阅读说明：本技术 用于鞍座型车辆的驱动系统 (Drive system for saddle type vehicle ) 是由 A·拉瓦特 M·梅巴拉 C·萨布兰尼安 于 2020-05-26 设计创作，主要内容包括：本主题涉及一种具有沿着车辆纵向轴线(AA)延伸的框架(200)的鞍座型车辆。该车辆设置有轴颈连接到框架(200)并适于支撑后轮(3)的摆臂(15)。包括一个或多个驱动源(100)、(300)的驱动系统(20)配置为向后轮(3)传递驱动力。一个或多个驱动源(100)、(300)包括第一驱动源(100)和第二驱动源(300)。第一驱动源(100)包括一体地形成到其至少一部分的至少一个安装部分(100a)、(100b)。至少一个安装部分(100a)、(100b)配置为将第一驱动源(100)可移除地安装在所述摆臂(15)的至少一部分上。第二驱动源(300)可拆卸地安装在后轮(3)上。(The present subject matter relates to a saddle type vehicle having a frame (200) extending along a vehicle longitudinal axis (AA). The vehicle is provided with a swing arm (15) journalled to the frame (200) and adapted to support the rear wheel (3). A drive system (20) comprising one or more drive sources (100), (300) is configured to transmit drive force to the rear wheels (3). The one or more drive sources (100), (300) include a first drive source (100) and a second drive source (300). The first drive source (100) includes at least one mounting portion (100a), (100b) integrally formed to at least a portion thereof. At least one mounting portion (100a), (100b) is configured to removably mount a first drive source (100) on at least a portion of the swing arm (15). The second drive source (300) is detachably mounted on the rear wheel (3).)

1. A saddle-ride type two-wheeled vehicle (1), said vehicle (1) comprising:

a frame (200), the frame (200) extending along a vehicle longitudinal axis (AA);

a swing arm (15), said swing arm (15) being journalled to said frame (200) and adapted to support a rear wheel (3); and

a drive system (20), the drive system (20) comprising one or more drive sources (100), (300) configured to transmit drive force to the rear wheels (3);

the one or more drive sources (100), (300) include a first drive source (100) and a second drive source (300), and the first drive source (100) includes at least one mounting portion (100a), (100b) integrally formed to at least a portion of the first drive source, the at least one mounting portion (100a), (100b) being configured to removably mount the first drive source (100) on at least a portion of the swing arm (15), and the second drive source (300) being detachably mounted on the rear wheel (3).

2. The saddle-type vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein said first drive source (100) is a main motor.

3. The saddle-type vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein said second drive source (300) is a sub-motor.

4. The saddle type vehicle (1) according to claim 3, wherein said second drive source (300) is integrally mounted at a hub of said rear wheel (3) of said vehicle (1).

5. Saddle type vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein said first drive source (100) comprises a rotatable output shaft and a drive member (104) at a distal end of said output shaft.

6. Saddle type vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein said swing arm (15) comprises at least one mounting boss (102), (103) fixedly attached to at least a part of said swing arm.

7. The saddle type vehicle (1) according to claim 1 or claim 6, wherein said at least one mounting portion (100a), (100b) is configured to removably mount said first drive source (100) on at least a portion of said swing arm (15) by means of said at least one mounting boss (102), (103).

8. Saddle type vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein said drive system (20) comprises a transmission member (101) adapted to transmit power from said first drive source (100) to said rear wheel (3).

9. Saddle type vehicle (1) according to claim 8, wherein said transmission member (101) is arranged between said driving member (104) of said first driving source (100) and a driven member (307) of said rear wheel (3).

10. Saddle type vehicle (1) according to claim 12, wherein said first drive source (100) is offset on a vehicle vertical axis (BB') from at least one support structure (308), said at least one support structure (308) being configured to hold one or more energy storage devices (302), (303), (306) therein.

Technical Field

The present subject matter relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to a drive system for electric-only two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles of the saddle type.

