Modular electric vehicle

• US 10,086,891 B2
• Filed: 07/21/2016
• Issued: 10/02/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 01/20/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: National Taiwan University (Government of The Republic of China)
• Original Assignee: National Taiwan University (Government of The Republic of China)
• Inventors: Hung, Yi-Hsuan, Li, Cheng-Sian, Cho, Min-Chen, Han, Hsueh-Chung, Hu, Chen-Wei, Chang, Shao-Wei
• Primary Examiner(s): Frick, Emma K
• Assistant Examiner(s): Cassidy, Brian L
• Application Number:
  US15/216,232
• Publication Number:
  US 20170203801A1
• Time in Patent Office: 803 Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/46 Vehicles with auxiliary ad-on propulsions, e.g. add-on electric motor kits for bicycles
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2220/46 Wheel motors, i.e. motor connected to only one wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2260/28 Four wheel or all wheel drive
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/60 using power supplied by batteries in combination with fuel cells B60L50/75
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 61/12 with variable number of ground engaging wheels, e.g. with some wheels arranged higher than others, or with retractable wheels for manoeuvring purposes only B60S
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 63/025 Modular vehicles superstructures for busses having modular sections B62D31/025
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/64 Electric machine technologies in electromobility
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries

Abstract

A modular electric vehicle includes a first body module having a lateral connecting side, a second body module having a lateral connecting side, two first wheels mounted to the first body module, two second wheels mounted to the second body module, and a connection unit. The connection unit includes a first electrical connector disposed at the lateral connecting side of the first body module, and a second electrical connector disposed at the lateral connecting side of the second body module. The first electrical connector is operable to be selectively and electrically coupled to the second electrical connector, so that the first and second body modules can be selectively assembled to form a relatively light electric vehicle.

Claims

1. A modular electric vehicle comprising:

a vehicle body unit including a first body module and a second body module, said first body module having a lateral connecting side, said second body module having a lateral connecting side;

a wheel unit including two first wheels that are mounted to said first body module and that are arranged in a front-rear direction, and two second wheels that are mounted to said second body module and that are arranged in the front-rear direction;

a driving unit including a first driving motor for driving rotation of one of said first wheels, and a second driving motor for driving rotation of one of said second wheels;

a power source unit providing electrical power for driving said modular electric vehicle, and including a first battery that is disposed on said first body module;

a connection unit including a first electrical connector that is disposed at said lateral connecting side of said first body module, and a second electrical connector that is disposed at said lateral connecting side of said second body module, that corresponds in position to said first electrical connector, and that is electrically coupled to said second driving motor; and

a controller disposed at said first body module, and electrically coupled to said first driving motor, said first battery and said first electrical connector;

wherein, said first electrical connector is operable to be selectively and electrically coupled to said second electrical connector, so that said controller is able to be electrically coupled to said second driving motor by virtue of said first and second electrical connectors, and that said first battery provides electrical power to said controller and said first and second driving motors for driving the one of said first wheels and the one of said second wheels;

wherein one of said first and second electrical connectors is configured as a female electrical connector, and the other one of said first and second electrical connectors is configured as a male electrical connector that is operable to be electrically coupled to said female electrical connector;

wherein the other one of said first and second electrical connectors includes an inner terminal seat, an outer connecting seat and a plurality of conductive terminals, said inner terminal seat being fixedly disposed on said lateral connecting side of the corresponding one of said first and second body modules, said outer connecting seat being rotatably mounted to said inner terminal seat, and having two wing sections that radially extend away from each other, said conductive terminals being disposed on said inner terminal seat;

wherein the one of said first and second electrical connectors includes a mounting seat disposed in said lateral connecting side of the corresponding one of said first and second body modules, and a plurality of electrical contacts, said mounting seat being formed with a retaining groove, and a plurality of terminal holes that are in spatial communication with said retaining groove, said retaining groove having two extending groove portions that are diametrically opposite to each other, said electrical contacts being respectively disposed in said terminal holes; and

wherein when said first and second electrical connectors are electrically coupled, said outer connecting seat is retained in said retaining groove, said conductive terminals are respectively inserted into said terminal holes, and are respectively in contact with said electrical contacts, and said wing sections of said outer connecting seat respectively engage said extending groove portions of said retaining groove by rotating said outer connecting seat, so as to maintain the electrical connection between said first and second electrical connectors.

