ELECTRIC VEHICLE WITH HEADS-UP CONTROLS

• US 20100324767A1
• Filed: 06/23/2010
• Published: 12/23/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/23/2009
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Tomberlin Automotive Group, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Tomberlin Automotive Group, Inc.
• Inventors: Tomberlin, Michael D.
• Application Number:
  US12/822,116
• Publication Number:
  US 20100324767A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/22
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/22 Microcars, e.g. golf cars
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 31/003 compact cars, e.g. city cars

Abstract

An electric vehicle with controls for changing the operational parameters of the vehicle while the vehicle is in motion. These controls are preferably located on the steering wheel, steering column, or other locations where the selectors can be accessed by the operator while facing forward operating the vehicle from an intended operator'"'"'s seating position. With the selectors in the heads-up position, the operator does not have to look away from the road to change the operational settings of the vehicle while the vehicle is in motion.

Claims

1. An electric vehicle, comprising a heads-up control panel comprising selectors for setting operational parameters of the vehicle located where an operator of the vehicle has access to the selectors while facing forward operating the vehicle from an intended operator'"'"'s seating position.

2. The electric vehicle of claim 1, wherein the selectors include a driving mode switch having an “

economy mode”

setting that minimizes the amp draw from the motor to maximize the range of the vehicle and a “

high performance”

setting that allows for faster acceleration and maximum low speed torque.

3. The electric vehicle of claim 1, wherein the selectors include a “

turbo”

selector that maximizes the motor output available to the throttle input for a predetermined period of time.

4. The electric vehicle of claim 1, wherein the selectors include a vehicle direction switch having forward and reverse settings.

5. The electric vehicle of claim 1, wherein the selectors include an emergency flasher switch.

6. The electric vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a heads-up display including indicators showing the settings of the selectors for changing the operational parameters of the electric vehicle located on the instrument panel of the vehicle.