Patent ID: 7849945
Filing Date: 2010-12-14
Classification: B60G,B60K

Abstract:
1. A self-contained, detachable powertrain module for a vehicle having a planar, generally vertically oriented powertrain module mounting surface, the powertrain module comprising: a detachable support member shaped to form a portion of an exterior body of the vehicle, the support member including a planar, generally vertically oriented support member mounting surface; a mounting portion extending generally horizontally from the support member mounting surface and terminating in an electrical connector; an energy source disposed within the support member; a wheel rotatably attached to the support member; and an electric motor within the wheel, the electric motor being energized by the energy source to generate motive force, said motive force being transmitted to the wheel, the support member mounting surface of the powertrain module being facially adjacent the powertrain module mounting surface of the vehicle when the powertrain module is coupled to the vehicle, and the mounting portion of the powertrain module being selectably received by a single receptacle disposed within exterior body of the vehicle, thereby selectably both mechanically and electrically coupling the powertrain module to the vehicle as a single connection, the powertrain module being a selectably detachable fender portion of the exterior body of the vehicle and also providing motive power to the vehicle.