Abstract: A system for calculating the operating distance range remaining for a vehicle. The system includes a driver input sensor for sensing predetermined vehicle operating condition data, an energy storage sensor for sensing energy storage capacity data of a corresponding energy supply mechanism, a controller in communication with the driver input sensor and the energy storage sensor. An executable range calculation software program is stored in the memory of the controller which uses sensed vehicle operating condition data from the driver input sensor and sensed energy storage capacity data from the energy storage sensor to determine range by determining a mean of energy storage capacity data, determining a slope of the energy storage capacity data, determining an intercept of the energy storage capacity data, and applying a least square linear regression to the determined mean, determined slope and determined intercept to find the remaining range.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system comprising three motor/generators, an engine and an electrical energy storage device. The system is arranged so that two axles can be driven at the same time. Each axle can be driven using power generated by the engine or provided by the electrical energy storage device. The system can also be configured to drive one of axles using mechanical power from the engine.

Abstract: A system for a hybrid vehicle includes an engine; a first inverter coupled to a second inverter; a first electrical machine coupled to the engine and the first inverter; a second electrical machine coupled to the second inverter and a wheel axle of the vehicle; a high voltage battery coupled to both the first inverter and the second inverter; and a switch box disposed between the first electrical machine and the second electrical machine. The switch box includes switches adapted to switch open and closed to allow direct electrical connection from the first electrical machine to the second electrical machine.

Abstract: A motor drive system configuration for a vehicle. The motor drive system includes an engine operable for providing power to the vehicle, a motor operable for providing power to a first wheel and a second wheel of the vehicle. The motor drive system also includes a first transmission mounted between the engine and the motor and in operative engagement with the motor and the engine. The first transmission includes a first clutch for coupling and decoupling the motor with the engine. The motor drive system also includes a differential in operative engagement with the transmission and coupled to the first wheel and the second wheel, and a clutch for disabling the connection between the motor and the wheels.

Abstract: A system for controlling a mode of operation of a vehicle having a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), an engine, and a drive motor coupled to the RESS and the engine, the drive motor selectively powered by at least one of the RESS and the engine includes a controller operable to adjust the vehicle to operate in a plurality of operating modes including a first mode in which the drive motor is powered by the RESS, a second mode in which the drive motor is powered more by the engine than the RESS. When the second mode of operation is selected, controller is configured to operate the engine as necessary to maintain the RESS at or above a predetermined state of charge.

Abstract: A motor drive system configuration for a hybrid vehicle includes a first motor, a second motor, a differential mounted between the first motor and the second motor, a differential gear, a reduction gear, and a rotatable shaft. The reduction gear includes first end in meshed engagement with the differential gear and a second end. The rotatable shaft includes a first end rotatably coupled to the first motor and a second end rotatably coupled to the second motor. The second end of the rotatable shaft includes a gear in meshed engagement with the second end of the reduction gear. The rotatable shaft has a ninety degree input into the differential and the first and second motors are mounted in-line with the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A rear subframe assembly, for use in a vehicle, includes a first and second side member that are coupled to a front cross member, a lower cross member, and an upper cross member. First and second gussets are provided to reinforce joints between each of the first and second side members and the front cross member. A motor mount portion for mounting a motor thereon is located between the side members and includes a first and second motor bracket each coupled to the front cross member through an isolator and to one of the side members through an isolator, the isolators for isolating the motor from vibration. A fuel tank mounting portion for mounting a fuel tank onto the subframe member is also provided.

Abstract: A method of controlling operational modes of a hybrid electric vehicle includes: determining whether an all-electric range (AER) of the vehicle is at or less than a first predetermined value; activating a first operational mode if the AER is determined to be at or less than the first predetermined vehicle; determining, while the first operational mode is active, whether the AER of the vehicle is greater than a second predetermined value; activating a second operational mode if the AER is determined to be greater than the second predetermined vehicle.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a hybrid electric vehicle includes an exhaust pipe. The exhaust pipe includes a first channel having a first end coupled to an engine of the vehicle and a second end that splits into a second and third channel. The second and third channels extend outwardly to a first front side and to a second front side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A photovoltaic apparatus for a vehicle including a plurality of solar modules electrically isolated from each other and adapted to receive solar radiation and convert the radiation to electrical energy. The apparatus includes at least one DC/DC converter electrically coupled to the electrically isolated modules adapted to receive the electrical energy from the solar modules and boost the voltage to be delivered to at least one component of the vehicle. The solar modules include a plurality of solar cells adapted to receive solar radiation and convert the radiation to electrical energy.

Abstract: The convertible top assembly includes a front panel member and a rear panel member. The convertible top assembly also includes a main pivot bracket attached to the vehicle. The main pivot bracket includes a forwardly located arm pivotally connected to a rear edge of the front panel member and a rearwardly located arm pivotally attached to a rear edge of the rear panel member, such that an inner surface of the front panel member is adjacent an outer surface of the rear panel member when the convertible top is in a retracted position. To retract the convertible top, the deck lid pivots on a rearward edge along a first pivot axis while a rear edge of the rear panel pivots upwardly about a third pivot axis.