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Modular electric vehicle system

  • US 9,845,123 B2
  • Filed: 06/09/2014
  • Issued: 12/19/2017
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/07/2013
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A modular electric vehicle comprising:

  • a. an electrical power source;

    b. at least two interchangeable vehicle assembly modules configured to attach together, each vehicle assembly module comprising;

    i. two axial module surfaces at axial ends of the vehicle assembly module with an axis extending therethrough oriented in a direction of travel of the modular electric vehicle;

    ii. at least one connecting module surface at an axial module surface thereof adapted to structurally attach to a connecting module surface of an adjacent vehicle assembly module;

    iii. a central power bus for powering the vehicle assembly module, connectable to the central power bus of the adjacent vehicle assembly modules at adjoining axial module surfaces;

    iv. at least one electrically powered axle connected to the central power bus;

    v. a central network bus for facilitating control of the vehicle assembly module and the modular electric vehicle, connectable to the central network bus of adjacent vehicle assembly modules at adjoining axial module surfaces;

    vi. a module controller connected to and configured to control the at least one electrically powered axle and connected to the central network bus for communication with module controllers of other vehicle assembly modules; and

    vii. the at least one electrically powered axle connected to the central power bus and the central network bus;

    c. wherein at least one powered vehicle assembly modules is steerable, by interaction of the module controller with the at least one powered axle thereof;

    d. a vehicle controller connected to the central network bus configured to control movement and steering of the modular electric vehicle by interaction with module controllers on the powered vehicle assembly modules; and

    e. an operator interface connected to the vehicle controller by which an operator can drive and steer the modular electric vehicle.

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