Patent ID: 7469759

Claim:
An electrical power generating system for an electric vehicle which has at least one electric traction motor, and a load-bearing structure with longitudinal supports, said electrical power generating system comprising: a first module that includes devices for preprocessing and metering of gases to be supplied to a fuel cell; a second module that includes the fuel cell; and an electric power distribution module, which includes distribution circuits with fuses and at least one switching element for switching the distribution circuits on and off; wherein the fuel cell is connected to the first module by mechanical coupling means for carrying the gases to be supplied to the fuel cell, dissipating the reaction gases from the fuel cell, and carrying at least one coolant via the fuel cell, and by electrical coupling elements for transmitting measured values from sensors; wherein the first module and the second module are jointly mounted in a container that is of such a size and shape as to be insertable into a corresponding cavity on an underneath side of the vehicle, and has at least four holders which are fitted to the container side walls, for attaching to the longitudinal supports in the vehicle; and wherein the electric power distribution module can be attached to a side wall of the container and can be connected via connector elements on at least one wall of the electric power distribution module to the electrical outputs of the fuel cell and to cables to the electrical loads in the electrical vehicle.