Electric vehicle

Abstract

The electric vehicle is provided with a first row of seats and a second row of seats positioned rearward of the first row of seats on a vehicle floor. In an electric vehicle, left and right seats are arranged as first row seats. An electric vehicle is provided with a central aisle between seats. The central passage is disposed below the vehicle floor and above the battery. A vehicle-mounted charger, a battery ECU, and a branch box, which are battery-related devices, are disposed inside the central channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to electric vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-158688 discloses an electric vehicle with a battery installed under the floor of the vehicle in the passenger compartment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-158688 did not disclose, as part of the vehicle's lower structure, a structure related to battery-related equipment for charging the battery and distributing power supplied from the battery. In electric vehicles where the battery is located under the floor, there is room for improvement regarding the location of the battery-related equipment.

[0004] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an electric vehicle is provided that uses electricity stored in a battery to drive drive wheels. The electric vehicle includes: a first motor and a second motor, which are motors serving as power sources for driving drive wheels; a battery that stores electricity supplied to the first motor and the second motor; a plurality of battery-associated devices; a first mechatronic unit including a first power control device supplying power to the first motor and the first motor; and a second mechatronic unit including a second power control device supplying power to the second motor and the second motor. The battery is disposed below the vehicle floor and between the front and rear wheels. The first mechatronic unit is disposed further forward than the battery, and the second mechatronic unit is disposed further rearward than the battery. A first row of seats and a second row of seats located further rearward than the first row of seats are provided on the vehicle floor. The first row of seats consists of two seats arranged side-by-side. A central aisle is provided between the two seats. The central aisle is disposed below the vehicle floor and above the battery. The central tunnel extends from the front to the rear of the vehicle floor. Battery-related equipment is located inside the central tunnel. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the electrical system and drive system in an electric vehicle according to one embodiment.

[0006] Figure 2 This shows the components of the application. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the gear shift lever of a manual transmission simulation device in an electric vehicle, which has an electrical system and a drive system.

[0007] Figure 3 This demonstrates the use of the structure Figure 2 A line graph showing the torque characteristics of each gear selected by the shift lever of a manual transmission simulator.

[0008] Figure 4 This shows the application. Figure 1A schematic diagram of the configuration of equipment in an electric vehicle, including its electrical and drive systems.

[0009] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle on line 5-5.

[0010] Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the electric vehicles on line 6-6.

[0011] Figure 7 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the electric vehicles on line 7-7. Detailed Implementation

[0012] The following is for reference Figures 1-7 This describes an electric vehicle 10 according to one embodiment. Furthermore, in the following description, "front," "rear," "left," "right," "up," and "down" refer to "front," "rear," "left," "right," "up," and "down" as viewed from the perspective of a passenger when the electric vehicle 10 is facing forward. The left-right direction is consistent with the width direction of the electric vehicle 10.

[0013] <Regarding the equipment in electric vehicles>

[0014] like Figure 1 As shown, the electric vehicle 10 includes a front wheel 11, a rear wheel 12, a first mechatronic unit 13, a second mechatronic unit 14, a battery 15, a first drive shaft 23, a second drive shaft 24, and a charging port 19. The first mechatronic unit 13 includes a first power control device 131, a first motor 132, and a power transmission mechanism (not shown). The second mechatronic unit 14 includes a second power control device 141, a second motor 142, and a power transmission mechanism (not shown). Furthermore, in the electric vehicle 10, as battery-related equipment, it includes an on-board charger 20, a battery ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 21, and a branch box 22. The branch box 22 includes a disconnect relay 25. The ECU includes a CPU and a memory storing control programs and data. The ECU performs various control-related processes by executing the programs stored in the memory through the CPU.

[0015] <Regarding the electrical system of electric vehicle 10>

[0016] Figure 1The broken line shown indicates a wiring. The charging port 19 and the on-board charger 20 are electrically connected by a wiring 100. The junction box 22 and the battery 15 are electrically connected by a wiring 110. The battery ECU 21 and the battery 15 are electrically connected by a wiring 120. The junction box 22 and the first electric power control device 131 are electrically connected by a wiring 130. The junction box 22 and the second electric power control device 141 are electrically connected by a wiring 140. The junction box 22 and the on-board charger 20 are electrically connected by a wiring 101. The junction box 22 and the battery ECU 21 are electrically connected by a wiring 150.

[0017] The shift lever 26 and the shift ECU 27 are electrically connected by a wiring 32. The shift ECU 27 and the first electric power control device 131 are electrically connected by a wiring 160. The shift ECU 27 and the second electric power control device 141 are electrically connected by a wiring 170. The hand brake lever 28 and the switch ECU 29 are electrically connected by a wiring 33. The switch ECU 29 and the electric parking brake 31 are electrically connected by a wiring 180.