2. A modular electric vehicle comprising:

a vehicle body unit including a first body module and a second body module, said first body module having a lateral connecting side, said second body module having a lateral connecting side;

a wheel unit including two first wheels that are mounted to said first body module and that are arranged in a front-rear direction, and two second wheels that are mounted to said second body module and that are arranged in the front-rear direction;

a driving unit including a first driving motor for driving rotation of one of said first wheels, and a second driving motor for driving rotation of one of said second wheels;

a power source unit providing electrical power for driving said modular electric vehicle, and including a first battery that is disposed on said first body module;

a connection unit including a first electrical connector that is disposed at said lateral connecting side of said first body module, and a second electrical connector that is disposed at said lateral connecting side of said second body module, that corresponds in position to said first electrical connector, and that is electrically coupled to said second driving motor; and

a controller disposed at said first body module, and electrically coupled to said first driving motor, said first battery and said first electrical connector;

wherein, said first electrical connector is operable to be selectively and electrically coupled to said second electrical connector, so that said controller is able to be electrically coupled to said second driving motor by virtue of said first and second electrical connectors, and that said first battery provides electrical power to said controller and said first and second driving motors for driving the one of said first wheels and the one of said second wheels;

wherein said connection unit further includes a first non-electrical connector that is disposed at said lateral connecting side of said first body module, and a second non-electrical connector that is disposed at said lateral connecting side of said second body module and that corresponds in position to said first non-electrical connector, said first non-electrical connector being operable to be selectively coupled to said second non-electrical connector;

wherein one of said first and second non-electrical connectors is configured as a female non-electrical connector, and the other one of said first and second non-electrical connectors is configured as a male non-electrical connector that is operable to be coupled to said female non-electrical connector; and

wherein;

the other one of said first and second non-electrical connectors includes an inner seat and an outer connecting seat, said inner seat being fixedly disposed on said lateral connecting side of the corresponding one of said first and second body modules, said outer connecting seat being rotatably mounted to said inner seat, and having two wing sections that radially extend away from each other;

the one of said first and second non-electrical connectors includes a mounting seat disposed in said lateral connecting side of the corresponding one of said first and second body modules, said mounting seat being formed with a retaining groove, said retaining groove having two extending groove portions that are diametrically opposite to each other; and

when said first and second non-electrical connectors are coupled, said outer connecting seat is retained in said retaining groove, and said wing sections of said outer connecting seat respectively engage said extending groove portions of said retaining groove by rotating said outer connecting seat, so as to maintain the connection between said first and second non-electrical connectors.

3. A modular electric vehicle comprising:

a vehicle body unit including a first body module and a second body module, said first body module having a lateral connecting side, said second body module having a lateral connecting side;

a wheel unit including two first wheels that are mounted to said first body module and that are arranged in a front-rear direction, and two second wheels that are mounted to said second body module and that are arranged in the front-rear direction;

a driving unit including a first driving motor for driving rotation of one of said first wheels, and a second driving motor for driving rotation of one of said second wheels;

a power source unit providing electrical power for driving said modular electric vehicle, and including a first battery that is disposed on said first body module;

a connection unit including a first electrical connector that is disposed at said lateral connecting side of said first body module, and a second electrical connector that is disposed at said lateral connecting side of said second body module, that corresponds in position to said first electrical connector, and that is electrically coupled to said second driving motor; and

a controller disposed at said first body module, and electrically coupled to said first driving motor, said first battery and said first electrical connector;

wherein, said first electrical connector is operable to be selectively and electrically coupled to said second electrical connector, so that said controller is able to be electrically coupled to said second driving motor by virtue of said first and second electrical connectors, and that said first battery provides electrical power to said controller and said first and second driving motors for driving the one of said first wheels and the one of said second wheels; and

wherein;

said vehicle body unit further includes a third body module that has a first lateral connecting side, and a second lateral connecting side opposite to said first lateral connecting side;

said power source unit further includes a second battery that is disposed on said second body module and that is electrically coupled to said second electrical connector, and a third battery that is disposed on said third body module;

said connection unit further includes a third electrical connector and a fourth electrical connector, said third electrical connector being disposed at said first lateral connecting side of said third body module, and corresponding in position to said first electrical connector, said fourth electrical connector being disposed at said second lateral connecting side of said third body module, corresponding in position to said second electrical connector, and being electrically coupled to said third electrical connector and said third battery; and

said first electrical connector is operable to be selectively and electrically coupled to said third electrical connector and said fourth electrical connector is operable to be selectively and electrically coupled to said second electrical connector, so that said controller is able to be electrically coupled to said second driving motor by virtue of said first, second, third and fourth electrical connectors, and that said first, second and third batteries provide electrical power to said controller and said first and second driving motors for driving the one of said first wheels and the one of said second wheels.

4. The modular electric vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first body module further has a slide groove, said second body module further having a slide rod that slidably and removably engages said slide groove of said first body module.

5. The modular electric vehicle as claimed in claim 4, wherein said wheel unit further includes a first auxiliary wheel that is mounted to said first body module and that is non-collinear with said first wheels, a second auxiliary wheel that is mounted to said second body module and that is non-collinear with said second wheels, and three third auxiliary wheels that are mounted to said third body module and that are non-collinear with each other.

