CPC B62D 23/00 (2013.01) [B29C 69/02 (2013.01); B29C 70/28 (2013.01); B60K 1/02 (2013.01); B62D 23/005 (2013.01); B62D 25/20 (2013.01); B62D 29/02 (2013.01); B62D 29/043 (2013.01); B62D 29/046 (2013.01); B62D 33/06 (2013.01); B62D 65/10 (2013.01); B29K 2309/08 (2013.01); B29K 2311/14 (2013.01); B29L 2031/30 (2013.01); B29L 2031/3055 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. A method of assembling an electric vehicle including a frame structure to support a plurality of wheels and a powertrain unit attachable to the frame structure, the method comprising:
affixing a first electric motor of the powertrain unit directly to a cradle of the powertrain unit that has an open tray, wherein affixing the first electric motor directly to the cradle comprises directly affixing the first electric motor to the cradle such that the first electric motor extends outwardly beneath the open tray and is not completely enclosed by the open tray;
affixing a second electric motor of the powertrain unit directly to the cradle, wherein affixing the second electric motor directly to the cradle comprises directly affixing the second electric motor to the cradle such that the second electric motor extends outwardly beneath the open tray and is not completely enclosed by the open tray;
aligning the first electric motor and the second electric motor along a lateral axis; and
attaching the cradle with the first and second electric motors directly affixed thereto and aligned along the lateral axis to an underside of the frame structure,
wherein attaching the cradle to the underside of the frame structure includes (i) aligning the cradle with a longitudinal centerline of the frame structure such that each of the first and second electric motors is at least partially aligned with the longitudinal centerline and (ii) securing the cradle to the frame structure such that the underside of the frame structure is in flush contact with the open tray in a lateral direction parallel to the lateral axis from a first end of the open tray to a second end of the open tray opposite the first end.
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