[0018] <Concerning the battery-related devices provided to the electric vehicle 10>

[0019] The on-board charger 20, which is a battery-related device, is a device that charges the battery 15 with electric power from an external charging device present outside the electric vehicle 10. The on-board charger 20 is input with alternating-current electric power from an alternating-current power source connected to the charging port 19 via the wiring 100. A charging plug of the external charging device is inserted into the charging port 19. The charging port 19 and the on-board charger 20 are used for ordinary charging using an alternating-current power source of 100 V or 200 V, etc. The on-board charger 20 converts the input alternating-current electric power into direct-current electric power. The on-board charger 20 inputs the direct-current electric power converted by the on-board charger 20 to the battery 15 via the wiring 101, the junction box 22, and the wiring 110. Thus, the battery 15 is charged with the external charging device.

[0020] The battery ECU 21 that is a battery-related device is a device that controls charging and discharging of the battery 15. The battery ECU 21 acquires information of an input current, an output current, a voltage, a temperature, and the like of the battery 15 via a wiring 120 that connects the battery ECU 21 and the battery 15. The battery ECU 21 estimates a capacity CH of the battery 15, a full charge capacity CHmax of the battery 15, a state of charge SOC of the battery 15, and a state of health SOH of the battery 15, based on the acquired information. The capacity CH of the battery 15 is an amount of electric power that the battery 15 accumulates at a point in time at which the battery ECU 21 acquires the information. The full charge capacity CHmax of the battery 15 is a maximum value of an amount of electric power that the battery 15 can accumulate at the point in time at which the battery ECU 21 acquires the information. The state of charge SOC of the battery 15 is a value obtained by dividing the full charge capacity CHmax by the capacity CH. The state of health SOH of the battery 15 is an index indicating to what extent the full charge capacity CHmax of the battery 15 at the point in time at which the battery ECU 21 acquires the information is reduced as compared with the full charge capacity CHmax of the battery 15 at the time of factory shipment. The battery ECU 21 controls charging and discharging of the battery 15 based on the capacity CH, the full charge capacity CHmax, the state of charge SOC, and the state of health SOH of the battery 15.

[0021] The battery ECU 21 that is a battery-related device is a device that controls charging and discharging of the battery 15. The battery ECU 21 acquires information of an input current, an output current, a voltage, a temperature, and the like of the battery 15 via a wiring 120 that connects the battery ECU 21 and the battery 15. The battery ECU 21 estimates a capacity CH of the battery 15, a full charge capacity CHmax of the battery 15, a state of charge SOC of the battery 15, and a state of health SOH of the battery 15, based on the acquired information. The capacity CH of the battery 15 is an amount of electric power that the battery 15 accumulates at a point in time at which the battery ECU 21 acquires the information. The full charge capacity CHmax of the battery 15 is a maximum value of an amount of electric power that the battery 15 can accumulate at the point in time at which the battery ECU 21 acquires the information. The state of charge SOC of the battery 15 is a value obtained by dividing the full charge capacity CHmax by the capacity CH. The state of health SOH of the battery 15 is an index indicating to what extent the full charge capacity CHmax of the battery 15 at the point in time at which the battery ECU 21 acquires the information is reduced as compared with the full charge capacity CHmax of the battery 15 at the time of factory shipment. The battery ECU 21 controls charging and discharging of the battery 15 based on the capacity CH, the full charge capacity CHmax, the state of charge SOC, and the state of health SOH of the battery 15.

[0022] The battery ECU 21 that is a battery-related device is a device that controls charging and discharging of the battery 15. The battery ECU 21 acquires information of an input current, an output current, a voltage, a temperature, and the like of the battery 15 via a wiring 120 that connects the battery ECU 21 and the battery 15. The battery ECU 21 estimates a capacity CH of the battery 15, a full charge capacity CHmax of the battery 15, a state of charge SOC of the battery 15, and a state of health SOH of the battery 15, based on the acquired information. The capacity CH of the battery 15 is an amount of electric power that the battery 15 accumulates at a point in time at which the battery ECU 21 acquires the information. The full charge capacity CHmax of the battery 15 is a maximum value of an amount of electric power that the battery 15 can accumulate at the point in time at which the battery ECU 21 acquires the information. The state of charge SOC of the battery 15 is a value obtained by dividing the full charge capacity CHmax by the capacity CH. The state of health SOH of the battery 15 is an index indicating to what extent the full charge capacity CHmax of the battery 15 at the point in time at which the battery ECU 21 acquires the information is reduced as compared with the full charge capacity CHmax of the battery 15 at the time of factory shipment. The battery ECU 21 controls charging and discharging of the battery 15 based on the capacity CH, the full charge capacity CHmax, the state of charge SOC, and the state of health SOH of the battery 15.