Background

Recently, in view of strict emission standards, the demand for controlling the emission of automobiles has increased. Therefore, in order to minimize the amount of emissions, a large number of hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles are in the corner of the sun. In general, hybrid vehicles have the distinct advantage of allowing long distance travel, since at least one source is always available to drive the vehicle. The risk of fuel being depleted or trapped is therefore low, despite the fact that is often the case with conventional internal combustion engine driven vehicles.

In general, existing hybrid vehicles configured to be powered by an internal combustion engine or an electric motor, or both, are replacing conventional engine-powered vehicles. For example, an internal combustion engine may be used when driving on terrain or over long distances, while an electric propulsion system may be used when driving over short distances. However, incorporating both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor assembly in a hybrid two-wheeled vehicle makes the system bulky and more complex. The suspension, transmission, main motor of the vehicle are designed for redundant drive trains and their additional weight of fuel. Therefore, electric-only two-wheeled vehicles have gained increasing popularity in recent years as potential replacements for internal combustion vehicles, as they guarantee zero emissions from the electric drive system and are free of reliance on oil.

Drawings

The detailed description describes embodiments with reference to the drawings. The same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to like features and components.

Fig. 1 is a side view of a pure electric two-wheeled vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a pure electric two-wheeled vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Vehicle manufacturers are increasingly concerned with vehicles having a pure electric drive that provides a cost-effective and fuel efficient alternative to conventional engine-driven two-wheeled vehicles. However, with the transition of vehicles from internal combustion engines to hybrid and hybrid to electric-only vehicles, manufacturers need to be prepared to meet significant challenges. For example, there are a wide variety of problems, some of which have been discovered, which combine to make pure electric vehicles impractical for most applications today. For example, vehicle range is a major issue. Furthermore, due to the insufficient space and packaging limitations of existing electric saddle type vehicles, installation of one or more additional drive sources requires further structural modifications in at least a portion of the vehicle, which may increase the overall weight and cost of the vehicle.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved electric-only saddle-type vehicle that can be easily derived from a conventional hybrid saddle-type vehicle without requiring any structural modifications to the existing hybrid two-wheel vehicle layout. It is desirable to provide an improved electric saddle type vehicle that balances the independence of one or more components of existing hybrid drive saddle type vehicles and vice versa during conversion of the hybrid drive saddle type vehicle to an electric drive saddle type vehicle, thereby maintaining the weight distribution, center of gravity, and dynamic stability including ride and handling performance of the vehicle. Further, it is desirable to provide an improved electric saddle type vehicle in a manner that provides an economical solution for the consumer in terms of fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

Furthermore, there remains a need to provide an improved electric only saddle type vehicle that can be easily derived from existing hybrid saddle type vehicles by installing the one or more additional drive sources in the existing layout of the hybrid saddle type vehicle as a retrofit application. Further, it is desirable to provide an improved electric saddle type vehicle including the one or more drive sources configured to fit the space and weight restrictions of the engine installation space of existing hybrid saddle type vehicles without any structural changes to the existing layout of the hybrid saddle type vehicle. Often based on different markets and different needs of the country, manufacturers are challenged to minimize model diversity and still provide different products within the same platform. Therefore, a flexible vehicle design is desired to be able to quickly adapt to changes from Internal Combustion (IC) to hybrid or vice versa, or from hybrid to Electric Vehicle (EV) or vice versa, or from IC to EV settings or vice versa, without the need to change the design of the main systems of the vehicle (e.g., chassis, layout, packaging, etc.). In such cases, there is also the problem of achieving substantially similar dynamic performance of the vehicle in terms of its dynamic characteristics and stability, which presents challenges to the design and layout of vehicles known in the art.

In view of the above, existing hybrid saddle type vehicles are easily converted to electric only saddle type vehicles and vice versa. In one embodiment, the present disclosure describes an improved electric-only saddle type vehicle having extended range, extended electrical capacity, improved initial acceleration and torque performance. Further, one embodiment of the present invention provides the improved electric-only saddle type vehicle having the one or more drive sources that are effective at accelerating from a stationary take-off. In one embodiment of the invention, the one or more drive sources can be easily installed in the modified electric-only saddle type vehicle without any structural innovation to the layout of the existing hybrid two-wheeled vehicle.

