NOVELTY - The electric vehicle has a drive. The drive comprises a multi-speed non-steerable front wheel drive transmission (6) with an independent suspension mounted in the rear of the vehicle. A drive motor (7), the input shaft of the transmission, a driven gear cluster output shaft, a differential and vehicle axles (5) are all arranged in parallel. The motor, the transmission, axles, brakes and wheels are installed as single sub-assembly.    USE - Electric vehicle.    ADVANTAGE - The multi-speed drive transmission can multiply the torque of the drive motor at low speeds and can be constructed in a fully modular subassembly for rapid manufacture and for easily facilitating vehicle repair. Because the transmission utilizes higher gear ratios, the amount of energy to accelerate the vehicle is significantly lower with lower gear ratios. The addition of the transmission between the motor and the vehicle wheels is more economical with the available energy in the batteries. The motor drive shaft is parallel to the gears in the transmission including the drive and cluster gears, and the drive axles, ensuring efficient delivery of motor torque to the wheels. Due to the integral, compact nature of the subassembly, rapid assembly and disassembly for greatly improved maintenance of the vehicle becomes possible. Since power is supplied almost directly to the front wheels, power losses in the drive train are reduced, resulting in better power economy and better acceleration, The vehicle can run well on snow-ridden or slippery roads, since all of the weight from the engine and transmission is sitting over the wheels so as to achieve increased traction. Providing the front wheel drive transmission and the motor in the rear wheel drive location optimizes mechanical and performance conditions, extends the range of the vehicle, and lessens resistance to rolling which leads to less energy needed to move the vehicle. Addition of an independent suspension the rear wheel drive position improves handling of the vehicle in nearly all ordinary on-road conditions and some off-road conditions and improves ground clearance.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for a method of manufacturing an electric vehicle.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows the schematic overhead and rear views showing the electric motor adapted to the front wheel drive transaxle and mounted to the rear of the vehicle.    Spindles (2)    Shock absorbers (3)    Axles (5)    Front wheel drive transmission (6)    Drive motor (7)