-through portion, which is substantially the longitudinal center of the electric vehicle, whereby the weight is distributed between the front wheel and the rear wheel. Moreover, the center of gravity of the electric vehicle kept optimal to attain both stability and maneuverability.
[00029] Further aspect of the present subject matter is that the wheelbase of the electric vehicle is kept optimal whereby the user can experience better turning and maneuvering of the electric vehicle.
[00030] In one implementation, one or more support brackets are provided on the first load bearing portion that extends in longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle, wherein the support brackets securely support the casing containing the auxiliary power sources.
[00031] It is a feature that the electric vehicle has the structural member disposed substantially along a lateral center of the electric vehicle. Further, the primary set of auxiliary power source(s) is disposed substantially between the front wheel and the rear wheel of the electric vehicle. Also, the primary set of auxiliary power source(s) is mounted to a lower most portion of the structural member thereby positioning the primary set of auxiliary power source(s) in a lower half portion of the electric vehicle. This provides structural compactness and at the same time the vehicle provides lower center of gravity along with the storage space at the step-through portion.
[00032] The present subject matter applicable to a motor vehicle comprising three wheels, which has two-wheels either in the front or in the rear, the three-wheeled vehicle includes a structural member that is similar to the structural member described herein.
[00033] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00034] Arrows wherever provided in the top right corner of figure(s) in the drawings depicts direction with respect to the electric vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, an arrow Dw denotes downward direction, an arrow RH denotes right side, and an arrow LH denotes left side.
[00035] Fig. 1 (a) illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled electric vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of present subject matter. The electric vehicle 100 includes a structural member 105 (shown in Fig. 1 (b)), which acts as load bearing portion of the electric vehicle 100. A longitudinal axis F-R of the electric vehicle extends from a front portion F to a rear portion R of the electric vehicle 100. The structural member 105 defines a step-through portion ST. A handle bar assembly 115 is pivotally supported about a head tube 105A (shown in Fig. 1 (b)) disposed in a front portion of the electric vehicle 100 and the handle bar assembly 115 is connected to a front wheel 110 of the electric vehicle through one or more front suspensions 120.
[00036] Further, a front fender 125 is disposed above the front wheel 110 for covering at least a portion of the front wheel 110. A rear fender 175 covers at least a portion of the rear wheel 145. One or more rear suspension(s) 160, disposed at an angle to sustain both the radial and axial forces occurring due to wheel reaction, connects the swing arm 140 to the structural member 105. One or more auxiliary storage units 130, 135 disposed at the step-through portion ST and being mounted to the structural member 105. A rear wheel 145 is rotatably supported by a swing arm 140, which is pivotally connected to the structural member 105. A traction motor 205 is hub mounted to the rear wheel 145 for creating a forward/rearward motion.
[00037] A seat assembly 155 is disposed at a rear portion R of the step-through portion ST. In an embodiment, the seat assembly 155 includes a rider seat 155A, and a pillion seat 155B supported by the structural member 105. Further, the seat assembly 155 is positioned substantially above the rear wheel 145. In one embodiment, the pillion seat 155B is mounted to a carrier 170 secured to the structural member 105 and the pillion seat 155B is detachably disposed. The electric vehicle 100 is supported by a center stand (not shown) mounted to the structural member 105. A floorboard 165 is disposed at the step-through portion ST supported by the structural member 105 and the floorboard 165 covers at least a portion of a primary battery casing 150, which is capable of housing auxiliary power source(s).
[00038] Further, the electric vehicle 100 may include electrical, electronic, or mechanical components including a head lamp, a tail lamp, an electric vehicle control system, an anti-lock braking system, and a synchronous braking system that provide improved and safe riding. The electric vehicle is provided with the one or more auxiliary power sources mounted to the structural member 105.
[00039] Fig. 1 (b) depicts a left side view of the structural member with selected parts laid thereon, in accordance with an embodiment of Fig. 1 (a). The structural member 105 of the electric vehicle 100 includes the head tube 105A. A first inclined portion 105B extending rearwardly downward from the head tube 105A connecting a first load bearing portion 105C. A second inclined portion 105D extending inclinedly upward from a rear portion of the first load bearing portion 105C connecting a second load bearing portion 105E. In one embodiment, the first inclined portion 105B, a first load bearing portion 105C, a second inclined portion 105D and a second load-bearing portion 105E are composed integrally forming a single tubular structure. In one embodiment, the structural member 105 except for the head tube is of a single tubular member that is having structural rigidity and integrity. The structural member 105 is made of a rigid material including any known metal or fiber reinforced polymer. In one embodiment, the first load-bearing portion 105C and the second load bearing 105E portion are substantially horizontally disposed along the longitudinal direction F-R of the electric vehicle 100.
