A drive apparatus for an electric automobile in which a planetary gear transmission 12 is assembled for which it is possible to lengthen the traveling distance per one electric charge, and thus improve the convenience of the electric automobile. A planetary gear transmission 12 comprises a first single-pinion planetary gear mechanism 16 and a second double-pinion planetary gear mechanism 17, and after changing the power from first and second electric motors 10, 11 by a desired gear ratio, transmits the power to a driven-side rotating shaft 15. A one-way clutch 18 is provided between a first carrier 19 and a portion 27 that is fastened to the vehicle so as to allow the first carrier 19 to rotate in a specified direction and prevent the first carrier 19 from rotating in a direction opposite the specified direction.