Abstract: An electric automotive vehicle gross vehicle rating of greater than 10,000 pounds includes an electric powertrain connected to the frame and positioned at a base of the frame. The vehicle includes a first central axis, and the weight of the electric powertrain is centered about the first central axis. All drivetrain components of the vehicle other than the electric powertrain may be positioned above the base of the electric powertrain. The vehicle includes two electric drive units configured to drive the front and rear axles respectively. The electric drive units consist of an electric motor, motor controller, two speed electrically actuated gearbox, electrically actuated park lock, and electrically actuated locking differential. The drive units transmit power to inboard mounted brakes, which in turn are connected by constant velocity driveshaft to the wheel hubs where a further final gear reduction resides.

Abstract: An electric automotive vehicle gross vehicle rating of greater than 10,000 pounds includes an electric powertrain connected to the frame and positioned at a base of the frame. The vehicle includes a first central axis, and the weight of the electric powertrain is centered about the first central axis. All drivetrain components of the vehicle other than the electric powertrain may be positioned above the base of the electric powertrain. The vehicle includes two electric drive units configured to drive the front and rear axles respectively. The electric drive units consist of an electric motor, motor controller, two speed electrically actuated gearbox, electrically actuated park lock, and electrically actuated locking differential. The drive units transmit power to inboard mounted brakes, which in turn are connected by constant velocity driveshaft to the wheel hubs where a further final gear reduction resides.

Abstract: An improved fifth wheel hitch for attaching a trailer to a towing vehicle. The hitch includes an outer box support frame having two rails for mounting the trailer hitch to the towing vehicle, a spherical bearing mounted in the frame having a ball joint, and a latch assembly affixed to the spherical bearing to allow the assembly to have two degrees of movement, and a head body. The latch assembly comprises a base plate, a jaw fixed at a first elevation, and a vertically displaceable jaw. A means are provided to raise the vertically displaceable jaw above the level of the fixed jaw to allow release of the king pin latch. When the jaws are coplanar they capture the kingpin of a trailer, and safely lock the trailer to the hitch.