Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle including a hybrid powertrain system includes enabling a commanded electric vehicle (EV) launch when a high-voltage battery state-of-charge (SOC) is greater than an SOC threshold, a transmission output speed is less than a low speed threshold, a transmission output torque is less than a speed-based torque threshold, and an operator torque request is achievable in the EV traction mode. An EV traction mode is employed to execute the commanded EV launch in response to the operator torque request including a launch maneuver.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical drive unit connectable with multiple power sources for launching and propelling a vehicle includes an output member, a stationary member, and a torque-transmitting device. The drive unit also includes a compound planetary gear arrangement having a first, second, third, and fourth junction point. The power sources include a first motor/generator and a second motor/generator. The first motor/generator and the second motor/generator are disposed on a common rotating axis. The second motor/generator is operatively connected to the compound planetary gear arrangement at the first junction point and the output member is operatively connected to the compound planetary gear arrangement at the second junction point. Additionally, the first motor/generator is operatively connected to the compound planetary gear arrangement at the fourth junction point. Furthermore, the torque-transmitting device is engageable to ground the third junction point to the stationary member.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical drive unit connectable with multiple power sources for launching and propelling a vehicle includes an output member, a stationary member, a gear-train, and a torque-transmitting device. The drive unit also includes a compound planetary gear arrangement having a first, second, third, and fourth junction points. The power sources include a first motor/generator and a second motor/generator. The second motor/generator is operatively connected to the compound planetary gear arrangement at the first junction point via the gear-train and the output member is operatively connected to the compound planetary gear arrangement at the second junction point. Additionally, the first motor/generator is operatively connected to the compound planetary gear arrangement at the fourth junction point. Furthermore, the torque-transmitting device is engageable to ground the third junction point to the stationary member.

Abstract: A method for operating a powertrain system includes monitoring a state of charge of an energy storage device and determining an effective state of charge based upon the monitored state of charge of the energy storage device and a range of available power from the energy storage device. A preferred output power to an output member is determined. A preferred charge state for operating the powertrain is concurrently selected with operating an engine in one of a cylinder deactivation state and an all-cylinder state based upon the effective state of charge and the preferred output power to the output member.

Abstract: An engine and an electric machine are operative to communicate tractive power with a transmission device to control output power to an output member. The electric machine is electrically coupled to an energy storage device. A method for controlling the engine and electric machine includes monitoring an operator request for power, monitoring a state of charge of the energy storage device, determining an operating cost for each of a plurality of candidate engine operating points based on the operator request for power and the state of charge of the energy storage device; and operating the engine at the candidate engine operating point having a preferred operating cost.

Abstract: An engine and an electric machine are operative to communicate tractive power with a transmission device to control output power to an output member. The electric machine is electrically coupled to an energy storage device. A method for controlling the engine and electric machine includes monitoring an operator request for power, monitoring a state of charge of the energy storage device, determining an operating cost for each of a plurality of candidate engine operating points based on the operator request for power and the state of charge of the energy storage device; and operating the engine at the candidate engine operating point having a preferred operating cost.

Abstract: A method for operating a powertrain system includes monitoring a state of charge of an energy storage device and determining an effective state of charge based upon the monitored state of charge of the energy storage device and a range of available power from the energy storage device. A preferred output power to an output member is determined. A preferred charge state for operating the powertrain is concurrently selected with operating an engine in one of a cylinder deactivation state and an all-cylinder state based upon the effective state of charge and the preferred output power to the output member.