Electric vehicle

Abstract

An electric vehicle is provided with a battery pack and a charging port. The battery pack is arranged below compared to a floor panel. The charging port is arranged on a side of the electric vehicle and above compared to the battery pack. The battery pack and the charging port are electrically connected by a cable. The cable extends from the charging port towards below, then along a wheel arch towards an inner side, and further from a lower end of the wheel arch below the floor panel towards the battery pack and is connected thereto.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-202889 discloses an electric vehicle with a battery unit installed under the vehicle floor.

[0003] In electric vehicles that can charge their batteries by connecting to an external power source, a charging port for connecting to the external power source is provided. The battery, located under the vehicle floor, is electrically connected to the charging port via a cable. There is a need to reduce interference between this cable and the components constituting the electric vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An electric vehicle according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: a passenger compartment; a floor panel forming the floor surface of the passenger compartment; a front compartment disposed at the front of the passenger compartment in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; wheel arches; a motor as a power source; battery cells configured to store electricity supplied to the motor; a battery pack housing the battery cells; and a charging port configured to connect to an external power source via a connector. The motor is disposed in the front compartment. The battery pack is disposed below the floor panel in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The charging port is disposed on the side of the electric vehicle and above the battery pack in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The battery pack and the charging port are electrically connected via a cable. The cable is routed from the charging port toward the lower vertical direction of the vehicle, then along the wheel arch toward the inner side in the width direction, and extends from the lower end of the wheel arch toward the battery pack from the lower vertical direction of the floor panel and connects to the battery pack. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the front of the electric vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0006] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows the configuration of the equipment in the electric vehicle.

[0007] Figure 3 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the drive system and the electrical system of the electric vehicle.

[0008] Figure 4 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows the electrical connection between the charging port and the battery pack of an electric vehicle.

[0009] Figure 5 It means to Figure 4 The diagram shows the structure of the cable that connects the charging port to the battery pack.

[0010] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the rear of the electric vehicle according to the second embodiment.

[0011] Figure 7 It means Figure 6 The diagram shows the configuration of the equipment in the electric vehicle.

[0012] Figure 8 It means Figure 6 The diagram shows the electrical connection between the charging port and the battery pack of an electric vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0013] (First Implementation)

[0014] The following is for reference Figures 1-5 The electric vehicle 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. In the following description, "front," "rear," "right," "left," "up," and "down" refer to "front," "rear," "right," "left," "up," and "down" as viewed from the perspective of a passenger facing the front of the electric vehicle 10. The left-right direction is consistent with the vehicle width direction.

[0015] <Composition of Electric Vehicle 10>

[0016] Figure 1 The internal structure of the front of the electric vehicle 10 is schematically shown when viewed from the left side.

[0017] like Figure 1 As shown, the electric vehicle 10 includes an instrument panel 11, a floor panel 12, and a battery pack 14. The instrument panel 11 divides the interior space of the electric vehicle 10 into a passenger compartment 10A and a front compartment 10B. The front compartment 10B is located at the front in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle compared to the passenger compartment 10A. The floor panel 12 forms the floor surface of the passenger compartment 10A. The battery pack 14 is disposed below the floor panel 12.

[0018] Figure 2 The diagram schematically illustrates the configuration of the equipment located below the floor panel 12 when viewed from above as an electric vehicle 10.

[0019] like Figure 2 As shown, the electric vehicle 10 has left and right front wheels 22 and left and right rear wheels 26. Furthermore, the electric vehicle 10 has left and right front wheel arches 23F and left and right rear wheel arches 23R, forming a plurality of wheel arches 23.

[0020] The left and right front wheel arches 23F are located in front of the battery pack 14. The left and right rear wheel arches 23R are located behind the battery pack 14.

[0021] The left and right front wheel arches 23F are the front right wheel arch 23FR and the front left wheel arch 23FL. The left and right rear wheel arches 23R are the rear right wheel arch 23RR and the rear left wheel arch 23RL.