[0023] The junction box 22 is provided with a cut-off relay 25. The cut-off relay 25 is a relay circuit that switches the electric power supplied from the battery 15 via the wiring 110 to either a connection state in which electric conduction is enabled or a cut-off state in which electric conduction is disabled. In the case where the cut-off relay 25 is in the cut-off state, the battery 15 and the junction box 22 are electrically cut off. Thereby, the device connected to the junction box 22 via the wiring is also electrically cut off from the battery 15.

[0024] <Regarding the drive system of the electric vehicle 10>

[0025] The first motor 132 and the second motor 142 are motors that serve as power sources that drive the drive wheels. The battery 15 accumulates electric power that is supplied to the first motor 132 and the second motor 142. That is, the electric vehicle 10 drives the drive wheels using the electric power accumulated in the battery 15. The first motor 132 drives the front wheels 11 via the first drive shaft 23. That is, the front wheels 11 are drive wheels. The second motor 142 drives the rear wheels 12 via the second drive shaft 24. That is, the rear wheels 12 are drive wheels.

[0026] The first power control device 131 is a power control device that supplies electric power to the first motor 132. The first power control device 131 includes an inverter that converts the direct-current electric power supplied from the battery 15 via the junction box 22 into alternating-current electric power and supplies the electric power to the first motor 132. The second power control device 141 is a power control device that supplies electric power to the second motor 142. The second power control device 141 includes an inverter that converts the direct-current electric power supplied from the battery 15 via the junction box 22 into alternating-current electric power and supplies the electric power to the second motor 142.

[0027] The mechatronic unit can also be provided with a device other than the inverter as the power control device. For example, the mechatronic unit can be provided with, in addition to the inverter, a DCDC converter that steps up the direct-current electric power supplied from the battery 15 via the junction box 22. In this case, the inverter provided as the power control device converts the direct-current electric power supplied from the DCDC converter into alternating-current electric power and supplies the electric power to the motor. The mechatronic unit can be provided with an ECU that controls the electric power supplied to the motor as the power control device.

[0028] <Regarding the structure of the manual shift simulation device>

[0029] As Figure 1As shown, the electric vehicle 10 is provided with a manual transmission simulation device composed of a shift lever 26 and a shift ECU 27. The manual transmission simulation device is a device that simulates the feeling of operation of a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission. The shift lever 26 is a lever that is operated by the driver in order to select a shift position. The shift ECU 27 stores a plurality of torque characteristics. The shift ECU 27 controls the first motor 132 and the second motor 142 in accordance with a torque characteristic that corresponds to a shift position selected by the driver using the shift lever 26. The torque characteristics will be described later.

[0030] As shown, the shift lever 26 is configured to be able to move in a selection path 261 that extends in the left-right direction of the electric vehicle 10 and a plurality of shift paths 262, 263, 264 that are orthogonal to the selection path 261, similarly to the shift lever in a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission. The shift path 262, the shift path 263, and the shift path 264 are disposed along the front-rear direction. The shift path 265 is disposed from the selection path 261 toward the front direction. Figure 2

[0031] The shift lever 26 is configured so that the driver can manually select a plurality of shift positions that simulate the gearshift in a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission. The driver can select a shift position assigned to the end of each shift path by moving the shift lever 26 to the end of the shift path.

[0032] The driver can select a shift position "1" by moving the shift lever 26 to the front direction end of the shift path 262. The driver can select a shift position "2" by moving the shift lever 26 to the rear direction end of the shift path 262. The driver can select a shift position "3" by moving the shift lever 26 to the front direction end of the shift path 263. The driver can select a shift position "4" by moving the shift lever 26 to the rear direction end of the shift path 263. The driver can select a shift position "5" by moving the shift lever 26 to the front direction end of the shift path 264. The driver can select a shift position "6" by moving the shift lever 26 to the rear direction end of the shift path 264. The driver can select a shift position "R" by moving the shift lever 26 to the front direction end of the shift path 265. The shift lever 26 is configured so that the driver can select a neutral state in a manual transmission vehicle as a shift position by moving the shift lever 26 in the selection path 261. In the case where the driver selects the shift position "R", the electric vehicle 10 performs reverse driving in accordance with the accelerator operation of the driver.

[0033] <Regarding the control of the first motor 132 and the second motor 142 using the manual transmission simulation device>

[0034] Figure 3 ​is a line graph showing the torque characteristics stored in the shift ECU 27. The torque characteristics are the relationship between the torque of the motor output and the rotational speed of the motor. The shift ECU 27 stores a plurality of torque characteristics in which the relationship between the rotational speed and the torque of the motor is different in stages. The torque characteristics stored in the shift ECU 27 simulate the driving force characteristics in a manual transmission vehicle.

