[0001] The present invention relates to an electric vehicle and more particularly,
to the electric vehicle such as an electric motorcycle driven by a power generating
motor.
5 BACKGROUND
[0002] Electric Vehicles such as electric motorcycles or electric scooters
comprise at least one battery and a power generating motor to operate the vehicle. The
power generating motor generates necessary drive force based on the electric power
supplied by the battery. The vehicle also includes a power drive unit to control the
10 supply of drive power current from the battery to the power generating motor. The
drive power current drives the power generating motor which results in driving of a
wheel of the electric vehicle. Currently, various types of electric motorcycles exist in
the market such as an electric motorcycle in which a replaceable battery is used,
wherein as the charge within the battery gets depleted it is replaced with another
15 charged battery, an electric motorcycle in which battery is installed and is charged and
recharged until the life of the battery runs out and thereafter it is replaced with a new
battery and the process continues, etc. However, the retrieval and installation of these
batteries from these type of conventional electric motorcycles is a cumbersome
process as multiple components of the vehicle needs to be disassembled and
20 assembled to retrieve and replace the battery. Further, to overcome this, large batteries
have been used to delay the time between retrieval and installation process. However,
these large batteries, and storage spaces used to store these large batteries may affect
the aerodynamic properties of the electric vehicle.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
25 [0003] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a
simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This
Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject
~ 3 ~
matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
[0004] In one aspect of the invention, an electric vehicle having a body frame, a
power generating motor, a left battery, a right battery, and a cowl structure. The left
5 battery and the right battery configured to supply electric power to the power
generating motor. The cowl structure configured to removably store the left battery
and the right battery. The body frame supports the power generating motor and the
cowl structure. The body frame includes a head tube, an upper frame member that
extends backward and downward from the head tube. The left battery and the right
10 battery disposed in such a way that the left battery disposed on one side of the upper
frame member and the right battery disposed on the other side of the upper frame
member.
[0005] One advantage of the present invention is the effective weight
distribution of the battery, as the above configuration has the left battery disposed on
15 one side of the upper frame member and the right battery disposed on the other side
of the upper frame member.
[0006] In an embodiment, the cowl structure having a wall structure, a left
battery holding portion, and a right battery holding portion. The left battery holding
portion defined by a left inner wall structure, a left side panel, and a left upper flap to
20 store the left battery. Similarly the right battery holding portion defined by a right inner
wall structure, a right side panel and a right upper flap to store the right battery.
[0007] In an embodiment, the left side panel and the right side panel slidable
with respect to the wall structure.
[0008] In an embodiment, the left upper flap hinged to the left side panel and
25 lockable with the wall structure, similarly the right upper flap hinged to the right side
panel and lockable with the wall structure.
~ 4 ~
[0009] In an embodiment, the left side panel and the right side panel hinged with
respect to the wall structure.
[00010] One advantage of the present invention is easy serviceability of the
battery and user effort reduction by avoiding lifting up of the battery, via providing
5 slidable side panel OR hinged side panel for easy removal of the battery.
[00011] In an embodiment, the left upper flap and the right upper flap integrally
made to form an upper flap and the upper flap is removable with respect to the wall
structure.
[00012] In an embodiment, the body frame includes the head tube, the upper
10 frame member that extend downward and rearward from the head tube, a lower frame
member extend downward and rearward either from the head tube or from the upper
frame member, a seat rail member extend rearward from the upper frame member, a
pivot frame member extend downward from the upper frame member, and a plate
member that disposed below the upper frame member and supports the left battery and
15 the right battery from bottom.
[00013] In an embodiment, the plate member mounted on the lower frame
member and the pivot frame member via one or more brackets.
[00014] One advantage of the present invention is the plate member provides
sufficient support to the battery from bottom, moreover plate member supported from
20 the lower frame member from front and the pivot frame member from rear via one or
more brackets for effective weight load distribution, as battery is a heavy component.
[00015] In an embodiment, the cowl structure stored the left battery and the right
battery in such a way that a lower portion of the left battery and a lower portion of the
right battery are closer than an upper portion of the left battery and an upper portion
25 of the right battery in a vehicle width direction.