[0022] The front right wheel arch 23FR houses the right front wheel 22. The front left wheel arch 23FL houses the left front wheel 22. The rear right wheel arch 23RR houses the right rear wheel 26. The rear left wheel arch 23RL houses the left rear wheel 26.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, a front left wheel arch 23FL that houses the left front wheel 22 is provided on the left side of the front of the electric vehicle 10. A partition 27 separates the front compartment 10B from the front left wheel arch 23FL. The partition 27 is composed of panel materials, frame materials, and resin covering materials that constitute the body of the electric vehicle 10. The front left wheel arch 23FL is located at the front relative to the battery pack 14.

[0024] The battery pack 14 internally houses multiple battery cells 14C. Figures 1-3 , Figure 6 ,as well as Figure 7 In the diagram, multiple battery cells 14C arranged within the battery pack 14 are marked with dashed lines. These multiple battery cells 14C store power for the first electric generator MG1, the second electric generator MG2, and the rear-wheel drive electric generator 16, which will be described later.

[0025] The electric vehicle 10 includes a charging port 30 that can be connected to an external power source to charge the battery cell 14C using power supplied from an external power source. The charging port 30 is located on the left side of the electric vehicle 10. The charging port 30 is positioned above the battery pack 14 on the side of the electric vehicle 10. The charging port 30 is positioned at the front of the battery pack 14. The charging port 30 is positioned rearwards relative to the front left wheel arch 23FL.

[0026] The charging port 30 can be connected to a connector for an external power source. Specifically, the charging port 30 is provided with a charging interface 31 for connecting a connector to an external power source. By connecting the connector to the charging interface 31, the electric vehicle 10 is connected to an external power source. The charging port 30 can also be connected to a DC power source for fast charging.

[0027] <Equipment Configuration of Electric Vehicle 10>

[0028] like Figure 2As shown, the electric vehicle 10 has an engine 40 and an electromechanical unit 13 in the front compartment 10B. The electromechanical unit 13 will be described later. The electric vehicle 10 has a battery pack 14, a fuel tank 15, and an electric generator 16 for rear-wheel drive.

[0029] The fuel tank 15 is located at the rear of the battery pack 14 and below the floor panel 12. The fuel tank 15 stores fuel supplied to the engine 40.

[0030] <Drive system and electrical system of electric vehicle 10>

[0031] Figure 3 The schematic diagram shows the configuration of the drive system and the structure of the electrical system of the electric vehicle 10. Figure 3 The dashed lines shown represent electrical connections.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, the electric vehicle 10 includes an engine 40, a first electric generator MG1, a second electric generator MG2, an electric control device 13B, a power distribution mechanism 80, and a reduction gear 90 in the front compartment 10B. The mechatronic unit 13 is a unit that integrates the first electric generator MG1, the second electric generator MG2, and the electric control device 13B. Thus, the engine 40 and one or more motors are arranged in the front compartment 10B, which is located forward compared to the passenger compartment 10A.

[0033] The electric vehicle 10 has a rear-wheel drive electric generator 16 and a rear-wheel reduction mechanism 91 behind the battery pack 14.

[0034] The engine 40 is connected to the left and right front wheels 22 via a power distribution mechanism 80 and a reduction mechanism 90. The power distribution mechanism 80 is a planetary gear mechanism. The power distribution mechanism 80 can distribute driving force among the engine 40, the first electric generator MG1, and the left and right front wheels 22. The power distribution mechanism 80 and the reduction mechanism 90 constitute a power transmission mechanism. The rotational power of the engine 40 is transmitted to the left and right front wheels 22 via the power transmission mechanism. The engine 40 is the power source of the electric vehicle 10.

[0035] The first electric generator MG1 is connected to the power distribution mechanism 80. The first electric generator MG1 is, for example, a three-phase AC electric generator. The first electric generator MG1 is electrically connected to the battery pack 14 via the power control device 13B.