6. The modular electric vehicle as claimed in claim 5, wherein said wheel unit further includes four suspension mechanisms, each of said first and second wheels being mounted to the corresponding one of said first and second body modules by virtue of a respective one of said suspension mechanisms, each of said suspension mechanisms being for adjusting the position of the corresponding one of said first and second wheels relative to the corresponding one of said first and second body modules, and being operable to switch among an unfolded state where the corresponding one of said first and second wheels is closer to a ground than a corresponding one of said first and second auxiliary wheels that is mounted to the corresponding one of said first and second body modules, and a semi-folded state where lower ends of the corresponding one of said first and second wheels and the corresponding one of said first and second auxiliary wheels are at the same level.

7. The modular electric vehicle as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of said suspension mechanisms includes a bracket that is fixedly mounted to the corresponding one of said first and second body modules, an upper arm that is pivoted to an upper portion of said bracket, a lower arm that is pivoted to a lower portion of said bracket and that is longer than said upper arm, a support member that is connected between said upper and lower arms and that is mounted with an axle portion of the corresponding one of said first and second wheels, and a resilient rod member that has opposite ends respectively pivoted to said upper portion of said bracket and said lower arm, said lower arm of each of said suspension mechanisms pivoting relative to said bracket of said suspension mechanism upon lengthwise variation of said resilient rod member of said suspension mechanism, so as to move said support member of said suspension mechanism and the corresponding one of said first and second wheels relative to the corresponding one of said first and second body modules.

8. The modular electric vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein one of said first and second electrical connectors is configured as a female electrical connector, the other one of said first and second electrical connectors being configured as a male electrical connector that is operable to be electrically coupled to said female electrical connector, said third electrical connector being substantially the same as said second electrical connector, said fourth electrical connector being substantially the same as said first electrical connector.

9. The modular electric vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein:

the other one of said first and second electrical connectors includes an inner terminal seat, an outer connecting seat and a plurality of conductive terminals, said inner terminal seat being fixedly disposed on said lateral connecting side of the corresponding one of said first and second body modules, said outer connecting seat being rotatably mounted to said inner terminal seat, and having two wing sections that radially extend away from each other, said conductive terminals being disposed on said inner terminal seat;

the one of said first and second electrical connectors includes a mounting seat disposed in said lateral connecting side of the corresponding one of said first and second body modules, and a plurality of electrical contacts, said mounting seat being formed with a retaining groove, and a plurality of terminal holes that are in spatial communication with said retaining groove, said retaining groove having two extending groove portions that are diametrically opposite to each other, said electrical contacts being respectively disposed in said terminal holes;

one of said third and fourth electrical connectors that is substantially the same as the other one of said first and second electrical connectors includes an inner terminal seat, an outer connecting seat and a plurality of conductive terminals, said inner terminal seat being fixedly disposed on the corresponding one of said first and second lateral connecting sides of said third body module, said outer connecting seat being rotatably mounted to said inner terminal seat, and having two wing sections that radially extend away from each other, said conductive terminals being disposed on said inner terminal seat;

the other one of said third and fourth electrical connectors that is substantially the same as the one of said first and second electrical connectors includes a mounting seat disposed in the corresponding one of said first and second lateral connecting sides of said third body module, and a plurality of electrical contacts, said mounting seat being formed with a retaining groove, and a plurality of terminal holes that are in spatial communication with said retaining groove, said retaining groove having two extending groove portions that are diametrically opposite to each other, said electrical contacts being respectively disposed in said terminal holes;

when said first and third electrical connectors are electrically coupled, said outer connecting seat is retained in said retaining groove, said conductive terminals are respectively inserted into said terminal holes, and are respectively in contact with said electrical contacts, and said wing sections of said outer connecting seat respectively engage said extending groove portions of said retaining groove by rotating said outer connecting seat, so as to maintain the electrical connection between said first and third electrical connectors; and

when said fourth and second electrical connectors are electrically coupled, said outer connecting seat is retained in said retaining groove, said conductive terminals are respectively inserted into said terminal holes, and are respectively in contact with said electrical contacts, and said wing sections of said outer connecting seat respectively engage said extending groove portions of said retaining groove by rotating said outer connecting seat, so as to maintain the electrical connection between said fourth and second electrical connectors.

10. The modular electric vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein said connection unit further includes a first non-electrical connector that is disposed at said lateral connecting side of said first body module, a second non-electrical connector that is disposed at said lateral connecting side of said second body module and that corresponds in position to said first non-electrical connector, a third non-electrical connector that is disposed at said first lateral connecting side of said third body module and that corresponds in position to said first non-electrical connector, and a fourth non-electrical connector that is disposed at said second lateral connecting side of said third body module and that corresponds in position to said second non-electrical connector, said first non-electrical connector being operable to be selectively coupled to said third non-electrical connector, said fourth non-electrical connector being operable to be selectively coupled to said second non-electrical connector.