According to one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an improved electric drive saddle type vehicle including a low frame construction body frame having a floor portion and a swing arm journaled (journal) to the frame and adapted to support a rear wheel. In one embodiment, the swing arm includes at least one mounting boss fixedly attached to at least a portion thereof. Further, the vehicle includes a drive system including the one or more drive sources mounted on at least a portion thereof, the drive source being configured to transmit power to the rear wheels by using stored energy of the one or more energy storage devices provided on the vehicle. According to an embodiment, the one or more drive sources comprise a first drive source and a second drive source. The first drive source is a primary motor including at least one mounting portion integrally formed to at least a portion thereof and configured to be removably mounted on at least a portion of the swing arm via the at least one mounting boss. Further, the second drive source is a sub-motor incorporated into a hub body of the rear wheel. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the main motor and the sub motor provide a rotational driving force to the rear wheel.

Further, with reference to one embodiment of the invention, the primary motor includes a rotatable output shaft and a drive member at a distal end of the output shaft. According to one embodiment, the driven member is connected to said rear wheel. In one embodiment, the driving member and the driven member are pulleys. In another embodiment, the driving member and the driven member are sprockets. As one example, the driven member is aligned on a rear axle of a rear wheel of the vehicle. Further, according to one embodiment, a drive system for a vehicle includes a power transmission member for transmitting power from a main motor to the rear wheels. In one embodiment, the transmission member is disposed between the driving member of the main motor and the driven member of the rear wheel. In one embodiment, the drive member is a chain. In another embodiment, the drive member is a drive belt.

With reference to one embodiment, the first drive source as a primary motor and the second drive source as a secondary motor are powered by the one or more energy storage devices provided on the vehicle. In one embodiment, the one or more energy storage devices include at least one primary energy storage device and at least one secondary energy storage device. According to one embodiment, the at least one support structure configured to accommodate the at least one auxiliary energy storage device therein is provided in a space defined between the first drive source mounted on the swing arm and a utility box detachably supported on a rear portion of the vehicle frame. In particular, in one embodiment, the at least one support structure is longitudinally and vertically offset from the swing arm and the first drive source, respectively. In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one support structure configured to retain the at least one auxiliary energy storage device therein is removably secured to the rear of the frame by at least one retainer member. In one embodiment, the at least one retainer member is fixedly attached to the rear portion of the frame by welding. In one embodiment, at least one controller unit configured to manage operation of the one or more energy storage devices is disposed in front of the at least one support structure by at least one mounting bracket. In one embodiment, a storage member for storing the charging unit is provided at the front of the vehicle frame. In one embodiment, the charging unit is configured to be able to charge the one or more energy storage devices.

With reference to one embodiment of the present invention, the assembly of the primary motor arrangement on the swing arm of the vehicle facilitates proper cooling by enhancing heat dissipation, reducing transmission losses, and additionally enhancing power delivery efficiency. Furthermore, in such a configuration, the main motor becomes easily accessible for repair and maintenance. Further, the mounting of the secondary electric motor to the rear wheel hub results in high torque at lower Revolutions Per Minute (RPM), which results in lighter weight, lower complexity, and better efficiency, and further, power is removed during regenerative braking to recharge the one or more energy storage devices disposed on the vehicle.

With reference to one embodiment, the improved electric-only saddle type vehicle includes the one or more drive sources, including a primary motor and a secondary motor, having different gear ratios, different efficiencies to provide efficient operation over a wider speed range than is possible with a single motor. In another embodiment of the invention, the one or more drive sources have the same efficiency at any given vehicle speed.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an improved pure electric saddle type vehicle in which a first drive source including a main motor is removably mounted on the at least a portion of a swing arm of the vehicle such that the unsprung mass of the rear suspension of the vehicle is significantly reduced, thereby ensuring good ride comfort and stability of the vehicle. Thus, according to one embodiment of the invention, the first of the one or more drive sources is mounted on the vehicle such that high power is transmitted with low unsprung mass and high torque density. Thus, according to one embodiment of the invention, the one or more drive sources on the vehicle may be adapted to the operating conditions of the vehicle, such as starting, accelerating, steering, turning and braking at high speed, to consistently provide higher performance and desired dynamic/steering characteristics.