[0036] The second electric generator MG2 is connected to the left and right front wheels 22 via a reduction gear 90. The second electric generator MG2 is, for example, a three-phase AC type electric generator. The second electric generator MG2 is electrically connected to the battery pack 14 via an electrical control device 13B.

[0037] The power control device 13B is electrically connected to the battery pack 14 via the first cable 51.

[0038] The first electric generator MG1 functions as an electric motor that generates rotational power based on the power supplied from the power control device 13B. The power control device 13B drives the first electric generator MG1. The rotational power of the first electric generator MG1 is transmitted to the left and right front wheels 22 via the power distribution mechanism 80 and the reduction mechanism 90. The first electric generator MG1 functions as the power source, i.e., the motor, of the electric vehicle 10. When starting the engine 40, the first electric generator MG1 also acts as a starter motor that drives the crankshaft, which is the output shaft of the engine 40.

[0039] The second electric generator MG2 functions as an electric motor that generates rotational power based on the power supplied from the power control device 13B. The power control device 13B drives the second electric generator MG2. The rotational power of the second electric generator MG2 is transmitted to the left and right front wheels 22 via the reduction gear 90. The second electric generator MG2 functions as the power source, i.e., the motor, of the electric vehicle 10. The mechatronics unit 13 is a unit that integrates one or more motors and the power control device 13B.

[0040] The first electric generator MG1 generates electricity by receiving driving force from the engine 40 or from the front wheel 22. The alternating current (AC) power generated by the first electric generator MG1 is converted into direct current (DC) power by the power control device 13B. The DC power converted by the power control device 13B is used to charge the battery cell 14C. The power control device 13B functions as an inverter. The power control device 13B can also function as a converter that boosts the voltage of the power supplied from the battery cell 14C.

[0041] DC power is supplied from battery cell 14C to power control device 13B. The supplied DC power is converted into AC power by power control device 13B. The AC power converted by power control device 13B is supplied to the second electric generator MG2.

[0042] Electric vehicle 10 undergoes regenerative charging. For example, when electric vehicle 10 decelerates, second electric generator MG2 generates electricity using the driving force from front wheel 22. The generated electricity is charged to battery cell 14C. Second electric generator MG2 functions as a generator. The AC power generated by second electric generator MG2 is converted to DC power by power control device 13B. The DC power converted by power control device 13B is charged to battery cell 14C.

[0043] The rear-wheel drive electric generator 16 is connected to the left and right rear wheels 26 via a rear-wheel reduction mechanism 91. The rear-wheel drive electric generator 16 is, for example, a three-phase AC type electric generator. The rear-wheel drive electric generator 16 is electrically connected to the battery pack 14 via an electrical control device 13B. The rear-wheel drive electric generator 16 and the electrical control device 13B are electrically connected via a second cable 52.

[0044] The rear-wheel drive electric generator 16 functions as an electric motor that generates rotational power based on the power supplied from the power control device 13B. The power control device 13B drives the rear-wheel drive electric generator 16. The rotational power of the rear-wheel drive electric generator 16 is transmitted to the left and right rear wheels 26 via the rear wheel reduction mechanism 91, which serves as a power transmission mechanism. The rear-wheel drive electric generator 16 functions as the power source for the electric vehicle 10.

[0045] The electric vehicle 10 undergoes regenerative charging. For example, when the electric vehicle 10 decelerates, the rear-wheel drive electric generator 16 generates electricity using the driving force from the left and right rear wheels 26. The generated electricity charges the battery cell 14C. The rear-wheel drive electric generator 16 functions as a generator. The AC power generated by the rear-wheel drive electric generator 16 is converted into DC power by the power control device 13B. The DC power converted by the power control device 13B charges the battery cell 14C.

