Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a multi-mode power system. The power system includes a battery, an electrical power input, a first motor/generator, a second motor/generator, and a clutch. A first operating mode is defined by deactivation of the internal combustion engine and the operation of the vehicle by electrical force provided from the battery to the second motor/generator. In a second operating mode, activation of the internal combustion engine generates electrical power by providing rotational force to the first motor/generator. In a third operating mode, engagement of the clutch couples the internal combustion engine and the second motor/generator to provide rotational force to the wheels. In a fourth operating mode, engagement of the clutch couples the internal combustion engine with the second motor/generator, and the first motor/generator further provides rotational force to the wheels.

Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle controls the various operating modes of the hybrid vehicle. Operating modes of the hybrid vehicle include an electric-only power mode, a series hybrid mode, a series hybrid dual-power mode, and a parallel hybrid tri-power mode. The control system selects one of the operating modes for the hybrid vehicle based on one or more inputs and comparisons. Examples of inputs for the control system include a gear-mode, a present battery storage capacity, a present velocity of the hybrid vehicle, and the previous operating mode of the hybrid power system. The control system may also take into account whether a user has selected the electric-only power mode. The control system may also control the operations of one or more components of the hybrid vehicle while operating in one of the operating modes.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a battery system, an internal combustion engine, a first motor/generator, a second motor/generator, and an engageable clutch assembly. The engageable clutch assembly is disposed between the internal combustion engine and the first motor/generator. When engaged, the engageable clutch assembly couples the rotor spindle of the second motor/generator with the hollow rotor shaft of the first motor/generator. The engageable clutch assembly may also operate in a first mechanical mode that selectively engages and disengages the internal combustion engine from the second motor/generator, or operate in a second mechanical mode that dampens shock between the internal combustion engine and the first motor/generator when the international combustion engine operates at a rotational speed that is different than a rotational of the first motor/generator.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle has a power system with a torsional coupling. The power system includes a battery system for receiving, storing and providing electrical power, an internal combustion engine configured to provide rotational power through a flywheel, a first motor-generator, a second motor-generator, a control system, and a torsional coupling. The torsional coupling may absorb rotational shock caused by angular or rotational speed differences between the engine and the first motor-generator. The torsional coupling includes a driven plate assembly, a cover assembly and an interconnecting plate assembly. The interconnecting plate assembly may include a plurality of shock absorbing elements that absorb shock and vibration between the engine and the motor-generator.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes two front wheels, two rear wheels, an internal combustion engine, a first motor/generator, and a second motor/generator. The first motor/generator may be rotatably coupled to the internal combustion engine, and the second motor/generator may be rotatably coupled to at least one wheel of the hybrid vehicle. The first motor/generator, the second motor/generator and a gear transmission are housed within the engine compartment and are located between two front wheels and arranged in a substantially linear manner. The first motor/generator, the second motor/generator, and the gear transmission are located substantially above a centerline of the front wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes two front wheels, two rear wheels, an internal combustion engine, a first motor/generator, and a second motor/generator. The first motor/generator may be rotatably coupled to the internal combustion engine, and the second motor/generator may be rotatably coupled to at least one wheel of the hybrid vehicle. The first motor/generator, the second motor/generator and a gear transmission are housed within the engine compartment and are located between two front wheels and arranged in a substantially linear manner.