[00016] One advantage of the present invention is the cowl structure designed in
such a way the lower portion of the left battery and the lower portion of the right
~ 5 ~
battery are closer than the upper portion of the left battery and the upper portion of the
right battery in a vehicle width direction, this significantly reduce the air drag of the
vehicle to improve vehicle aerodynamics.
[00017] In an embodiment, the left upper flap covers the left battery holding
5 portion from top. Similarly the right upper flap covers the right battery holding portion
from top.
[00018] In an embodiment, a method for removing and installing a battery
includes the following steps 1. An unlocking and opening of an upper flap. 2. Slide
down a side panel. 3. Tilting and removing the battery outwardly in vehicle width
10 direction. 4. Placing the battery into a battery holding portion. 5. Slide up the side
panel. 6. Placing and locking the upper flap.
[00019] In an embodiment, a method for removing and installing a battery
includes the following steps 1. An unlocking and opening of an upper flap. 2. Opening
a side panel rotatably outwardly in vehicle width direction. 3. Tilting and removing
15 the battery outwardly in vehicle width direction. 4. Placing the battery into a battery
holding portion. 5. Closing the side panel rotatably inwardly in vehicle width
direction. 6. Placing and locking the upper flap.
[00020] One advantage of the present invention is easy retrieval and installation
of the batteries, thereby reducing service time and reduce human effort by avoiding
20 upright lifting up the battery for servicing purpose.
[00021] In an embodiment, the left battery and the right battery disposed in such
a way that the left battery and the right battery inclined forwardly in a vehicle side
view.
[00022] In an embodiment, the cowl structure straddle on the upper frame
25 member.
~ 6 ~
[00023] One advantage of the present invention is existing IC engine vehicles can
be easily convertible into the electric vehicles by least modification, as the cowl
structure and the power generating motor are removably coupled to the body frame.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
5 [00024] The invention itself, together with further features and attended
advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed
description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more
embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only
wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
10 [00025] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary electric vehicle,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00026] Figure 2 illustrates a view of a body frame and a power generating motor
of the electric vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00027] Figure 3 illustrates a view of the body frame and the power generating
15 motor of the electric vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00028] Figure 4 illustrates a view of a cowl structure of the electric vehicle,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00029] Figure 5 illustrates a view of the cowl structure and the body frame,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
20 [00030] Figure 6 illustrates a view of a battery holding portion of the cowl
structure and the body frame, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00031] Figure 7 illustrates a section view of the cowl structure and the body
frame, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
~ 7 ~
[00032] Figures 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f illustrate different views of removal of a
battery from the cowl structure, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
and
[00033] Figure 9 illustrates a view of another embodiment of the cowl structure
5 of the electric vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[00034] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as
being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only
exemplary in nature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
10 [00035] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and
alternative forms, an embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the
drawings and will be described here below. It should be understood, however that it is
not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the
contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling
15 within the spirit and the scope of the invention.
[00036] The term “comprises”, comprising, or any other variations thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, structure or method that
comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or
steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to
20 such setup or structure or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system
or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints,
preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or
apparatus.
[00037] For better understanding of this invention, reference would now be made
25 to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures and description here
below, further, in the following Figures, the same reference numerals are used to
identify the same components in various views.
~ 8 ~
[00038] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle,
however, cowl structure and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type
of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two-wheeled vehicle”, “electric vehicle”,
“EV” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description.
5 The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles,
mopeds, scooter type vehicle, and the like.
[00039] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up /
upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right
/ rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting
10 astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the drawing
Figures.
[00040] Referring to Figure 1, an electric vehicle (100) according to an
embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The electric vehicle (100) referred
to herein, embodies a motorcycle. Alternatively, the electric vehicle (100) may
15 embody any other ridden vehicles such as scooters, three-wheeled vehicle, all-terrain
vehicles (ATV) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.
[00041] The electric vehicle (100) comprises a body frame (102), a steering
assembly (104), and a front ground engaging member (106). The body frame (102)
supports the steering assembly (104), and the front ground engaging member (106) in
20 front portion of the electric vehicle (100). The steering assembly (104) is pivotally
mounted on the body frame (102). The front ground engaging member (106) is
operatively coupled to the steering assembly (104). The steering assembly (104)
comprises a handle bar (108). The handle bar (108) is configured to be rotated by a
rider to steer the electric vehicle (100). Further, front portion of the electric vehicle
25 (100) may comprise headlight assembly, front fenders, dash assembly, mirrors,
indicator lights etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.