[0046] The charging port 30 is electrically connected to the battery pack 14 via a third cable 53. Direct current is supplied from outside the electric vehicle 10 to the battery cell 14C through the charging port 30 and the third cable 53. The electric vehicle 10 is a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

[0047] <Laying out of the third cable 53>

[0048] Figure 4 The diagram schematically shows the internal structure of the electric vehicle 10 as viewed from the left front.

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, the front compartment 10B is the space in the interior of the electric vehicle 10 that is located in front of the instrument panel 11 and inside the partition 27.

[0050] Bulkhead 27 separates the forward compartment 10B from the forward left wheel arch 23FL. The space located on the outer side of bulkhead 27 is the forward left wheel arch 23FL.

[0051] A first connector 30A for connecting the third cable 53 is provided on the lower side of the charging port 30 in the vertical direction of the vehicle. A second connector 14A for connecting the third cable 53 is provided on the front side of the battery pack 14 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0052] The third cable 53 extends downward from the first connection portion 30A of the charging port 30, and then runs along the inner side of the front left wheel arch 23FL in the vehicle width direction. The third cable 53 further extends rearward from the lower end of the front left wheel arch 23FL below the floor panel 12 and connects to the second connection portion 14A of the battery pack 14. The third cable 53 is a DC cable carrying a high-voltage direct current.

[0053] <Structure of the Third Cable 53>

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown, the third cable 53 has a positive power line 53A and a negative power line 53B. The first connection portion 30A of the charging port 30 has a positive connection portion 60A for connecting the positive power line 53A and a negative connection portion 60B for connecting the negative power line 53B. The second connection portion 14A of the battery pack 14 has a positive connection portion 61A for connecting the positive power line 53A and a negative connection portion 61B for connecting the negative power line 53B.

[0055] The positive power line 53A is connected to the positive connection portion 60A of the first connection portion 30A and the positive connection portion 61A of the second connection portion 14A. The negative power line 53B is connected to the negative connection portion 60B of the first connection portion 30A and the negative connection portion 61B of the second connection portion 14A. Thus, the charging port 30 is electrically connected to the battery pack 14 via the third cable 53.

[0056] <Function of the First Embodiment>

[0057] The charging port 30 is located on the outside of the front compartment 10B. The front left wheel arch 23FL is on the outside of the front compartment 10B. The area below the floor panel 12 is on the outside of the front compartment 10B. The third cable 53 passes through the outside of the front compartment 10B and electrically connects the battery pack 14 to the charging port 30.

[0058] <Effects of the First Implementation>

[0059] (1-1) The electric vehicle 10 can reduce the possibility of interference between the third cable 53 that electrically connects the battery pack 14 to the charging port 30 and components in the front compartment 10B.

[0060] (1-2) A first connecting portion 30A for connecting the third cable 53 is provided on the lower side of the charging port 30 in the vehicle vertical direction. The charging port 30 is located on the upper side compared to the battery pack 14. When the first connecting portion 30A is provided on the lower side of the charging port 30 in the vehicle vertical direction, the distance between the first connecting portion 30A and the battery pack 14 is shorter compared to when the first connecting portion 30A is provided on other sides of the charging port 30. Therefore, the charging port 30 and the battery pack 14 can be connected by a shorter third cable 53.

[0061] (1-3) The electric vehicle 10 has a front left wheel arch 23FL located in front of the battery pack 14. The charging port 30 is located in front of the battery pack 14. The third cable 53 extends along the front left wheel arch 23FL. A second connector 14A for connecting the third cable 53 is provided on the front side of the battery pack 14.

[0062] Compared to vehicles where the charging port 30 is located at the rear of the battery pack 14 and the second connecting portion 14A is located on the front side of the battery pack 14, the distance between the first connecting portion 30A and the second connecting portion 14A is shorter in the electric vehicle 10 of this embodiment. Compared to vehicles where the charging port 30 is located at the front of the battery pack 14 and the second connecting portion 14A is located on the rear side of the battery pack 14, the distance between the first connecting portion 30A and the second connecting portion 14A is shorter in the electric vehicle 10 of this embodiment. Therefore, the length of the third cable 53 that electrically connects the charging port 30 to the battery pack 14 can be shortened.

