Mechanical coupling of dual electric motors driving a single vehicle axle

A dual electric motor coupling system for a vehicle, comprising:

• a first electric motor, operable to generate a first drive torque;
• a second electric motor, operable to generate a second drive torque;
• and
• a mechanical coupling disposed in relation to the first electric motor and the second electric motor, wherein the mechanical coupling includes:
• a pair of external shafts;
• a first gear set;
• and
• a second gear set, wherein each of the pair of external shafts includes an external gear set in engagement with the first gear set and the second gear set, respectively;
• and
• wherein the mechanical coupling selectively couples the first electric motor and the second electric motor by providing:
• a coupling torque to a vehicle axle, and
• a combined torque to first- and second-wheel assemblies connected to the vehicle axle.

A method of coupling dual electric motors in a vehicle, comprising:

• providing a vehicle having a vehicle body;
• attaching a first electric motor to the vehicle body, the first electric motor operable to generate a first drive torque;
• attaching a second electric motor to the vehicle body, the second electric motor operable to generate a second drive torque;
• providing a vehicle axle connectable to the vehicle body including:
• a first rotating member coupled to the first electric motor and connectable to a first wheel assembly;
• and
• a second rotating member coupled to the second electric motor and connectable to a second wheel assembly;
• and
• disposing a mechanical coupling in relation to the first electric motor and the second electric motor, wherein the mechanical coupling is operable to selectively couple the first electric motor and the second electric motor by providing a coupling torque to the vehicle axle, and wherein the mechanical coupling includes:
• a pair of external shafts;
• a first gear set;
• and
• a second gear set, wherein each of the pair of external shafts includes an external gear set in engagement with the first gear set and the second gear set, respectively.