[00042] Further, the electric vehicle (100) comprises a power generating motor
(110), a swing arm (60) and a rear ground engaging member (111). The swing arm
(60) is pivotally coupled to the body frame (102). The rear ground engaging member
~ 9 ~
(111) is rotatably supported on the swing arm (60). In the illustrated example, the
power generating motor (110) provides necessary power required to drive the rear
ground engaging member (111) of the electric vehicle (100). Alternatively, the power
generating motor (110) may provide necessary power to the drive the front ground
5 engaging member (106), or both the front ground engaging member (106) and the rear
ground engaging member (111) simultaneously, without limiting the scope of the
disclosure.
[00043] In the illustrated example, the body frame (102) supports the power
generating motor (110) in middle portion of the electric vehicle (100). Alternatively,
10 the power generating motor (110) may be disposed on a hub of the rear ground
engaging member (111). In another example, the power generating motor (110) may
be disposed on the swing arm (60), without limiting the scope of the invention.
[00044] The electric vehicle (100) comprises a transmission unit (113). The
power generating motor (110) generates the power required by the electric vehicle
15 (100). The transmission unit (113) transmits the generated power to the rear ground
engaging member (111).
[00045] The electric vehicle (100) comprises a braking system provides required
braking forces to the front ground engaging member (106), and the rear ground
engaging member (111), for slowing or stopping the electric vehicle (100). Further,
20 rear portion of the electric vehicle (100) may comprise tail lights, suspension systems,
rear grips etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.
[00046] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the steering assembly (104) comprises a
steering shaft (not shown), a front fork (117), and the handle bar (108). The steering
shaft (not shown) is rotatably supported on the head tube (124). The handle bar (108)
25 is mounted on an upper end portion of the steering shaft (not shown). The handle bar
(108) is integrally rotated with the steering shaft (not shown) in response to a steering
manipulation by the rider. The front fork (117) is disposed on the lower end portion of
the steering shaft (not shown). The front fork (117) is a rod-shaped member that
rotatably supports and provides biasing to the front ground engaging member (106).
~ 10 ~
The front fork (117) is inclined at an inclination angle similar to that of the head tube
(124).
[00047] Referring to Figures 2, the electric vehicle (100) comprises the body
frame (102). The body frame (102) is formed by integrally joining a number of steel
5 members and the like, by welding or the like. The body frame (102) comprises a head
tube (124), a left lower frame member (125a), a right lower frame member (125b), an
upper frame member (126), a first seat rail member (130), second seat rail member
(132), a first pivot frame member (138), a second pivot frame member (140), a first
sub-frame member (134), a second sub-frame member (136). The head tube (124) is
10 a cylindrical member which supports the steering assembly (104) and the front ground
engaging member (106). The upper frame member (126) extends downward and
rearward in the longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle (100) from the head tube
(124). The left lower frame member (125a) and the right lower frame member (125b)
extends downward and rearward in the longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle
15 (100) from the head tube (124). The first seat rail member (130) and the second seat
rail member (132) extends rearwards in the longitudinal direction of the electric
vehicle (100) from rear end of the upper frame member (126). The first seat rail
member (130) and the second seat rail member (132) primarily supports a seat (116).
The first pivot frame member (138) and the second pivot frame member (140) extend
20 in downward direction from the upper frame member (126). One end of the first subframe member (134) is connected to the first pivot frame member (138). Other end of
the first sub-frame member (134) is connected to the first seat rail member (130). The
first sub-frame member (134) extends diagonally downward and forward from an
intermediate portion thereof of the first seat rail member (130). One end of the second
25 sub-frame member (136) is connected to the second pivot frame member (140). Other
end of the second sub-frame member (136) is connected to the second seat rail member
(132). The second sub-frame member (136) extends diagonally downward and
forward from an intermediate portion thereof of the second seat rail member (132).