[0063] If the third cable 53 is shorter, its weight can be reduced. Reducing the weight of the third cable 53 reduces the weight of the electric vehicle 10. A shorter third cable 53 also reduces power loss within it. Thus, both the weight of the electric vehicle 10 and the power loss in the third cable 53 can be reduced.

[0064] (1-4) The electric vehicle 10 includes an engine 40 as a power source and a fuel tank 15 for storing fuel supplied to the engine 40. The fuel tank 15 is located at the rear of the battery pack 14 and below the floor panel 12. A second connection portion 14A is provided on the front side of the battery pack 14. A third cable 53 is located at the front of the battery pack 14. Therefore, the possibility of interference between the third cable 53 and the fuel tank 15 can be reduced.

[0065] (1-5) The charging port 30 is configured to connect to a DC power supply for fast charging. The third cable 53 is a DC cable. In fast charging, a large current needs to flow through the third cable 53 in order to supply a large amount of power to the battery cell 14C in a short time. In order to reduce the heat generation of the third cable 53 while allowing a large current to flow through it, the conductor resistance needs to be reduced by increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the conductor within the third cable 53. Therefore, the third cable 53 connected to the first connection portion 30A of the charging port 30, which is configured to connect to a DC power supply for fast charging, tends to become thicker. In this embodiment, the length of the third cable 53, which tends to become thicker, can be shortened, thus reducing the weight of the electric vehicle 10.

[0066] <Example of a modification to the first embodiment>

[0067] The first embodiment can be modified as follows. The first embodiment and the following modifications of the first embodiment can be combined with each other within the scope of technical non-contradiction.

[0068] • The charging port 30 may also be located on the right side of the electric vehicle 10, and positioned at the front compared to the battery pack 14. In this case, the third cable 53 extends downward from the first connection portion 30A of the charging port 30, and then runs along the inner side of the front right wheel arch 23FR in the vehicle width direction. The third cable 53 further extends rearward from the lower end of the front right wheel arch 23FR below the floor panel 12, and connects to the second connection portion 14A of the battery pack 14.

[0069] • A fuel tank 15 may also be installed in front of the battery pack 14.

[0070] (Second Implementation)

[0071] The following is for reference Figures 6-8 The electric vehicle 10 according to the second embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the same parts will be simplified or omitted.

[0072] Figure 6 The internal structure of the rear of the electric vehicle 10 is schematically shown when viewed from the left side.

[0073] like Figure 6 As shown, a rear left wheel arch 23RL accommodating the left rear wheel 26 is provided on the left side of the rear of the electric vehicle 10. A partition 28 separates the passenger compartment 10A from the rear left wheel arch 23RL. The partition 28 is composed of panel material, frame material, and resin covering material that constitutes the body of the electric vehicle 10. The rear left wheel arch 23RL is located rearward relative to the battery pack 14.

[0074] The charging port 30 is located on the left side of the electric vehicle 10. The charging port 30 is positioned above the battery pack 14. The charging port 30 is positioned rearwards compared to the battery pack 14. The charging port 30 is positioned above the left wheel arch 23RL.

[0075] Figure 7 The diagram schematically illustrates the configuration of the equipment located below the floor panel 12 when viewed from above as an electric vehicle 10.

[0076] like Figure 7 As shown, the fuel tank 15 is positioned at the front compared to the battery pack 14, and below the floor panel 12. The configuration of other equipment is similar. Figure 2 The devices shown have the same configuration, so descriptions are omitted.

[0077] Figure 8 The diagram schematically shows the internal structure of the electric vehicle 10 as viewed from the left rear.

