Control circuits for electrically driven vehicles

A control circuit for an electrically driven vehicle, comprising in combination positive and negative supply lines for connection to a traction battery on the vehicle, a traction motor, a first contactor which when closed connects one side of the motor armature to the positive supply line, a second contactor which when closed connects the other side of the motor to the positive supply line, a series connection of a field winding and a chopper circuit, a two-position contact having first and second positions in which it connects said one and said other sides of the motor to the negative supply line respectively through said field winding and chopper circuit, a diode through the cathode-anode path of which said other side of the motor is coupled to the negative supply line, a second diode coupling the junction between said field winding and chopper circuit to said positive supply line, and means whereby when it is desired to drive the vehicle forwardly the first and second contactors are closed and opened respectively and said contact is in its second position, but when it is desired to drive the vehicle rearwardly, the first and second contactors are opened and closed respectively and the contact is in said first position, and when it is desired to brake the vehicle electrically while it is being driven forwardly the first and second contactors are open and the contact is in said first position.