11. The modular electric vehicle as claimed in claim 10, wherein one of said first and second non-electrical connectors is configured as a female non-electrical connector, and the other one of said first and second non-electrical connectors is configured as a male non-electrical connector that is operable to be coupled to said female non-electrical connector, said third non-electrical connector being substantially the same as said second non-electrical connector, said fourth non-electrical connector being substantially the same as said first non-electrical connector.

12. The modular electric vehicle as claimed in claim 11, wherein:

the other one of said first and second non-electrical connectors includes an inner seat and an outer connecting seat, said inner seat being fixedly disposed on said lateral connecting side of the corresponding one of said first and second body modules, said outer connecting seat being rotatably mounted to said inner seat, and having two wing sections that radially extend away from each other;

the one of said first and second non-electrical connectors includes a mounting seat disposed in said lateral connecting side of the corresponding one of said first and second body modules, said mounting seat being formed with a retaining groove, said retaining groove having two extending groove portions that are diametrically opposite to each other;

one of said third and fourth non-electrical connectors that is substantially the same as the other one of said first and second non-electrical connectors includes an inner seat and an outer connecting seat, said inner seat being fixedly disposed on the corresponding one of said first and second lateral connecting sides of said third body module, said outer connecting seat being rotatably mounted to said inner seat, and having two wing sections that radially extend away from each other;

the other one of said third and fourth non-electrical connectors that is substantially the same as the one of said first and second non-electrical connectors includes a mounting seat disposed in the corresponding one of said first and second lateral connecting sides of said third body module, said mounting seat being formed with a retaining groove, said retaining groove having two extending groove portions that are diametrically opposite to each other;

when said first and third non-electrical connectors are coupled, said outer connecting seat is retained in said retaining groove, and said wing sections of said outer connecting seat respectively engage said extending groove portions of said retaining groove by rotating said outer connecting seat, so as to maintain the connection between said first and third non-electrical connectors; and

when said fourth and second non-electrical connectors are coupled, said outer connecting seat is retained in said retaining groove, and said wing sections of said outer connecting seat respectively engage said extending groove portions of said retaining groove by rotating said outer connecting seat, so as to maintain the connection between said fourth and second non-electrical connectors.

13. The modular electric vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein said connection unit further includes two connecting blocks that are respectively disposed at said lateral connecting side of said first body module and said second lateral connecting side of said third body module or respectively disposed at said lateral connecting side of said second body module and said first lateral connecting side of said third body module, and two connecting grooves that are respectively disposed at the remaining two of said lateral connecting sides of said first and second body modules and said first and second lateral connecting sides of said third body module, each of said connecting blocks corresponding in position to each of said connecting grooves, said connecting block that is disposed at said first or second body modules being operable to be selectively coupled to one of said connecting grooves, said connecting grooves that is disposed at said first or second body modules being operable to be selectively coupled to one of said connecting blocks.

14. The modular electric vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein:

said vehicle body unit further includes a fourth body module that has a front connecting side, said first body module further has a rear connecting side, said second body module further has a rear connecting side, said third body module further has a rear connecting side;

said wheel unit further includes two third wheels that are mounted to said fourth body module and that are spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction;

said driving unit further includes a third driving motor for driving rotation of one of said third wheels;

said power source unit further includes a fourth battery that is disposed on said fourth body module;

said connection unit further includes a fifth electrical connector and a sixth electrical connector, said fifth electrical connector being disposed at said rear connecting side of said first body module and being electrically coupled to said controller, said sixth electrical connector being disposed at said front connecting side of said fourth body module, corresponding in position to said fifth electrical connector, and being electrically coupled to said third driving motor and said fourth battery; and

said first electrical connector is operable to be selectively and electrically coupled to said third electrical connector, said fourth electrical connector is operable to be selectively and electrically coupled to said second electrical connector, and said sixth electrical connector is operable to be electrically coupled to said fifth electrical connector, so that said controller is able to be electrically coupled to said second and third driving motors by virtue of said first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth electrical connectors, and that said first, second, third and fourth batteries provide electrical power to said controller and said first, second and third driving motors for driving the one of said first wheels, the one of said second wheels and the one of said third wheels.

15. The modular electric vehicle as claimed in claim 14, wherein said wheel unit further includes a first auxiliary wheel that is mounted to said first body module and that is non-collinear with said first wheels, a second auxiliary wheel that is mounted to said second body module and that is non-collinear with said second wheels, three third auxiliary wheels that are mounted to said third body module and that are non-collinear with each other, and a fourth auxiliary wheel that is mounted to said fourth body module and that is non-collinear with said third wheels.