[0078] like Figure 8 As shown, partition 28 separates the carriage 10A from the rear left wheel arch 23RL. The space located on the outer side in the width direction compared to partition 28 is the rear left wheel arch 23RL.

[0079] A first connector 30A for connecting the third cable 53 is provided on the underside of the charging port 30. A second connector 14A for connecting the third cable 53 is provided on the rear side of the battery pack 14.

[0080] The third cable 53 extends downward from the first connection portion 30A of the charging port 30, then runs along the rear left wheel arch 23RL inward in the vehicle width direction and downward. The third cable 53 further extends forward from the lower end of the rear left wheel arch 23RL below the floor panel 12 and connects to the second connection portion 14A of the battery pack 14. The third cable 53 of the second embodiment is the same as the third cable 53 of the first embodiment, so detailed description is omitted.

[0081] <The Role of the Second Embodiment>

[0082] Compared to vehicles where the charging port 30 is located at the rear of the battery pack 14 and the second connecting portion 14A is located on the front side of the battery pack 14, the distance between the first connecting portion 30A and the second connecting portion 14A is shorter in the electric vehicle 10 of this embodiment. Compared to vehicles where the charging port 30 is located at the front of the battery pack 14 and the second connecting portion 14A is located on the rear side of the battery pack 14, the distance between the first connecting portion 30A and the second connecting portion 14A is shorter in the electric vehicle 10 of this embodiment. Therefore, the length of the third cable 53 that electrically connects the charging port 30 to the battery pack 14 can be shortened.

[0083] <Effects of the Second Implementation>

[0084] In the second embodiment, in addition to the effects shown in (1-1), (1-2) and (1-5) of the first embodiment, the following effects are also achieved.

[0085] (2-1) If the third cable 53 is shorter, the weight of the third cable 53 can be reduced, which in turn reduces the weight of the electric vehicle 10. A shorter third cable 53 also reduces power loss within it. Thus, both the weight of the electric vehicle 10 and the power loss within the third cable 53 can be reduced.

[0086] (2-2) The electric vehicle 10 includes an engine 40 as a power source and a fuel tank 15 for storing fuel supplied to the engine 40. The fuel tank 15 is located at the front compared to the battery pack 14 and below the floor panel 12. A second connection portion 14A is provided on the rear side of the battery pack 14. A third cable 53 is laid at the rear compared to the battery pack 14. Therefore, the possibility of interference between the third cable 53 and the fuel tank 15 can be reduced.

[0087] <Example of a modification to the second embodiment>

[0088] The second embodiment can be modified as follows. The second embodiment and the following modifications of the second embodiment can be combined and implemented with each other within the scope of technical non-contradiction.

[0089] • The charging port 30 may also be located on the right side of the electric vehicle 10, and positioned rearward compared to the battery pack 14. In this case, the third cable 53 extends downward from the first connection portion 30A of the charging port 30, then runs along the rear right wheel arch 23RR, towards the inside in the vehicle width direction and downward. The third cable 53 further extends forward from the lower end of the rear right wheel arch 23RR below the floor panel 12 and connects to the second connection portion 14A of the battery pack 14.

[0090] • A fuel tank 15 can also be provided at the rear, in addition to the battery pack 14.

[0091] <Other Change Examples>

[0092] The following elements are common and modifiable elements in the above embodiments. The following modifications can be combined and implemented within a technically compatible range.

[0093] • The first connecting portion 30A may not be provided on the lower side of the charging port 30 in the vertical direction of the vehicle. For example, the first connecting portion 30A may be provided on the upper side of the charging port 30. For example, the first connecting portion 30A may be provided on the front side of the charging port 30. For example, the first connecting portion 30A may be provided on the rear side of the charging port 30.

[0094] Alternatively, the charging port 30 may be positioned at the front of the battery pack 14, and the third cable 53 may extend along the rear wheel arch 23R, with a second connector 14A provided on the front side of the battery pack 14.