[0035] The shift ECU 27 stores a plurality of torque characteristics. Each of the plurality of torque characteristics corresponds to each of the plurality of shift positions selected by the shift lever 26. The shift ECU 27 controls the first motor 132 in accordance with the torque characteristics corresponding to the shift position selected by the driver. That is, the shift ECU 27 determines the torque output by the first motor 132 in accordance with the torque characteristics corresponding to the shift position selected by the driver and the rotational speed of the first motor 132. Also, the shift ECU 27 controls the first motor 132 via the first power control device 131 in such a manner that the first motor 132 outputs the torque. The shift ECU 27 controls the second motor 142 in accordance with the torque characteristics corresponding to the shift position selected by the driver. That is, the shift ECU 27 determines the torque output by the second motor 142 in accordance with the torque characteristics corresponding to the shift position selected by the driver and the rotational speed of the second motor 142. Also, the shift ECU 27 controls the second motor 142 via the second power control device 141 in such a manner that the second motor 142 outputs the torque.

[0036] In a case where the driver selects the shift position "1" using the shift lever 26, the shift ECU 27 controls the first motor 132 via the first power control device 131 in such a manner that the rotational speed and the torque output by the first motor 132 are in accordance with the torque characteristics "1". In a case where the driver selects the shift position "1" using the shift lever 26, the shift ECU 27 controls the second motor 142 via the second power control device 141 in such a manner that the rotational speed and the torque output by the second motor 142 are in accordance with the torque characteristics "1".

[0037] In a case where the driver selects the shift position "2" using the shift lever 26, the shift ECU 27 controls the first motor 132 via the first power control device 131 in such a manner that the rotational speed and the torque output by the first motor 132 are in accordance with the torque characteristics "2". In a case where the driver selects the shift position "2" using the shift lever 26, the shift ECU 27 controls the second motor 142 via the second power control device 141 in such a manner that the rotational speed and the torque output by the second motor 142 are in accordance with the torque characteristics "2".

[0038] In a case where the driver selects the shift range "3" with the shift lever 26, the shift ECU 27 controls the first motor 132 via the first electric power control device 131 in such a manner that the rotation speed and the torque outputted from the first motor 132 follow the torque characteristics "3". In a case where the driver selects the shift range "3" with the shift lever 26, the shift ECU 27 controls the second motor 142 via the second electric power control device 141 in such a manner that the rotation speed and the torque outputted from the second motor 142 follow the torque characteristics "3".

[0039] In a case where the driver selects the shift range "4" with the shift lever 26, the shift ECU 27 controls the first motor 132 via the first electric power control device 131 in such a manner that the rotation speed and the torque outputted from the first motor 132 follow the torque characteristics "4". In a case where the driver selects the shift range "4" with the shift lever 26, the shift ECU 27 controls the second motor 142 via the second electric power control device 141 in such a manner that the rotation speed and the torque outputted from the second motor 142 follow the torque characteristics "4".

[0040] In a case where the driver selects the shift range "5" with the shift lever 26, the shift ECU 27 controls the first motor 132 via the first electric power control device 131 in such a manner that the rotation speed and the torque outputted from the first motor 132 follow the torque characteristics "5". In a case where the driver selects the shift range "5" with the shift lever 26, the shift ECU 27 controls the second motor 142 via the second electric power control device 141 in such a manner that the rotation speed and the torque outputted from the second motor 142 follow the torque characteristics "5".

[0041] In a case where the driver selects the shift range "6" with the shift lever 26, the shift ECU 27 controls the first motor 132 via the first electric power control device 131 in such a manner that the rotation speed and the torque outputted from the first motor 132 follow the torque characteristics "6". In a case where the driver selects the shift range "6" with the shift lever 26, the shift ECU 27 controls the second motor 142 via the second electric power control device 141 in such a manner that the rotation speed and the torque outputted from the second motor 142 follow the torque characteristics "6".

[0042] <Concerning the parking brake system>

[0043] As Figure 1As shown, the electric vehicle 10 is provided with a parking brake system composed of an electric parking brake 31, a hand brake lever 28, and a switch ECU 29. The electric parking brake 31 brakes the rear wheels 12 by operation. The hand brake lever 28 is a switch operated by the driver. The switch ECU 29 controls the electric parking brake 31 according to the position of the hand brake lever 28. In the case where the hand brake lever 28 is pulled up, the switch ECU 29 operates the electric parking brake 31. Thus, the rear wheels 12 are braked by the electric parking brake 31. In the case where the hand brake lever 28 is put down, the switch ECU 29 does not operate the electric parking brake 31.

[0044] <Internal configuration of the electric vehicle 10>

[0045] Figure 4 The configuration of the equipment under the plan view of the electric vehicle 10 is schematically shown. The battery 15 shown by the broken line is disposed lower than the floor 16. The first mechatronic unit 13 is disposed more forward than the battery 15. The second mechatronic unit 14 is disposed more rearward than the battery 15. The battery 15 is disposed between the first mechatronic unit 13 and the second mechatronic unit 14. The battery 15 is disposed between the front wheels 11 and the rear wheels 12.