16. The modular electric vehicle as claimed in claim 15, wherein said wheel unit further includes six suspension mechanisms, each of said first, second and third wheels being mounted to the corresponding one of said first, second and fourth body modules by virtue of a respective one of said suspension mechanisms, each of said suspension mechanisms being for adjusting the position of the corresponding one of said first, second and third wheels relative to the corresponding one of said first, second and fourth body modules, and being operable to switch among an unfolded state where the corresponding one of said first, second and third wheels is closer to a ground than a corresponding one of said first, second and third auxiliary wheels that is mounted to the corresponding one of said first, second and fourth body modules, and a semi-folded state where lower ends of the corresponding one of said first, second and third wheels and the corresponding one of said first, second and third auxiliary wheels are at the same level.

17. The modular electric vehicle as claimed in claim 16, wherein each of said suspension mechanisms includes a bracket that is fixedly mounted to the corresponding one of said first, second and fourth body modules, an upper arm that is pivoted to an upper portion of said bracket, a lower arm that is pivoted to a lower portion of said bracket and that is longer than said upper arm, a support member that is connected between said upper and lower arms and that is mounted with an axle portion of the corresponding one of said first, second and third wheels, and a resilient rod member that has opposite ends respectively pivoted to said upper portion of said bracket and said lower arm, said lower arm of each of said suspension mechanisms pivoting relative to said bracket of said suspension mechanism upon lengthwise variation of said resilient rod member of said suspension mechanism, so as to move said support member of said suspension mechanism and the corresponding one of said first, second and third wheels relative to the corresponding one of said first, second and fourth body modules.

18. The modular electric vehicle as claimed in claim 14, wherein one of said first and second electrical connectors is configured as a female electrical connector, the other one of said first and second electrical connectors being configured as a male electrical connector that is operable to be electrically coupled to said female electrical connector, said third electrical connector being substantially the same as said second electrical connector, said fourth electrical connector being substantially the same as said first electrical connector, one of said fifth and sixth electrical connectors being configured as said female electrical connector, the other one of said fifth and sixth electrical connectors being configured as said male electrical connector that is operable to be electrically coupled to said female electrical connector.

19. The modular electric vehicle as claimed in claim 18, wherein:

the other one of said first and second electrical connectors includes an inner terminal seat, an outer connecting seat and a plurality of conductive terminals, said inner terminal seat being fixedly disposed on said lateral connecting side of the corresponding one of said first and second body modules, said outer connecting seat being rotatably mounted to said inner terminal seat, and having two wing sections that radially extend away from each other, said conductive terminals being disposed on said inner terminal seat;

the one of said first and second electrical connectors includes a mounting seat disposed in said lateral connecting side of the corresponding one of said first and second body modules, and a plurality of electrical contacts, said mounting seat being formed with a retaining groove, and a plurality of terminal holes that are in spatial communication with said retaining groove, said retaining groove having two extending groove portions that are diametrically opposite to each other, said electrical contacts being respectively disposed in said terminal holes;

one of said third and fourth electrical connectors that is substantially the same as the other one of said first and second electrical connectors includes an inner terminal seat, an outer connecting seat and a plurality of conductive terminals, said inner terminal seat being fixedly disposed on the corresponding one of said first and second lateral connecting sides of said third body module, said outer connecting seat being rotatably mounted to said inner terminal seat, and having two wing sections that radially extend away from each other, said conductive terminals being disposed on said inner terminal seat;

the other one of said third and fourth electrical connectors that is substantially the same as the one of said first and second electrical connectors includes a mounting seat disposed in the corresponding one of said first and second lateral connecting sides of said third body module, and a plurality of electrical contacts, said mounting seat being formed with a retaining groove, and a plurality of terminal holes that are in spatial communication with said retaining groove, said retaining groove having two extending groove portions that are diametrically opposite to each other, said electrical contacts being respectively disposed in said terminal holes;

the other one of said fifth and sixth electrical connectors includes an inner terminal seat, an outer connecting seat and a plurality of conductive terminals, said inner terminal seat being fixedly disposed on the corresponding one of said rear connecting side of said first body module and said front connecting side of said fourth body module, said outer connecting seat being rotatably mounted to said inner terminal seat, and having two wing sections that radially extend away from each other, said conductive terminals being disposed on said inner terminal seat;

the one of said fifth and sixth electrical connectors includes a mounting seat disposed in the corresponding one of said rear connecting side of said first body module and said front connecting side of said fourth body module, and a plurality of electrical contacts, said mounting seat being formed with a retaining groove, and a plurality of terminal holes that are in spatial communication with said retaining groove, said retaining groove having two extending groove portions that are diametrically opposite to each other, said electrical contacts being respectively disposed in said terminal holes;

