Abstract: Methods and apparatus for starting an internal combustion engine are disclosed. One of the disclosed apparatus includes an electric starter operatively coupled to the internal combustion engine and an energy storage device for supplying the starter with power. The apparatus is also provided with a sensor for detecting a temperature of the internal combustion engine and a consumer control device associated with a consumer of electrical power. The apparatus is further provided with a power flow controller which controls the consumer control device such that a portion of the energy stored in the energy storage device is delivered to the consumer of electrical power before the electric starter is supplied with power. The portion of the energy has a size which is dependent upon the sensed temperature. The size of the portion is smaller at low temperatures than at high temperatures.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine 2 which drives the vehicle via a drive shaft 4. The motor vehicle further includes a latent heat accumulator 18. In addition, the motor vehicle includes an electrical machine 8 which is at least at intervals of time coupled to the drive shaft 4 so that the rotational energy of the drive shaft 4 can be converted into electrical energy with the aid of the electrical machine 8. The electrical energy is supplied to the latent heat accumulator 18 and is there converted into heat energy to charge the latent heat accumulator 18.