Drive apparatus for vehicle

A drive apparatus for a vehicle that includes a vehicle body and drive wheels, the drive apparatus comprising:

• (a) a drive unit provided in the vehicle body;
• (b) a final speed reducer configured to distribute a power of the drive unit, to the drive wheels;
• (c) an axle housing which houses the final speed reducer and which supports the vehicle body through suspension springs;
• and
• (d) a transmission shaft through which the power of the drive unit is to be transmitted to the final speed reducer,
• wherein the transmission shaft includes (d-1) an intermediate shaft, (d-2) a first joint connecting between the intermediate shaft and the drive unit and (d-3) a second joint connecting between the intermediate shaft and the final speed reducer,
• wherein the first joint includes (d-2-1) a first outer race and (d-2-2) a first connection shaft which extends from the first outer race and which is connected to the drive unit,
• wherein the second joint includes (d-3-1) a second outer race and (d-3-2) a second connection shaft which extends from the second outer race and which is connected to the final speed reducer, and
• wherein the transmission shaft includes a most vulnerable portion having a strength smaller than any other portion of the transmission shaft, such that the most vulnerable portion is located between the second outer race and a connected portion at which the second connection shaft is connected to the final speed reducer.