[00040] Furthermore, the electric vehicle 100 is provided with the primary set of auxiliary power sources 305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB disposed adjoiningly below/adjacent the first load-bearing portion 105C of the structural member 105. The structural member 105 is of mono tube/single tube that is disposed substantially along the lateral center C (shown in Fig. 1 (c)) of the electric vehicle 100. In one embodiment, the primary set of auxiliary power sources 305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB are secured to the structural member on either lateral sides of the structural member 105. Further, the electric vehicle 100 is provided with second set of auxiliary power sources 310A, 310B, and the second set of auxiliary power sources 310A, 310B are mounted to the second load-bearing portion 105E and are disposed below the seat assembly 155 (as shown in Fig. 1 (a)).
[00041] In the present embodiment, the auxiliary power sources 305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB are disposed in a primary casing 150 that is secured to the first load bearing portion 105C. The primary casing 150 is extending in a downward direction from the first load bearing portion 105C. Also, in one implementation, the uppermost portion of the primary casing 150 is downward with reference to an uppermost portion of the first load bearing portion 105C. Therefore, the floorboard 165 rests on the first load bearing portion 105C. Further, the electric vehicle 100 is provided with at least one secondary bracket 105S extending in a downward direction from the first load bearing portion 105C for supporting the primary casing 150. Also, the swing arm 140 is swingably connected to the secondary bracket 105S that is preferably disposed rearward of the primary casing 150. The support bracket 105S, in one implementation, is having a partially enclosed or fully enclosed cross-section to having a rigid profile.
[00042] Further also considering Fig. 1 (a), the one or more auxiliary storage units 130, 135 are mounted to at least one of the first inclined portion 105B or the second inclined portion 105D. The auxiliary storage unit 130, 135 is provided with a control unit (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the control unit is disposed in the first auxiliary storage unit 135 that is mounted to the second inclined portion 105D, whereby the control unit is in proximity to the primary set of auxiliary power sources 305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB, the second set of auxiliary power sources 310A, 310B, and the traction motor 205. This enables control unit to communicate and control the traction motor 205 through the optimum wiring harness that is less prone to failure due to optimum wiring length. Also, length of wiring harness for connecting the auxiliary power sources 305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB, 310A, 310B to the traction motor 205 that is kept minimal is securely supported by the swing arm 140. It is an advantage that the copper losses are also reduced.
[00043] Further, in side view, the primary set of auxiliary power sources 305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB are mounted to a lower most portion of the structural member and is substantially disposed at longitudinal center of the electric vehicle i.e. between the front wheel axle and the rear wheel axle thereby maintaining center of gravity substantially at middle portion and substantially at lower portion in the electric vehicle 100. This improves stability and improves drivability. In addition, the primary casing 150 disposed at the longitudinal center of the electric vehicle 100 enables optimum weight distribution between the wheels 110, 145. The primary set of auxiliary power sources 305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB are securely located in the primary casing and provide ease of access. Also, the second set of auxiliary power sources 310A, 310B are accommodated in a secondary casing 180 that is secured to the second load bearing portion 105E. In a side view, the secondary casing 180 is surrounded by the rear wheel 145 from bottom, the rear suspension 160 from front, the seat assembly 155 (as shown in Fig. 1 (a)) from top, and the rear fender 175 (as shown in Fig. 1 (a)) from the rear thereby securely locating the auxiliary power sources 310A, 310B therein.
[00044] In one embodiment, the primary set of auxiliary power source(s) 305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB are substantially downward of the first load bearing portion 105C and at lateral center C (depicted in Fig. 1 (c)) of the electric vehicle 100.
[00045] Further, Fig. 1 (b) depicts an imaginary horizontal line HL substantially dividing the electric vehicle 100 into two halves in a vertical direction. The electric vehicle 100 enables the primary set of auxiliary power source(s) 305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB to be substantially in a lower half thereof thereby keeping the center of gravity close to the lower half portion of the electric vehicle 100. Moreover, the electric vehicle 100 includes has an imaginary axle line AL extending in longitudinal direction and passing through axle of the front wheel 110 and through the axle of the rear wheel 145. The primary casing 150, accommodating the primary set of auxiliary power source(s) 305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB, is having a lower portion 151. The axle line AL is substantially passing through the lower portion 151 of the primary casing 150. The lower portion 151 is the portion of the casing substantially representing the lower most portion of the primary casing 150. Thus, the primary casing 150 is disposed substantially in the lower half portion of the electric vehicle 100, providing low center of gravity, and at the same time the primary casing is disposed above the axle line AL thereby providing sufficient ground clearance for the electric vehicle 100 protecting the auxiliary power source(s) from any bumps or stones.
