Recently, we had reported that TVS is planning to launch a slew of all-electric models in the next 1.5 years. These will have power units of 5-25 kWs. Now, a new patent has been filed by the company which reveals a few more details of the powertrain design of these future electric vehicles.
Current line-up of electric vehicles in TVS
As of now, the lone EV in the TVS stable is the iQube. This scooter makes use of a hub motor that is mounted directly on the rear wheel. This is fine for power outputs upto 5 kW, but to go higher, TVS would have to come up with something new.
What does the TVS patent reveal?
The patent shows us a design of a mid-mounted motor. This is to be used on an e-scooter. The transmission consists of a simple system housed in the swingarm of the vehicle that powers the rear wheel. Infact, the transmission case is a part of the swing arm itself. One end is attached to the frame where it pivots while the rear wheel is at the other end.
The casing has a drive gear which gets its power from the motor’s shaft which transmits power to the gear located at the other end of the transmission casing. The actual transmission duties are handled by what TVS calls an endless transmission drive. This appears to be nothing but a version of a CVT gearbox which is driven by either a belt or a chain.
Suitability of mid-mounted motors
Now, coming to the benefits of the mid-mounted motors, the first one is the fact that larger motors can be integrated into the scooter body. Further a transmission can also be used instead of a fixed speed reduction like in most hub motors. This set-up is used by the likes of Ather 450X, Ola S1 Po and more.
The higher power will offer a much better acceleration along with improved top speed and regenerative braking to name a few.
The first scooter to come with this in the TVS family could be the iQube ST, the new top-end variant of the iQube which was announced a while back but hasn’t reached the shelves yet.
Also Read – TVS planning multiple EVs in 18 months.