[0046] The electric vehicle 10 is provided with the first row of seats 17 and the second row of seats 18 above the floor 16. The electric vehicle 10 is provided with the second row of seats 18 more rearward than the first row of seats 17. In the electric vehicle 10, as the first row of seats 17, there are provided the seat 17A disposed on the right side and the seat 17B disposed on the left side. The seat 17A and the seat 17B are disposed in left and right alignment. The central passage 30 described later is located between the seat 17A and the seat 17B. The seat 17A is a driver's seat. In the electric vehicle 10, the seat 17B can be a driver's seat. The charging port 19 is disposed on the left side surface of the vehicle more rearward than the battery 15.

[0047] The on-board charger 20, the battery ECU 21, and the diverter box 22 shown by the broken line as the battery-related equipment are disposed above the battery 15 and inside the central passage 30. The on-board charger 20 is disposed more rearward than the center in the front-rear direction of the central passage 30. The diverter box 22 is provided with a cut-off relay 25.

[0048] The shift ECU 27 and the switch ECU 29 shown by the broken line are disposed above the battery 15 and inside the central passage 30. The on-board charger 20, the battery ECU 21, the diverter box 22, the shift ECU 27, and the switch ECU 29 are disposed in the order of the shift ECU 27, the switch ECU 29, the diverter box 22, the battery ECU 21, and the on-board charger 20 from the front.

[0049] The gear shift lever 26 and the handbrake lever 28 are mounted on the central aisle 30. The handbrake lever 28 is positioned rearward compared to the gear shift lever 26. The gear shift lever 26 and the handbrake lever 28 are positioned between seats 17A and 17B, which are seats in the first row 17.

[0050] <Regarding the interior structure near seat 17 in row 1>

[0051] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 10 electric vehicles in the middle, along Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the cross-section along line 5-5. (Using...) Figure 5 This describes the positional relationship between seat 17 in the first row, center aisle 30, handbrake lever 28, and switch ECU 29. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the floor 16 is curved upwards in a convex shape. Thus, the electric vehicle 10 forms a central aisle 30 located below the floor 16 and above the battery 15. The first row of seats 17 consists of seat 17A, located to the right of the central aisle 30, and seat 17B, located to the left of the central aisle 30. Seats 17A and 17B are independent seats. Seat surface 171A is the seat surface of seat 17A. Seat surface 171B is the seat surface of seat 17B.

[0052] A handbrake lever 28 is provided above the central aisle 30 between seats 17A and 17B. A switch ECU 29 is provided inside the central aisle 30 between seats 17A and 17B. The switch ECU 29 is disposed above the battery 15. No battery-connecting device is provided below the seat surfaces 171A and 171B.

[0053] <Regarding the interior structure near seat 18 in row 2>

[0054] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 10 electric vehicles in the middle, along Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the cross-section along line 6-6. (Using...) Figure 6 This explains the positional relationship between seat 18 in the second row, the central aisle 30, and the battery ECU 21. For example... Figure 6As shown, the floor panel 16 is curved upwards towards the vehicle. Thus, the electric vehicle 10 forms a central aisle 30 located below the floor panel 16 and above the battery 15. The seat surfaces 181 in the second row of seats 18 are curved upwards towards the vehicle in accordance with the curvature of the floor panel 16. The seat surfaces 181 are composed of a seat surface 181R located to the right of the central aisle 30, a seat surface 181C located above the central aisle 30, and a seat surface 181L located to the left of the central aisle 30. Seat surfaces 181R, 181C, and 181L are continuous. Seat surface 181R is the seat surface 181 of the right-hand seat in the second row of seats 18. Seat surface 181L is the seat surface 181 of the left-hand seat in the second row of seats 18. Seat surface 181R and seat surface 181L are positioned lower than seat surface 181C.

[0055] A battery ECU 21 is disposed inside the central aisle 30, below the second row of seats 18 and above the battery 15. The battery ECU 21 is disposed overlapping the battery 15. The battery ECU 21 is disposed below the seat surface 181C. No battery-related devices are disposed below the seat surfaces 181R and 181L.

[0056] <Regarding the internal structure of the electric vehicle 10 from a side view>

[0057] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 10 electric vehicles in the middle, along Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the cross-section of line 7-7 in the diagram. Figure 7 The diagram schematically illustrates the internal structure of the electric vehicle 10 as viewed from the left side, from a side view. (Example) Figure 7 As shown, the central aisle 30 extends in the longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle 10.

[0058] The on-board charger 20, battery ECU 21, and branch box 22, which are battery-related devices, are disposed above the battery 15 and inside the central channel 30. The on-board charger 20 is disposed further rearward than the center in the longitudinal direction of the central channel 30. The branch box 22 has a disconnect relay 25. The shift ECU 27 and switch ECU 29 are disposed above the battery 15 and inside the central channel 30. The on-board charger 20, battery ECU 21, branch box 22, shift ECU 27, and switch ECU 29 are arranged in the following order from front to back: shift ECU 27, switch ECU 29, branch box 22, battery ECU 21, and on-board charger 20.