[00046] Fig. 1 (c) depicts a top view of the electric vehicle 100, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1 (b). In the depicted embodiment, an imaginary line F-R is drawn depicting the longitudinal axis F-R of the electric vehicle 100 and the imaginary line F-R is passing substantially along the lateral center C of the electric vehicle 100. The primary set of auxiliary power sources 305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB are disposed below the floorboard 165. In the top view, the seat assembly 155 overlaps with at least a portion of the second set of auxiliary power sources 310A, 310B and the floorboard 165 overlaps with at least a portion of the primary set of auxiliary power sources 305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB. The electric vehicle 100 provides compact layout with utility space being available at the step-through portion ST in spite accommodating the plurality of auxiliary power source(s). Moreover, the upper portion of the first load-bearing portion 105C and the second load-bearing portion 105E are available for mounting and carrying of loads by user. At the same time, the electric vehicle 100 is capable of providing improved range due to provision for addition of additional auxiliary power sources at the secondary casing 180. Also, the one or more auxiliary power sources on the electric vehicle are distributively disposed along the structural member 105, in a longitudinal direction, thereby providing optimum weight distribution due to distributed loads on the electric vehicle 100 thereby avoiding stress at a single portion of the structural member 105.
[00047] Further, the auxiliary power source(s) can be disposed in one or more orientations. In the depicted embodiment, each of the auxiliary power source(s) 305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB are having a long axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axial F-R of the electric vehicle 100. However, the auxiliary power sources can be disposed at an inclination with the longitudinal axis F-R or substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the electric vehicle 100. The auxiliary power source can be a high capacity battery pack provided with multiple cells that are electrically connected to provide a desired voltage. For example, the high capacity battery pack will be capable of accommodating plurality of Lithium-ion cells that are compactly packed within the battery pack. Also, the high capacity battery pack can be a high density Lead-acid battery or a fuel cell.
[00048] The structural member 105 is provided with one or more integrated floor bracket(s) 185A, 185B that are affixed thereof. In the present embodiment, a first integrated floor bracket 185A and a second integrated bracket 185B are affixed to the first load bearing portion 105C. The first integrated floor bracket 185A and the second integrated floor bracket 185B are extending in the lateral direction RH-LH. The primary casing 150 is secured to the first integrated floor bracket 185A and the second integrated floor bracket 185B, wherein the primary casing is extending downward. Also, the floorboard 165 is mounted to the first integrated floor bracket 185A and the second integrated floor bracket 185B.
[00049] A first integrated seat bracket 190 is secured to the second load bearing portion 105E. The first integrated bracket 190 is extending in the lateral direction RH-LH and the first integrated bracket 190 supports at least one of the carrier 175 or the seat assembly 155. Further, the secondary casing 180 is also secured to the first integrated seat bracket 190. The first integrated floor bracket 185A, the second integrated bracket 185B, and the first integrated seat bracket 190 is made of a rigid material including metal or a fiber reinforced plastic. Further, the aforementioned integrated bracket is provided with ribbed structures that extend in the lateral direction RH-LH thereby making it structurally rigid.
[00050] The structural member 105 enables mounting of the auxiliary power sources with freedom of access in more than one direction, and without the need for removal or opening of the seat assembly 155 or other parts of the electric vehicle 100. As depicted in Fig. 1 (a), the primary set of auxiliary power sources 305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB are secured in the casing 150 to provide authorized access. In one embodiment, the casing 150 enables detachably attaching said auxiliary power sources 305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB. In another embodiment, the auxiliary power sources 305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB are slidably mounted to the first load-bearing portion 105C. Also, the electric vehicle 100 is provided with optimum routing of wiring harness converging towards a control unit or the like that is further connected to the traction motor 205 mounted to the rear wheel 145 and connected to the auxiliary power sources 305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB, 310A, and 310B.
[00051] In one embodiment, a third set of auxiliary power sources (not shown) are mounted to the first inclined member for further increasing the range of the electric vehicle. The third set of auxiliary power sources are provided with electrical terminal in proximity to the primary set of batteries, which are further connected to the traction motor.
[00052] In one other embodiment, the one or more auxiliary power sources are provided with a power management system that is integrated with the auxiliary power sources. The power management system is in communication with the control unit to provide power to the traction motor depending on power and torque requirement of the user.
[00053] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described. ,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A two-wheeled or three wheeled electric vehicle (100) comprising:
a structural member (105) comprising a head tube (105A), a first inclined portion (105B) extending rearwardly downward from said head tube (105A), a first load bearing portion (105C) extending substantially in a longitudinal direction (F-R) of said two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (100) form a rear portion of said first inclined portion (105C), and a second inclined portion (105D) extending inclinedly upward from a rear portion of the first load bearing portion (105C);
a traction motor (205) hub mounted to at least one wheel (110, 145) of said two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (100); and
one or more auxiliary power source(s) (305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB, 310A, 310B) electrically connected to said traction motor (205);
characterized in that,
said one or more auxiliary power source(s) (305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB, 305A, 310B) includes a primary set of auxiliary power source(s) (305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB) supported by said first load bearing portion (105C), and said first load bearing portion (105C) disposed substantially along a lateral center (C) of said two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (100).