According to one embodiment, when converting said existing hybrid saddle type vehicle into said electric only two-wheeled vehicle (and vice versa), said first one of said one or more drive sources is mounted in a space on a swing arm previously required for mounting said engine in a hybrid two-wheeled vehicle configuration. Thus, the mounting of the first drive source enhances the balance of the vehicle by maintaining the rearward position of the vehicle's center of gravity and thereby promoting a desired weight distribution between the front and rear wheels of the vehicle. This also ensures that the overall center of gravity of the vehicle is substantially maintained within existing hybrid saddle type vehicles, enabling consistent vehicle performance characteristics regardless of the powertrain type of the vehicle.

With reference to one embodiment, the present invention relates to the first drive source of the one or more drive sources removably mounted to the swing arm of the vehicle such that the first drive source does not contact the utility box disposed below the seat assembly, thereby maintaining an optimal storage space of the utility box. Thus, by mounting the additional drive source or sources in the form of the main and sub-motors on the vehicle, the hybrid saddle type vehicle is easily converted to the electric only drive saddle type vehicle without any structural modifications to the existing hybrid saddle type vehicle layout.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel electric drive system for said electric-only saddle-type vehicle comprising said primary electric motor and said secondary electric motor powered by said one or more energy storage devices. In one embodiment, the first drive source and the second drive source are adapted to promote long driving range and improved torque performance of the vehicle.

In one embodiment, the present subject matter is configured to provide an improved layout for a purely electric saddle type vehicle derived from an existing hybrid saddle type vehicle by replacing the primary drive source (i.e., swing arm mounted engine or primary motor) with the first of the one or more drive sources. According to one embodiment, the first drive source is a main motor. In one embodiment, the at least one mounting boss is fixedly attached to at least a portion of the swing arm by welding to mount the engine in an existing hybrid saddle type vehicle configuration for removably mounting the first of the one or more drive sources on the vehicle. Thus, according to one embodiment, the hybrid saddle type vehicle is converted into the electric-only saddle type vehicle at the time of retrofitting with the first drive source in the engine installation space by separating the engine from a swing arm. Thus, the electric-only saddle-type vehicle including the one or more drive sources (which include the primary and secondary motors powered by the one or more energy storage devices) provides the vehicle with a long range and improved initial torque performance.

Various other features and advantages of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. The drawing in which an element first appears is indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference number. Reference is made to the drawings wherein like reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or similar elements throughout the several views. It should be noted that the drawings should be seen from the direction of the reference numerals.

It is to be noted that, in the description that follows, the present invention may be applied to a saddle type vehicle exemplified in the form of a pure electric two-wheeled scooter type vehicle.

Further, "front" and "rear" and "left" and "right" mentioned in the following description of the illustrated embodiment refer to a front direction and a rear direction and a left direction and a right direction as seen in a state of being seated on a seat of a two-wheeled vehicle. Further, the longitudinal axis refers to the front-rear axis relative to the vehicle, while the lateral axis refers to the side-to-side or left-right axis relative to the vehicle. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring to fig. 1, a pure electric two-wheeled vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle") according to one embodiment of the invention is described. In one embodiment, the vehicle (1) is shown having a low frame construction body frame (200) (shown in FIG. 2), the body frame (200) having a floor portion (8). The vehicle (1) further includes a plurality of body panels for covering and mounting the frame (200). The plurality of body panels include a front panel (13), a leg shield (9), a seat lower cover (7), and left and right side panels (16). Furthermore, a seat assembly (6) is arranged above the seat lower cover (7). A utility box (not shown) is provided under the seat assembly (6). A rear seat handle (5) is disposed behind the seat assembly (6). The front fender (14) is disposed above the front wheel (2) and between left and right suspensions (21) that support the front wheel (2). The rear fender (4) is disposed so as to cover at least a part of the rear wheel (3). One or more suspension/shock absorbers (18) are provided in the rear (R) of the vehicle (1) to provide a comfortable ride experience. Further, the vehicle (1) includes a plurality of electric and electronic components including a headlight (12), a tail lamp (19), a Transistor Controlled Ignition (TCI) unit (not shown), a starter motor (not shown), and the like. A touch screen LCD unit (not shown) is provided on the handle (10) to display various operation modes, power flow modes, and warning signals. A pair of left and right rearview mirrors (11) are mounted on the left and right sides of the handle (10). In one embodiment, the vehicle (1) is further provided with a hazard lamp (not shown).