[00048] Referring further to Figure 1, the electric vehicle (100) comprises a cowl
30 structure (114), a left battery (112L), a right battery (112R), the power generating
~ 11 ~
motor (110) and the body frame (102). The left battery (112L) and the right battery
(112R) configured to supply electric power to the power generating motor (110). The
cowl structure (114) configured to removably store the left battery (112L) and the right
battery (112R). The body frame (102) supports the power generating motor (110),
5 more particularly the first pivot frame member (138), the second pivot frame member
(140), the left lower frame member (125a) and the right lower frame member (125b)
supports the power generating motor (110). The body frame (102) supports the cowl
structure (114), more particularly the upper frame member (126), the left lower frame
member (125a), the right lower frame member (125b), the first pivot frame member
10 (138) and the second pivot frame member (140) support the cowl structure (114). The
left battery (112L) and the right battery (112R) are disposed in such a way that the left
battery (112L) disposed on one side of the upper frame member (126) and the right
battery (112R) disposed on the other side of the upper frame member (126).
[00049] Additionally, the left battery (112L) and the right battery (112R) disposed
15 in such a way that the left battery (112L) and the right battery (112R) inclined
forwardly in a vehicle side view.
[00050] In an embodiment the cowl structure (114) straddle on the upper frame
member.
[00051] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the body frame (102) further comprises a
20 first pivot plate (135), a second pivot plate (not shown), a first mounting bracket (142),
a second mounting bracket (144), a third mounting bracket (146), and a fourth
mounting bracket (148). The first pivot plate (135) is disposed on the first pivot frame
member (138) and the second pivot plate is disposed on the second pivot frame
member (140). The power generating motor (110) is removably coupled to the first
25 pivot plate (135) and the second pivot plate. The first mounting bracket (142) is
disposed between the left lower frame member (125a) and the right lower frame
member (125b). The second mounting bracket (144) and the third mounting bracket
(146) extend from the first pivot plate (135) and the second pivot plate (137)
respectively. A plate member (150) is mounted to the first mounting bracket (142), the
30 second mounting bracket (144) and the third mounting bracket (146). The fourth
~ 12 ~
mounting bracket (148) extends from the right lower frame member (125b). The plate
member (150) and the fourth mounting bracket (148) supports the cowl structure
(114). More particularly, the plate member (150) supports the lower portion of the
cowl structure (114), more particularly supports the left battery (112L) and the right
5 battery (112R) from bottom. The body frame (102) may comprise additional brackets
disposed on the upper frame member (126), the left lower frame member (125a) and
the right lower frame member (125b) according to requirements, without limiting the
scope of the invention.
[00052] Referring to Figures 4, 5 and 6 the cowl structure (114) comprises a wall
10 structure (160), a left battery holding portion (162a), and a right battery holding
portion (162b). The left battery holding portion (162a) defined by a left inner wall
structure (163), a left side panel (166a), and a left upper flap (168a) to store the left
battery (112L). The right battery holding portion (162b) defined by a right inner wall
structure (165), a right side panel (166b) and a right upper flap (168b) to store the right
15 battery (112R).
[00053] In an embodiment as illustrates in the Figure 5, the left side panel (166a)
and the right side panel (166b) slidable with respect to the wall structure (160) and
slides up and slides down in a upright direction. In another embodiment as illustrates
in Figure 9, the left side panel (166a) and the right side panel (166b) hinged with
20 respect to the wall structure (160) and open and closed in a vehicle width direction.
[00054] In an embodiment as illustrates in the Figure 5, the left upper flap (168a)
hinged to the left side panel (166a) and the left upper flap (168a) is lockable with the
wall structure (160). Similarly the right upper flap (168b) hinged to the right side panel
(166b) and the right upper flap (168b) lockable with the wall structure (160).
25 [00055] The left upper flap (168a) covers the left battery holding portion (162a)
from top. Similarly the right upper flap (168b) covers the right battery holding portion
(162b) from top.
~ 13 ~
[00056] In another embodiment as illustrates in the Figure 9, the left upper flap
(168a) and the right upper flap (168b) integrally made to form an upper flap (168’).
The upper flap (168’) is removable and lockable with the wall structure (160).
