Picture of Internal Layout

[EVDRIVER]

It appears the motor and transaxle are integrated and the inverter/motor are water cooled as expected. There seems to be some pack components in the front end of the car and after cooling parts, half shafts and the like there should be quite a bit of empty space after accessories. Too bad we won't get the chrome package.

Better look at the motor and transaxle ...

Yep- integrated casting with half shafts off the back, of course there is a split on the right to separate the two but it is a unified design. EV drives are quite simple.

[sjfotos]

WOW. That is a nice shot. Thanks!

[garygid]

Is it likely that there is just one gear (perhaps 10:1 ratio) to connect the motor to the differential behind it?

[EVDRIVER]

Is it likely that there is just one gear (perhaps 10:1 ratio) to connect the motor to the differential behind it?

A very high probability, very high. More than one would not make much sense, it's like every other commercial EV, simple and reliable if constructed properly. I hope they make one with the same drive in a compact two-door for city use! The Leaf should handle quite well with the pack below the seats and the low motor CG, the inverter is inconsequential in the equation as it does not weigh much. With good suspension and sticky (not efficient) tires it would handle extremely well.

[garygid]

Presumably, they would include a "standard" limited-slip feature in the differential.

[EVDRIVER]

Presumably, they would include a "standard" limited-slip feature in the differential.

For the power in the motor LSD is not really needed. I had a FWD EV with no LSD and 300 ft lbs of torque and no issue. Since power is delivered better than an ICE with high RPM clutch action it is not needed.

[garygid]

With no "limited slip" differential, if one wheel is off the road, ... essentially no drive to the other wheel, ... unless the "anti-skid" system PROPERLY detects the situation and applies brakes to the spinning wheel.

[EVDRIVER]

With no "limited slip" differential, if one wheel is off the road, ... essentially no drive to the other wheel, ... unless the "anti-skid" system PROPERLY detects the situation and applies brakes to the spinning wheel.

Gary, please name several cars with FWD that have LSD and under 200 HP as a standard feature. MINI has no LSD and it is an option few have or even understand. I have had my MINI wheels way off the ground. Are you planning to go up fire trails and over logs? I had a FWD EV with over 250 HP 275 ft lbs of torque over 140 KW to the motor with no issues of any kind, even under FULL throttle and I'm talking slipping a engaged racing clutch at times. The leaf has reasonable power but it's not going to NEED LSD. Are you rally driving your Prius again? That's not good for your MPG you know:)


LSD=cost and weight and sometimes a bad trip:) If they want to bump the motor up I will be glad to pay for the cost of both!

[garygid]

Well, shuckens Ma, I thought all them v-hic-els had that lim-ted-slip s__t!

Now, I got to lern this, an' that hind-lick safe-T thang!

[trentr]

please name several cars with FWD that have LSD and under 200 HP as a standard feature.

Hmm, I can name one car that falls under this criteria. The Acura Integra Type R. FWD, LSD and 195HP. I have one in the garage, but the Leaf might replace it in December.