when said first and third electrical connectors are electrically coupled, said outer connecting seat is retained in said retaining groove, said conductive terminals are respectively inserted into said terminal holes, and are respectively in contact with said electrical contacts, and said wing sections of said outer connecting seat respectively engage said extending groove portions of said retaining groove by rotating said outer connecting seat, so as to maintain the electrical connection between said first and third electrical connectors;

when said fourth and second electrical connectors are electrically coupled, said outer connecting seat is retained in said retaining groove, said conductive terminals are respectively inserted into said terminal holes, and are respectively in contact with said electrical contacts, and said wing sections of said outer connecting seat respectively engage said extending groove portions of said retaining groove by rotating said outer connecting seat, so as to maintain the electrical connection between said fourth and second electrical connectors; and

when said fifth and sixth electrical connectors are electrically coupled, said outer connecting seat is retained in said retaining groove, said conductive terminals are respectively inserted into said terminal holes, and are respectively in contact with said electrical contacts, and said wing sections of said outer connecting seat respectively engage said extending groove portions of said retaining groove by rotating said outer connecting seat, so as to maintain the electrical connection between said fifth and sixth electrical connectors.

20. The modular electric vehicle as claimed in claim 18, wherein said connection unit further includes a first non-electrical connector that is disposed at said lateral connecting side of said first body module, a second non-electrical connector that is disposed at said lateral connecting side of said second body module and that corresponds in position to said first non-electrical connector, a third non-electrical connector that is disposed at said first lateral connecting side of said third body module and that corresponds in position to said first non-electrical connector, a fourth non-electrical connector that is disposed at said second lateral connecting side of said third body module and that corresponds in position to said second non-electrical connector, a fifth non-electrical connector that is disposed at one of said rear connecting sides of said first, second and third body modules, and a sixth non-electrical connector that is disposed at said front connecting side of said fourth body module and that corresponds in position to said fifth non-electrical connector, said first non-electrical connector being operable to be selectively coupled to said third non-electrical connector, said fourth non-electrical connector being operable to be selectively coupled to said second non-electrical connector, said sixth non-electrical connector being operable to be coupled to said fifth non-electrical connector.

21. The modular electric vehicle as claimed in claim 20, wherein one of said first and second non-electrical connectors is configured as a female non-electrical connector, the other one of said first and second non-electrical connectors being configured as a male non-electrical connector that is operable to be coupled to said female non-electrical connector, said third non-electrical connector being substantially the same as said second non-electrical connector, said fourth non-electrical connector being substantially the same as said first non-electrical connector, one of said fifth and sixth non-electrical connectors is configured as said female non-electrical connector, the other one of said fifth and sixth non-electrical connectors being configured as said male non-electrical connector that is operable to be coupled to said female non-electrical connector.

22. The modular electric vehicle as claimed in claim 21, wherein:

the other one of said first and second non-electrical connectors includes an inner seat and an outer connecting seat, said inner seat being fixedly disposed on said lateral connecting side of the corresponding one of said first and second body modules, said outer connecting seat being rotatably mounted to said inner seat, and having two wing sections that radially extend away from each other;

the one of said first and second non-electrical connectors includes a mounting seat disposed in said lateral connecting side of the corresponding one of said first and second body modules, said mounting seat being formed with a retaining groove, said retaining groove having two extending groove portions that are diametrically opposite to each other;

one of said third and fourth non-electrical connectors that is substantially the same as the other one of said first and second non-electrical connectors includes an inner seat and an outer connecting seat, said inner seat being fixedly disposed on the corresponding one of said first and second lateral connecting sides of said third body module, said outer connecting seat being rotatably mounted to said inner seat, and having two wing sections that radially extend away from each other;

the other one of said third and fourth non-electrical connectors that is substantially the same as the one of said first and second non-electrical connectors includes a mounting seat disposed in the corresponding one of said first and second lateral connecting sides of said third body module, said mounting seat being formed with a retaining groove, said retaining groove having two extending groove portions that are diametrically opposite to each other;

the other one of said fifth and sixth non-electrical connectors includes an inner seat and an outer connecting seat, said inner seat being fixedly disposed on the corresponding one of said front connecting side of said fourth body module and said rear connecting sides of said first, second and third body modules, said outer connecting seat being rotatably mounted to said inner seat, and having two wing sections that radially extend away from each other;

the one of said fifth and sixth non-electrical connectors includes a mounting seat disposed in the corresponding one of said front connecting side of said fourth body module and said rear connecting sides of said first, second and third body modules, said mounting seat being formed with a retaining groove, said retaining groove having two extending groove portions that are diametrically opposite to each other;

when said first and third non-electrical connectors are coupled, said outer connecting seat is retained in said retaining groove, and said wing sections of said outer connecting seat respectively engage said extending groove portions of said retaining groove by rotating said outer connecting seat, so as to maintain the connection between said first and third non-electrical connectors;

when said fourth and second non-electrical connectors are coupled, said outer connecting seat is retained in said retaining groove, and said wing sections of said outer connecting seat respectively engage said extending groove portions of said retaining groove by rotating said outer connecting seat, so as to maintain the connection between said fourth and second non-electrical connectors; and

when said fifth and sixth non-electrical connectors are coupled, said outer connecting seat is retained in said retaining groove, and said wing sections of said outer connecting seat respectively engage said extending groove portions of said retaining groove by rotating said outer connecting seat, so as to maintain the connection between said fifth and sixth non-electrical connectors.