[00057] The cowl structure (114) provides necessary storage space for the left
5 battery (112L) and the right battery (112R) and other electronic components (not
shown) such as battery management system, power control unit etc., of the electric
vehicle (100).
[00058] Referring to Figures 7, in the illustrated example, the left battery (112L)
has a lower portion of the left battery (112L’) and an upper portion of the left battery
10 (112L’’). Similarly the right battery (112R) has a lower portion of a right battery
(112R’) and an upper portion of the right battery (112R’’). The cowl structure (114)
stored the left battery (112L) and the right battery (112R) in such a way that the lower portion
of the left battery (112L’) and the lower portion of the right battery (112R’) are closer to each
other than an upper portion of the left battery (112L’’) and an upper portion of the right battery
15 (112R’’) in a vehicle width direction. This configuration enable designing of the cowl
structure (114) is such that it streamlines the air flow thereby reducing the air drag and
improve the vehicle aerodynamics.
[00059] Referring to Figures 8a to 8e, the retrieval and installation of the left
battery (112L) within the cowl structure (114) for recharging or replacement purpose
20 is explained in detail herein. However, the description is equally applicable to the
retrieval and installation of the right battery (112R) from the cowl structure (114),
without limiting the scope of the invention.
[00060] Figures 8a to 8f depict the series of steps followed during retrieval and
installation for recharging or replacement of the left battery (112L). As shown in
25 Figure 8b & 8c, the upper flap (168a, 168b, 168’) is unlocked and opened from the
wall structure (160), thereafter the side panel (166a, 166b) along with the upper flap
(168a, 168b) is pushed downwards to slide along the wall structure (160). More
particularly, the side panel (166a, 166b) along with the upper flap (168a, 168b) is
pushed downwards against the inner wall structure (163, 165). This allows access to
~ 14 ~
the storage space within the battery holding portion (162a, 162b) within which the
battery (112L, 112R) is stored or is to be installed. The battery (112L, 112R) is then
pulled out in vehicle width direction as shown in Figures 8c to 8f. The battery (112L,
112R) is then recharged or replaced accordingly. Thereafter, a recharged battery
5 (112L, 112R) or a new battery is inserted back into the storage space and the side panel
(166a, 166b) along with the upper flap (168a, 168b) is slide upwards and the upper
flap (168a, 168b, 168’) is closed and locked to the wall structure (160). In another
embodiment as shown in Figure 9. The side panel (166a, 166b) is open able rotatably
outwardly in vehicle width direction, similarly the side panel (166a, 166b) is closable
10 rotatably inwardly in vehicle width direction, instead of sliding up and sliding down.
[00061] The present invention discloses the cowl structure (114) of the electric
vehicle (100) which facilitates easy serviceability of the battery and user effort
reduction by avoiding lifting up of the battery, via providing slidable side panel OR
hinged side panel for easy removal of the battery.
15 [00062] The present invention has the left battery disposed on one side of the
upper frame member and the right battery disposed on the other side of the upper
frame member, this enable effective weight distribution of the battery.
[00063] The present invention has the plate member provides sufficient support
to the battery from bottom, moreover plate member supported from the lower frame
20 member from front and the pivot frame member from rear via one or more brackets
for effective weight load distribution, as battery is a heavy component.
[00064] The present invention has the cowl structure designed in such a way the
lower portion of the left battery and the lower portion of the right battery are closer
than the upper portion of the left battery and the upper portion of the right battery in a
25 vehicle width direction, this significantly reduce the air drag of the vehicle to improve
vehicle aerodynamics.
[00065] The present invention has the cowl structure (114) and the power
generating motor (110) removably coupled to the body frame (102). The cowl
~ 15 ~
structure (114) and the power generating motor (110) may also be used as a replaceable
kit for converting conventional internal combustion engine powered two wheelers to
electric two wheelers particularly by replacing the engine with the power generating
motor (110) and replacing the conventional fuel tank with the cowl structure (114).
5 [00066] While few embodiments of the present invention have been described
above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments
and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of
the invention.
[00067] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular
10 features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be
made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without
departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the
nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled
in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the
15 foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention
and not as a limitation.