[0095] Alternatively, the charging port 30 may be positioned at the front of the battery pack 14, and the third cable 53 may extend along the front wheel arch 23F, with a second connection portion 14A provided on the rear side of the battery pack 14.

[0096] Alternatively, the charging port 30 may be positioned at the front of the battery pack 14, and the third cable 53 may extend along the rear wheel arch 23R, with a second connection portion 14A provided on the rear side of the battery pack 14.

[0097] Alternatively, the charging port 30 may be located at the rear of the battery pack 14, and the third cable 53 may extend along the front wheel arch 23F, with a second connection portion 14A provided on the front side of the battery pack 14.

[0098] Alternatively, the charging port 30 may be located at the rear of the battery pack 14, and the third cable 53 may extend along the rear wheel arch 23R, with a second connection portion 14A provided on the front side of the battery pack 14.

[0099] Alternatively, the charging port 30 may be located at the rear of the battery pack 14, and the third cable 53 may extend along the front wheel arch 23F, with a second connection portion 14A provided on the rear side of the battery pack 14.

[0100] The electric vehicle 10 can also be configured to convert AC power supplied from an external power source connected to the charging port 30 into DC power and charge the battery cell 14C. In this case, the third cable 53 that electrically connects the charging port 30 to the battery can also be an AC cable carrying alternating current. For example, the third cable 53 can also be an AC cable that connects the charging port 30 to an on-board charging unit that converts AC power to DC power. Furthermore, the on-board charging unit is electrically connected to the battery pack 14 via a DC cable.

[0101] • The electric vehicle 10 is not limited to a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The electric vehicle 10 may also be an electric vehicle without an engine 40 and a fuel tank 15.

Claims

1. An electric vehicle, wherein, have: car; Floor panels constitute the floor surface of the aforementioned carriage; The front compartment is located at the front of the aforementioned carriage in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; Wheel arch; Motors, as power sources; The battery cells are configured to store the power supplied to the aforementioned motor; The battery pack internally houses the aforementioned battery cells; as well as The charging port is configured as a connector that can connect to an external power source. The aforementioned motor is installed in the aforementioned forward compartment. Compared to the aforementioned floor panel, the aforementioned battery pack is located below the vehicle in the vertical direction. The charging port is provided on the side of the electric vehicle and above the battery pack in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The battery pack and the charging port are electrically connected via a cable. The cable extends from the charging port toward the lower part of the vehicle in the vertical direction, then along the inner side of the wheel arch in the width direction, and extends from the lower end of the wheel arch toward the battery pack relative to the floor panel in the vertical direction of the vehicle and connects to the battery pack.

2. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, A first connection portion for connecting the aforementioned cable is provided on the lower side of the aforementioned charging port in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

3. The electric vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, The aforementioned wheel arch is the front wheel arch located in front of the aforementioned battery pack in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The charging port is located at the front compared to the battery pack, and the cable extends along the front wheel arch. A second connection portion for connecting the aforementioned cable is provided on the front side of the aforementioned battery pack in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

4. The electric vehicle according to claim 3, wherein, It also has: The engine, as a power source; and The fuel tank is configured to store the fuel supplied to the aforementioned engine. The fuel tank is positioned rearward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle compared to the battery pack and below in the vertical direction of the vehicle compared to the floor panel.

5. The electric vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, The aforementioned wheel arch is the rear wheel arch located behind the aforementioned battery pack in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The charging port is located at the rear compared to the battery pack, and the cable extends along the rear wheel arch. A second connection portion for connecting the aforementioned cable is provided on the rear side of the aforementioned battery pack in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

6. The electric vehicle according to claim 5, wherein, It also has: The engine, as a power source; and The fuel tank is configured to store the fuel supplied to the aforementioned engine. The fuel tank is positioned in front of the battery pack in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and below the floor panel in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

7. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein, The charging port is configured to connect to a DC power supply for fast charging, and the cable is a DC cable.

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