[0059] The gear shift lever 26 and the handbrake lever 28 are mounted on the central tunnel 30. The handbrake lever 28 is positioned further rearward than the gear shift lever 26.

[0060] <Effects of the Embodiment>

[0061] In the electric vehicle 10, the battery-related devices, the on-board charger 20, the battery ECU 21, and the junction box 22 are disposed inside the center passage 30. Thus, compared with a vehicle in which the battery-related devices are disposed below the seat surfaces 171A, 171B, the seat surface 181L, and the seat surface 181R in the seats 17A, 17B, and the second-row seats 18 without the center passage 30, the electric vehicle 10 can lower the seat surfaces 171A, 171B, and 181. Specifically, the electric vehicle 10 can lower the positions of the seat surfaces 171A, 171B, the seat surface 181R on which an occupant sits in the second-row seats 18, and the seat surface 181L. Thus, the seating position of the occupant can be lowered, and thus the electric vehicle 10 can lower the vehicle height.

[0062] <Effects of the Embodiment>

[0063] (1) The electric vehicle 10 can achieve a design in which the vehicle height is lowered.

[0064] (2) In the electric vehicle 10, the battery ECU 21 that controls charging and discharging of the battery 15 is provided as a battery-related device. The battery ECU 21 is disposed inside the center passage 30. That is, the battery ECU 21 is disposed lower than the vehicle floor 16 and higher than the battery 15. The distance between the battery ECU 21 and the battery 15 in the electric vehicle 10 is shorter than that in a vehicle in which the battery ECU 21 is disposed outside the center passage 30. Therefore, in the electric vehicle 10, the wiring 120 that connects the battery 15 and the battery ECU 21 can be made short. If the wiring 120 is short, the weight of the wiring 120 is reduced. That is, the weight of the electric vehicle 10 is reduced. In addition, if the wiring 120 is short, the power loss in the wiring 120 is reduced. Further, the electric vehicle 10 can reduce the power loss in the wiring 120 that connects the battery 15 and the battery ECU 21.

[0065] (3) In the electric vehicle 10, as the battery-associated device, there is provided the distribution box 22 that distributes the electric power supplied from the battery 15. The distribution box 22 is disposed inside the center passage 30. That is, the distribution box 22 is disposed more downward than the vehicle floor 16 and more upward than the battery 15. The electric vehicle 10 is shorter in distance between the distribution box 22 and the battery 15 than a vehicle in which the distribution box 22 is disposed outside the center passage 30. Therefore, in the electric vehicle 10, the wiring 110 that connects the battery 15 and the distribution box 22 can be made short. If the wiring 110 is short, the weight of the wiring 110 is reduced. That is, the weight of the electric vehicle 10 is reduced. In addition to this, if the wiring 110 is short, the electric power loss in the wiring 110 is reduced. Further, the electric vehicle 10 can reduce the electric power loss in the wiring 110 that connects the battery 15 and the distribution box 22.

[0066] (4) The electric vehicle 10 is provided with the charging port 19 into which a charging plug is inserted from the outside of the electric vehicle 10. The charging port 19 is connected to the on-board charger 20 with the wiring 100. The charging port 19 is disposed more rearward than the battery 15 and the left side surface of the electric vehicle 10. The on-board charger 20 is disposed inside the center passage 30 and more rearward than the center in the front-rear direction of the center passage 30. The electric vehicle 10 is shorter in distance between the on-board charger 20 and the charging port 19 than a vehicle in which the charging port 19 is disposed more forward than the battery 15. Therefore, in the electric vehicle 10, the wiring 100 that connects the on-board charger 20 and the charging port 19 can be made short. If the wiring 100 is short, the weight of the wiring 100 is reduced. That is, the weight of the electric vehicle 10 is reduced. If the wiring 100 is short, the electric power loss in the wiring 100 is reduced. Further, the electric vehicle 10 can reduce the electric power loss in the wiring 100 that connects the on-board charger 20 and the charging port 19.

[0067] (5) The distribution box 22 is provided with the cut-off relay 25 that cuts off the electric power supplied from the battery 15. Sometimes, a high voltage is applied to the wiring 110 that connects the distribution box 22 and the battery 15. The distribution box 22 is disposed more downward than the vehicle floor 16 and upward than the battery 15. Therefore, the electric vehicle 10 can cut off the electric power of a high voltage supplied from the battery 15 with the cut-off relay 25 at a position close to the battery 15, compared with a vehicle in which the cut-off relay 25 is disposed outside the center passage 30. Thus, the electric vehicle 10 can ensure higher safety.