Further in fig. 1, according to one embodiment, the drive system (20) of the vehicle (1) comprises the one or more drive sources (100), (300) arranged on at least a part thereof. In one embodiment, the one or more drive sources (100), (300) include a first drive source (100) and a second drive source (300). In one embodiment, the first drive source (100) is arranged behind the floor part (8). In particular, according to one embodiment, the first drive source (100) is a main motor comprising said at least one mounting portion (100a), (100b), said mounting portion (100a), (100b) being integrally formed to at least a portion of the main motor and configured to be removably mounted on at least a portion of a swing arm (15) by means of said at least one mounting boss (102), (103) (as shown in fig. 2) fixedly attached in said swing arm (15). The swing arm (15) is attached to at least a portion of the vehicle frame (200) by a toggle link (not shown). The other end of the swing arm (10) holds the rear wheel (3). The rear wheel (3) and the swing arm (15) are connected to the frame (200) by a pair of shock absorbers (18) disposed on both sides of the vehicle (1). Further, in one embodiment, a second drive source (300) as a sub-motor and incorporated into a hub body of the rear wheel (3) provides a rotational drive force to the rear wheel (3). In one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle (1) is configured to be propelled by a first drive source (100) and a second drive source (300) of the one or more drive sources (100), (300).

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle (1) according to one embodiment of the invention, showing the mounting of the one or more drive sources (100), (300) and the one or more energy storage devices (302), (303), (306) on the vehicle (1). In one embodiment, the one or more drive sources (100), (300) include a first drive source (100) and a second drive source (300). The first drive source (100) is a main motor (100) removably mounted on the at least a portion of the swing arm (15), and the second drive source (300) is a sub-motor mounted on a hub body of a rear wheel (3) of the vehicle (1).

Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the vehicle (1) comprises a frame (200) extending along a vehicle longitudinal axis (AA). In one embodiment, a vehicle frame (200) includes a head pipe (203), a main pipe (204) extending obliquely downward from a lower portion of the head pipe (203), a pair of left and right floor pipes (201L), (201R) joined to the lower portion of the main pipe (204) and both extending from the lower portion of the main pipe (204) toward a rear portion of the vehicle (1), a cross pipe (205) joined to both rear end portions of the floor pipes (201L), (201R) and extending in a lateral direction, and a pair of left and right rear frames (202L), (202R) extending upward and extending to the rear portion of the vehicle (1). In one embodiment, the front end portions of the rear frames (202L), (202R) are joined to the respective left and right end portions of the cross tube (205). According to one embodiment, the swing arm (15) is journalled to the frame (200) and adapted to support the rear wheel (3). With reference to one embodiment, the seat assembly (6) is disposed above the seat pan (7) and mounted to the rear (R') of the frame (200). In one embodiment, the vehicle (1) comprises the one or more drive sources (100), (300) powered by the one or more energy storage devices (302), (303), (306) to propel the vehicle (1).

According to one embodiment, said one or more energy storage devices (302), (303), (306) comprise said at least one primary energy storage device (306) and said at least one secondary energy storage device (302), (303). Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the at least one support structure (308) configured to accommodate the auxiliary energy storage device (302), (303) is provided in a space defined between the first drive source (100) and a utility box provided below the seat assembly (6). In particular, the at least one support structure (308) is arranged above the first drive source (100) such that the at least one support structure (308) and the vehicle drive system (20) are spaced independently from each other. In one embodiment, the at least one support structure (308) is removably fastened to the at least a portion of the pair of left (202L) and right (202R) rear frames in the rear portion (R') of the frame (200) by at least one retaining member (301). In one embodiment, the at least one support structure (308) includes at least one air directing structure (308a) formed in at least a portion thereof for providing a cooling effect to the at least one energy storage device (302), (303) housed therein. According to one embodiment, the at least one retainer member (301) is fixedly attached to the rear portion (R') of the frame (200) by welding. With reference to one embodiment, the at least one support structure (308) is offset from the swing arm (15) on the vehicle longitudinal axis (AA'). In one embodiment, the at least one support structure (308) is offset from the first drive source (100) on a vehicle vertical axis (BB'). According to one embodiment, the vehicle vertical axis (BB ') is perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal axis (AA'). According to one embodiment, the at least one controller unit (304) configured to manage operation of the one or more energy storage devices (302), (303), (306) is positioned forward relative to the at least one support structure (308). In one embodiment, the at least one controller unit (304) is adapted to supply electrical power to the first drive source (100) and the second drive source (300).

Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the invention, the swing arm (15) comprises said at least one mounting boss (102), (103) fixedly attached to said at least a portion thereof. According to one embodiment, the first drive source (100) includes the at least one mounting portion (100a), (100b) integrally formed with at least a portion thereof. In one embodiment, the at least one mounting portion (100a), (100b) is configured to removably mount the first drive source (100) as a main motor on the at least a portion of the swing arm (10) through the at least one mounting boss (102), (103). With reference to one embodiment, the first drive source (100) as a primary motor comprises the rotatable output shaft and a drive member (104) at a distal end of the output shaft. Furthermore, in one embodiment, a driven member (307) is connected to the rear wheel (3). In one embodiment of the invention, the driving member (104) and the driven member (307) are pulleys. In another embodiment, the driving member (104) and the driven member (307) are sprockets. According to one embodiment, the drive member (307) is aligned on a rear axle (3a) of a rear wheel (3) of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle drive assembly (20) comprises said transmission member (101) for transmitting power from the first drive source (100) to said rear wheel (3). In one embodiment, the transmission member (101) is disposed between a driving member (104) of the motor (100) and a driven member (307) of the rear wheel (3). According to one embodiment, the transmission member (101) is a chain. According to another embodiment, the transmission member (101) is a transmission belt.

Further, in fig. 2, according to one embodiment, the at least one controller unit (304) configured to manage the operation of the one or more energy storage devices (302), (303), (306) is disposed in front of the at least one support structure (308) by the at least one mounting bracket (304 a). Further, the at least one mounting bracket (304a) is fixedly attached to at least a portion of the pair of left and right rear frames (202L, 202R). According to one embodiment, the one or more energy storage devices (302), (303), (306) are rechargeable batteries. In one embodiment, the one or more energy storage devices (302), (303), (306) include the at least one primary energy storage device (306) and the at least one secondary energy storage device (302), (303). In one embodiment, the at least one primary energy storage device (306) is removably mounted to the pair of left and right floor tube frames (201L), (201R) such that the at least one primary energy storage device (306) is located below the floor portion (8) of the vehicle (1) and the at least one auxiliary energy storage device (302), (303) is disposed below the utility box of the vehicle (1). With reference to one embodiment of the invention, a charging unit (not shown) configured to be able to charge the one or more energy storage devices (302), (303), (306) is housed in the storage member (305). In one embodiment, the storage member (305) is disposed on a front portion (F') of the vehicle frame (200).

It would be advantageous to provide an improved electric-only saddle-type vehicle in which the installation of the one or more drive sources, including the primary and secondary motors, is dependent upon customer and market requirements to achieve enhanced initial acceleration performance at start-up, vehicle performance (such as extended range), design flexibility of at least a portion of the vehicle to accommodate the one or more drive sources therein, and one or more variations of the vehicle (e.g., an engine, motor, or both powered vehicle requiring the installation of the one or more energy storage devices on the vehicle). Further, advantageously, the present invention provides an improved electric-only two-wheeled vehicle that can replace an internal combustion engine with one or more drive sources without requiring any structural modifications to the layout of existing hybrid saddle-type vehicles, such that the one or more drive sources are configured to be removably mounted within the space and weight limitations of the engine mounting space of existing hybrid saddle-type vehicles. Thus, according to one embodiment, the present invention provides an improved electric-only saddle type vehicle whose design is primarily focused on ease of conversion, optimization of power generation and use.

Improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without departing from the scope of the invention.