WE CLAIM:

1. An electric vehicle (100) comprising:
a power generating motor (110);
a left battery (112L);
5 a right battery (112R); the left battery (112L) and the right battery (112R)
configured to supply electric power to the power generating motor (110);
a cowl structure (114), configured to removably store the left battery (112L)
and the right battery (112R); and
a body frame (102), comprises an upper frame member (126) that extends from
10 a head tube (124), the body frame (102) supports the power generating motor (110) and
the cowl structure (114);
wherein the left battery (112L) disposed on one side of the upper frame member
(126) and the right battery (112R) disposed on the other side of the upper frame member
(126).
15
2. The electric vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the cowl structure (114)
comprises a wall structure (160), a left battery holding portion (162a), and a right battery
holding portion (162b), the left battery holding portion (162a) defined by a left inner
wall structure (163), a left side panel (166a), and a left upper flap (168a) to store the left
20 battery (112L), the right battery holding portion (162b) defined by a right inner wall
structure (165), a right side panel (166b) and a right upper flap (168b) to store the right
battery (112R).
3. The electric vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 2, wherein the left side panel (166a)
25 and the right side panel (166b) slidable with respect to the wall structure (160).
4. The electric vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 2, wherein the left upper flap (168a)
hinged to the left side panel (166a) and lockable with the wall structure (160), the right
upper flap (168b) hinged to the right side panel (166b) and lockable with the wall
30 structure (160).
~ 17 ~
5. The electric vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 2, wherein the left side panel (166a)
and the right side panel (166b) hinged with respect to the wall structure (160).
6. The electric vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 2, wherein the left upper flap (168a)
5 and the right upper flap (168b) integrally made to form an upper flap (168’), the upper
flap (168’) is removable.
7. The electric vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the body frame (102),
comprises the head tube (124), the upper frame member (126) that extend downward
10 and rearward from the head tube (124), a lower frame member (125a, 125b) extend
downward and rearward from either of the head tube (124) and the upper frame member
(126), a seat rail member (130, 132) extend rearward from the upper frame member
(126), a pivot frame member (138, 140) extend downward from the upper frame
member (126), and a plate member (150) that disposed below the upper frame member
15 (126) and supports the left battery (112L) and the right battery (112R) from bottom.
8. The electric vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 7, wherein the plate member (150)
mounted on the lower frame member (125a, 125b) and the pivot frame member (138,
140) via one or more brackets (142, 144, 146).
20
9. The electric vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the cowl structure (114)
stored the left battery (112L) and the right battery (112R) in such a way that a lower
portion of the left battery (112L’) and a lower portion of the right battery (112R’) are
closer to each other than an upper portion of the left battery (112L’’) and an upper
25 portion of the right battery (112R’’) in a vehicle width direction.
10. The electric vehicle (100) as claimed in the claims 2, wherein the left upper flap (168a)
covers the left battery holding portion (162a) from top and the right upper flap (168b)
covers the right battery holding portion (162b) from top.
30
11. A method for removing and installing a battery (112L, 112R), comprising the steps of:
an unlocking and opening of an upper flap (168a, 168b, 168’);
slide down a side panel (166a, 166b);
~ 18 ~
tilting and removing the battery (112L, 112R) outwardly in vehicle width
direction;
placing the battery (112L, 112R) into a battery holding portion (162a, 162b);
slide up the side panel (166a, 166b); and
5 a placing and locking the upper flap (168a, 168b, 168’).
12. A method for removing and installing a battery (112L, 112R), comprising the steps of:
an unlocking and opening of an upper flap (168a, 168b, 168’);
opening a side panel (166a, 166b) rotatably outwardly in vehicle width
10 direction;
tilting and removing the battery (112L, 112R) outwardly in vehicle width
direction;
placing the battery (112L, 112R) into a battery holding portion (162a, 162b);
closing the side panel (166a, 166b) rotatably inwardly in vehicle width
15 direction; and
a placing and locking the upper flap (168a, 168b, 168’).
13. The electric vehicle (100) as claimed in the claims 1, wherein the left battery (112L)
and the right battery (112R) disposed in such a way that the left battery (112L) and the
20 right battery (112R) inclined forwardly in a vehicle side view.
14. The electric vehicle (100) as claimed in the claims 1, wherein the cowl structure (114)
straddle on the upper frame member.