[0068] (6) The electric vehicle 10 is provided with a manual transmission simulation device composed of a shift lever 26 and a shift ECU 27. The manual transmission simulation device is a device that simulates the feeling of operation of a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission. The shift lever 26 is a device that is operated by the driver in order to select a shift position. The shift ECU 27 controls the first motor 132 and the second motor 142 with a torque characteristic that corresponds to the shift position selected by the shift lever 26. In the electric vehicle 10, the shift ECU 27 is disposed inside the center passage 30. Thereby, for example, compared with a vehicle in which the shift ECU 27 is disposed below the seat surface 171A in the seat 17A, the electric vehicle 10 can lower the seat surface 171A. Thereby, the seating position of the occupant can be lowered, so the electric vehicle 10 can lower the vehicle height. Further, the electric vehicle 10 is provided with the manual transmission simulation device. Thereby, the driver of the electric vehicle 10 can operate the electric vehicle 10 with a torque characteristic that corresponds to the shift position selected by the driver's own intention. Therefore, the above-described electric vehicle 10 can provide the driver of the electric vehicle 10 with the pleasure of operating a manual transmission device. The electric vehicle 10 can realize a design in which the vehicle height is lowered, and provide the driver of the electric vehicle 10 with the pleasure of operating a manual transmission device.

[0069] (7) The electric vehicle 10 is provided with a parking brake system composed of an electric parking brake 31, a hand brake lever 28, and a switch ECU 29. The electric parking brake 31 brakes the rear wheels 12 by working. The hand brake lever 28 is a switch that is operated by the driver. The switch ECU 29 controls the electric parking brake 31 in accordance with the position of the hand brake lever 28. The hand brake lever 28 is disposed between the seats 17A and 17B that are the first-row seats 17 and above the center passage 30. The switch ECU 29 is disposed inside the center passage 30. In the electric vehicle 10, the switch ECU 29 in the parking brake system is disposed inside the center passage 30. Thereby, for example, compared with a vehicle in which the switch ECU 29 is disposed below the seat surface 171B in the seat 17B, the electric vehicle 10 can lower the seat surface 171B. Thereby, the seating position of the occupant can be lowered, so the electric vehicle 10 can lower the vehicle height. The electric vehicle 10 is provided with the parking brake system, and can realize a design in which the vehicle height is lowered.

[0070] (8) In the electric vehicle 10, as a switch that sends a signal to the switch ECU 29, the hand brake lever 28 is provided. The electric vehicle 10 is provided with the central passage 30. The electric vehicle 10 is provided with the shift lever 26 and the hand brake lever 28 above the central passage 30 and between the seats 17A and 17B of the first row seats 17. The hand brake lever 28 is disposed further rearward than the shift lever 26. The seat 17A of the first row seats 17 is the driver's seat. Thus, the electric vehicle 10, although it is an electric vehicle, can realize a layout of the driver's seat similar to that of a conventional sports car that is provided with the central passage 30, the shift lever 26, and the hand brake lever 28. Therefore, the electric vehicle 10 can provide the driver of the electric vehicle 10 with a feeling of riding a conventional sports car.

[0071] <Modification example>

[0072] The present embodiment can be implemented as described below. The present embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a range in which they are not technically contradictory.

[0073] • When the on-board charger 20 is disposed inside the central passage 30 and further rearward in the front-rear direction of the central passage 30, the charging port 19 can also be disposed further rearward than the battery 15 on the right side surface of the vehicle. In this case, the distance between the on-board charger 20 and the charging port 19 is also short. Therefore, in the electric vehicle 10, the wiring 100 that connects the on-board charger 20 and the charging port 19 can also be made short.

[0074] • As long as the battery ECU 21 is disposed inside the central passage 30, the battery 15 and the battery ECU 21 can also be connected by means other than the wiring 120. For example, the battery 15 and the battery ECU 21 can also be connected by a bus bar. As long as the junction box 22 is disposed inside the central passage 30, the battery 15 and the junction box 22 can also be connected by means other than the wiring 110. For example, the battery 15 and the junction box 22 can also be connected by a bus bar.

[0075] • In the electric vehicle 10, the junction box 22 can also not be provided with the cut-off relay 25. For example, the battery 15 can be provided with the cut-off relay 25. In this case, the electric vehicle 10 can also cut off the high-voltage power supplied from the battery 15 by the cut-off relay 25 at a position close to the battery 15.

[0076] • In the electric vehicle 10, as long as the shift ECU 27 is disposed inside the central passage 30, the shift ECU 27 can also be disposed further rearward than the battery-related devices.

[0077] In the electric vehicle 10, the switch ECU 29 can be disposed further rearward than the battery-related device, as long as the switch ECU 29 is disposed inside the center passage 30.