2. The two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first inclined portion (105B), said first load bearing portion (105C) are integrally formed as a single tubular member.
3. The two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (100) includes a primary casing (150) capable of accommodating said primary set of auxiliary power source(s) (305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB), said primary casing is extending downward from the first load bearing member (105C) and is supported by said first load bearing member (105C).
4. The two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said structural member (105) defines a step-through portion (ST) substantially above said first load bearing portion (105C) and a floorboard (165) is disposed at said step-through portion (ST) supported by said first load bearing portion (105C), wherein said structural member (105) is provided with one or more integrated floor bracket(s) (185A, 185B) affixed to the first load bearing member (105C) and said one or more integrated floor bracket(s) (185A, 185B) support said floorboard (165) and said primary casing (150).
5. The two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second load bearing member (105E) is capable of supporting a seat assembly (155) mounted thereon, and said one or more auxiliary power source(s) (305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB, 305A, 310B) includes a second set of auxiliary power source(s) (305A, 310B) disposed adjoiningly to said second load bearing member (105E) and below said seat assembly (155).
6. The two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said second set of auxiliary power source(s) (310A, 3105B) disposed laterally adjacent to said second load bearing member (105E) overlap with at least a portion of said seat assembly (155), when viewed from electric vehicle top.
7. The two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said one or more auxiliary power source(s) (310A, 310B, 305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB) includes a third set of auxiliary power source(s) adjoiningly disposed about said first inclined portion (105B).
8. The two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (100 ) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first inclined portion (105B), said first load bearing portion (105C), said second inclined portion (105D), and said second load bearing portion (105E) are integrally composed forming a single tubular member.
9. The two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said primary set of auxiliary power source(s) (305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB) are mounted substantially to a lower most portion of the structural member (105) thereby maintaining centre of gravity at a lower portion of said two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (100) providing stability.
10. The two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said primary casing (150) is disposed substantially in a lower half portion of the electric vehicle (100) and downward to an imaginary horizontal line (HL) substantially passing along a vertical half portion of the electric vehicle (100).
11. The two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said primary casing (150) is disposed substantially in a lower half portion of the electric vehicle (100) and downward to an imaginary horizontal line (HL) substantially passing along a vertical half portion of the electric vehicle (100).
12. The two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said primary casing (150) is having a lower portion (151) substantially disposed in proximity to an imaginary axle line (AL) extending in a longitudinal direction (F-R) passing through plurality of wheel(s) (110, 145) of said electric vehicle (100).
13. The two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or 5, wherein said second set of auxiliary power source(s) (310A, 310B) are disposed rearwardly of a rear suspension (160) and in a side view the second set of auxiliary power source(s) (310A, 310B) are surrounded by said seat assembly (155) from top, said rear suspension (160) from front, and a rear fender (175) covering said rear wheel (145) from bottom.
14. The two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, said structural member (105) is capable of supporting at least one auxiliary storage unit (135) mounted to said second inclined portion (105D), and said at least one auxiliary storage unit (135) is capable of accommodating a control unit disposed in proximity to at least one of said primary set of auxiliary power source(s) (305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB), said secondary set of auxiliary power source(s) (310A, 310B), and said traction motor (205).
15. The two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, said structural member (105) is disposed substantially along said lateral centre (C) of said two-wheeled electric vehicle (100), and said primary set of auxiliary power source(s) (305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB) is disposed substantially between a front wheel (110) and a rear wheel (145) of said two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (100), and wherein said primary set of auxiliary power source(s) (305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB) is positioned in a lower half portion of the two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (100).
16. A two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (100) comprising:
a structural member (105) comprising a head tube (105A), a first inclined portion (105B) extending rearwardly downward from said head tube (105A), a first load bearing portion (105C) extending substantially in a longitudinal direction (F-R) of said two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (100) form a rear portion of said first inclined portion (105C), and a second inclined portion (105D) extending inclinedly upward from a rear portion of the first load bearing portion (105C);
a traction motor (205) hub mounted to at least one wheel (110, 145) of said two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (100); and
one or more auxiliary power source(s) (305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB, 310A, 310B) electrically connected to said traction motor (205);
characterized in that,
said one or more auxiliary power source(s) (305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB, 305A, 310B) includes a primary set of auxiliary power source(s) (305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB) supported by said first load bearing portion (105C), and said first load bearing portion (105C) disposed substantially along a lateral center (C) of said two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle (100); and
said one or more auxiliary power source(s) (305AA, 305AB, 305BA, 305BB, 305A, 310B) a second set of auxiliary power source(s) (305A, 310B) disposed adjoiningly to said second load bearing member (105E) and below said seat assembly (155).