23. The modular electric vehicle as claimed in claim 14, wherein:

said connection unit further includes two connecting blocks that are respectively disposed at said lateral connecting side of said first body module and said second lateral connecting side of said third body module or respectively disposed at said lateral connecting side of said second body module and said first lateral connecting side of said third body module, and two connecting grooves that are respectively disposed at the remaining two of said lateral connecting sides of said first and second body modules and said first and second lateral connecting sides of said third body module, each of said connecting blocks corresponding in position to each of said connecting grooves, said connecting block that is disposed at said first or second body modules being operable to be selectively coupled to one of said connecting grooves, said connecting grooves that is disposed at said first or second body modules being operable to be selectively coupled to one of said connecting blocks; and

said connection unit further includes an first connecting structure that is disposed at said front connecting side of said fourth body module and that is configured as one of said connecting block and said connecting groove, and a second connecting structure that is disposed at one of said rear connecting sides of said first, second and third body modules and that is configured as the other one of said connecting block and said connecting groove.

24. The modular electric vehicle as claimed in claim 13, wherein:

said first body module further has a first roof, a first chassis that is spaced apart from said first roof in a top-bottom direction, a lateral wall that is opposite to said lateral connecting side in a lateral direction and that interconnects said first roof and said first chassis, and a first back plate that is pivotally connected to an end of said first roof;

said second body module further has a second roof, a second chassis that is spaced apart from said second roof in the top-bottom direction, a lateral wall that is opposite to said lateral connecting side in the lateral direction and that interconnects said second roof and said second chassis, and a second back plate that is pivotally connected to an end of said second roof;

said third body module further has a third roof, a third chassis that is spaced apart from said third roof in the top-bottom direction, and a third back plate that is pivotally connected to an end of said third roof;

said connection unit further includes a first back plate connector that is disposed at said first back plate, a first chassis connectors that is disposed at said first chassis and that corresponds in position to the first back plate connector, a second back plate connectors that is disposed at said second back plate, a second chassis connectors that is disposed at said second chassis and that corresponds in position to said second back plate connectors, a third back plate connectors that is disposed at said third back plate, and a third chassis connectors that is disposed at said third chassis and that corresponds in position to said third back plate connectors, one of said first back plate connector and said first chassis connector being configured as a female non-electrical connector, the other one of said first back plate connector and said first chassis connector being configured as a male non-electrical connector that is operable to be coupled to said female non-electrical connector, one of said second back plate connector and said second chassis connector being configured as said female non-electrical connector, the other one of said second back plate connector and said second chassis connector being configured as said male non-electrical connector that is operable to be coupled to said female non-electrical connector, one of said third back plate connector and said third chassis connector being configured as said female non-electrical connector, the other one of said third back plate connector and said third chassis connector being configured as said male non-electrical connector that is operable to be coupled to said female non-electrical connector; and

said first, second and third body modules are operable to cooperatively define an enclosed second retaining space in such a manner that said third body module is disposed between said first and second body modules.

25. The modular electric vehicle as claimed in claim 23, wherein:

said first body module further has a first roof, a first chassis that is spaced apart from said first roof in a top-bottom direction, a lateral wall that is opposite to said lateral connecting side in a lateral direction and that interconnects said first roof and said first chassis, and a first back plate that is pivotally connected to an end of said first roof;

said second body module further has a second roof, a second chassis that is spaced apart from said second roof in the top-bottom direction, a lateral wall that is opposite to said lateral connecting side in the lateral direction and that interconnects said second roof and said second chassis, and a second back plate that is pivotally connected to an end of said second roof;

said third body module further has a third roof, a third chassis that is spaced apart from said third roof in the top-bottom direction, and a third back plate that is pivotally connected to an end of said third roof;

said fourth body module further has a fourth chassis, two lateral walls that respectively and upwardly extend from two opposite lateral edges of said fourth chassis, and a rear wall that extends upwardly from an rear edge of said fourth chassis and that interconnects said lateral walls;