[0078] In the electric vehicle 10, the charging port 19 can be disposed further forward than the battery 15, as long as the battery-related device is disposed inside the center passage 30. In this case, the electric vehicle 10 can lower the seat surface 171A, the seat surface 171B, and the seat surfaces 181 more than a vehicle in which the battery-related device is disposed under the seat surface 171A in the seat 17A, the seat surface 171B in the seat 17B, the seat surface 181L on the left in the second-row seat 18, and the seat surface 181R on the right. Specifically, the electric vehicle 10 can lower the positions of the seat surface 171A, the seat surface 171B, the seat surface 181R on which an occupant of the second-row seat 18 sits, and the seat surface 181L. Thus, the seating position of the occupant can be lowered, and therefore the electric vehicle 10 can lower the vehicle height.

[0079] The electric vehicle 10 can be configured so that a direct-current power source can be used as an external charging device that charges the battery 15. For example, the charging port 19 can be configured to be used for rapid charging using a direct-current high-voltage power source of 50 kW or the like. In this case, the charging port 19 is electrically connected to the diverter box 22 in addition to the on-board charger 20. For example, the charging port 19 and the diverter box 22 can be electrically connected by a wire. Thus, direct-current power input from a direct-current power source connected to the charging port 19 is supplied to the battery 15 via the diverter box 22.

[0080] In the electric vehicle 10, the handbrake lever 28 can be disposed further forward than the shift lever 26. In the electric vehicle 10, the handbrake lever 28 can be disposed on the right side or the left side of the shift lever 26. The electric vehicle 10 can be configured so that the shift lever 26 and the handbrake lever 28 are disposed in accordance with the configuration of the shift lever and the handbrake lever in the driver's seat of a conventional sports car that is attempted to reproduce.

[0081] The switch that configures the parking brake system of the electric vehicle 10 is not limited to the handbrake lever 28. For example, in the electric vehicle 10, a push-button type switch can be provided as the switch that configures the parking brake system.

[0082] In the electric vehicle 10, the parking brake system configured of the electric parking brake 31, the handbrake lever 28 as the switch, and the switch ECU 29 can not be provided, as long as the battery-related device is disposed inside the center passage 30.

[0083] In the electric vehicle 10, as long as the battery-associated device is provided inside the central passage 30, the manual transmission simulation device composed of the shift lever 26 and the shift ECU 27 can be omitted.

Claims

1. An electric vehicle that drives drive wheels using electric power stored in a battery, wherein the electric vehicle is provided with: a first motor and a second motor that are power sources that drive the drive wheels; the battery that stores electric power supplied to the first motor and the second motor; a plurality of battery-related devices; a first mechatronic unit that includes a first power control device that supplies electric power to the first motor and the first motor; and a second mechatronic unit that includes a second power control device that supplies electric power to the second motor and the second motor, the battery is disposed below a floor of the vehicle and between a front wheel and a rear wheel, the first mechatronic unit is disposed further forward than the battery, the second mechatronic unit is disposed further rearward than the battery, a first row of seats and a second row of seats disposed further rearward than the first row of seats are disposed on the floor of the vehicle, as the first row of seats, two seats are arranged side by side, a center aisle is disposed between the two seats, the center aisle is disposed further downward than the floor of the vehicle and further upward than the battery, the center aisle is disposed from a front to a rear in the floor of the vehicle, the battery-related devices are disposed inside the center aisle. Further, 2. The electric vehicle of claim 1, wherein, as the battery-related devices, an on-board charger that charges the battery with electric power from outside is provided.

3. The electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein as the battery-related devices, a battery ECU that controls charge and discharge of the battery is provided. Further, 4. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein as the battery-related devices, a diverter box that diverges electric power supplied from the battery is provided.

5. The electric vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the electric vehicle is provided with a charging port into which a charging plug is inserted from outside the electric vehicle, the charging port is connected to the on-board charger with a wire, the charging port is disposed further rearward than the battery and at a side of the electric vehicle, the on-board charger is disposed inside the center aisle and further rearward than the center in a front-rear direction of the center aisle.

6. The electric vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the diverter box is provided with a cut-off relay that cuts off electric power supplied from the battery. Further provided are:

7. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a shift lever that is operated by a driver to select a shift range; a shift ECU that controls the first motor and the second motor with a torque characteristic corresponding to the shift range selected with the shift lever; and a manual transmission simulation device that simulates an operation feeling of a vehicle in which a manual transmission is mounted, the shift lever is disposed between the two seats and above the center aisle, the shift ECU is disposed inside the center aisle. Further, 8. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the electric vehicle is provided with a parking brake system that includes an electric parking brake that brakes the rear wheel by operation, a switch that is operated by a driver, and a switch ECU that controls the electric parking brake in accordance with a position of the switch, the switch is disposed between the two seats and above the center aisle, the switch ECU is disposed inside the center aisle. ​ 9. The electric vehicle of claim 8, wherein, the switch is a hand brake lever, the hand brake lever is disposed between the two seats and is more rearward than a shift lever disposed over the center aisle.

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