said connection unit further includes a first back plate connector that is disposed at said first back plate, a first chassis connectors that is disposed at said first chassis and that corresponds in position to the first back plate connector, a second back plate connectors that is disposed at said second back plate, a second chassis connectors that is disposed at said second chassis and that corresponds in position to said second back plate connectors, a third back plate connectors that is disposed at said third back plate, and a third chassis connectors that is disposed at said third chassis and that corresponds in position to said third back plate connectors, one of said first back plate connector and said first chassis connector being configured as a female non-electrical connector, the other one of said first back plate connector and said first chassis connector being configured as a male non-electrical connector that is operable to be coupled to said female non-electrical connector, one of said second back plate connector and said second chassis connector being configured as said female non-electrical connector, the other one of said second back plate connector and said second chassis connector being configured as said male non-electrical connector that is operable to be coupled to said female non-electrical connector, one of said third back plate connector and said third chassis connector being configured as said female non-electrical connector, the other one of said third back plate connector and said third chassis connector being configured as said male non-electrical connector that is operable to be coupled to said female non-electrical connector; and

said first, second and third body modules are operable to be assembled so as to cooperatively define an enclosed second retaining space in such a manner that said third body module is disposed between said first and second body modules, said fourth body module being operable to be assembled to said assembled first, second and third body modules in such a manner that said front connecting side of said fourth body module is coupled to said rear connecting sides of said first, second and third body modules, such that said first back plate of said first body module, said second back plate of said second body module, said third back plate of said third body module, and said lateral and rear walls of said fourth body module cooperatively define a third retaining space thereamong that opens upwardly.

26. The modular electric vehicle as claimed in claim 25, wherein said first back plate of said first body module is operable to rotate to be flush with said first roof, said second back plate of said second body module is operable to rotate to be flush with said second roof, and said third back plate of said third body module is operable to rotate to be flush with said third roof, such that said first, second, third and fourth body modules cooperatively define an enclosed fourth retaining space thereamong.

27. A modular electric vehicle comprising:

a vehicle body unit including a first body module and a second body module, said first body module having a lateral connecting side, said second body module having a lateral connecting side;

a wheel unit including two first wheels that are mounted to said first body module and that are arranged in a front-rear direction, and two second wheels that are mounted to said second body module and that are arranged in the front-rear direction;

a driving unit including a first driving motor for driving rotation of one of said first wheels, and a second driving motor for driving rotation of one of said second wheels;

a power source unit providing electrical power for driving said modular electric vehicle, and including a first battery that is disposed on said first body module;

a connection unit including a first electrical connector that is disposed at said lateral connecting side of said first body module, and a second electrical connector that is disposed at said lateral connecting side of said second body module, that corresponds in position to said first electrical connector, and that is electrically coupled to said second driving motor; and

a controller disposed at said first body module, and electrically coupled to said first driving motor, said first battery and said first electrical connector;

wherein, said first electrical connector is operable to be selectively and electrically coupled to said second electrical connector, so that said controller is able to be electrically coupled to said second driving motor by virtue of said first and second electrical connectors, and that said first battery provides electrical power to said controller and said first and second driving motors for driving the one of said first wheels and the one of said second wheels;

wherein said connection unit further includes a plurality of connecting blocks that are disposed at said lateral connecting side of one of said first and second body modules, and a plurality of connecting grooves that are disposed at said lateral connecting side of the other one of said first and second body modules and that respectively correspond in position to said connecting blocks, each of said connecting blocks being operable to be selectively coupled to the corresponding one of said connecting grooves; and

wherein;

said first body module further has a first roof, a first chassis that is spaced apart from said first roof in a top-bottom direction, a lateral wall that is opposite to said lateral connecting side in a lateral direction and that interconnects said first roof and said first chassis, and a first back plate that is pivotally connected to an end of said first roof;

said second body module further has a second roof, a second chassis that is spaced apart from said second roof in the top-bottom direction, a lateral wall that is opposite to said lateral connecting side in the lateral direction and that interconnects said second roof and said second chassis, and a second back plate that is pivotally connected to an end of said second roof;

said connection unit further includes a first back plate connector that is disposed at said first back plate, a first chassis connectors that is disposed at said first chassis and that corresponds in position to the first back plate connector, a second back plate connectors that is disposed at said second back plate, and a second chassis connectors that is disposed at said second chassis and that corresponds in position to said second back plate connectors, one of said first back plate connector and said first chassis connector being configured as a female non-electrical connector, the other one of said first back plate connector and said first chassis connector being configured as a male non-electrical connector that is operable to be coupled to said female non-electrical connector, one of said second back plate connector and said second chassis connector being configured as said female non-electrical connector, the other one of said second back plate connector and said second chassis connector being configured as said male connector that is operable to be coupled to said female non-electrical connector; and

said first and second body modules are operable to cooperatively define an enclosed first retaining space.