Abstract: A vehicle gauge and method for displaying an electric mode status of a vehicle that can operate in both an electric mode and one or more alternative modes. According to one exemplary embodiment, the method evaluates a number of throttle and non-throttle conditions and allocates portions of the total range of the vehicle gauge to these conditions. Based on these allocations, the method determines an overall vehicle gauge position that is representative of the electric mode status of the vehicle and provides this to the vehicle gauge so that the electric mode status can be displayed to the driver.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes and internal combustion engine, an energy storage device, an electro-mechanical transmission having at least one electric machine rotatably coupled to the engine. The electro-mechanical transmission is selectively controllably operative to transmit torque among the engine and the at least one electric machine. A method to start operation of the internal combustion engine includes initiating rotation of a crankshaft of the engine with the at least one electric machine until a first predetermined crankshaft speed is achieved, firing the engine while controlling engine speed with the at least one electric machine until a flare threshold occurs, controlling the engine speed without any interaction from the at least one electric machine based on controlling combustion parameters of the engine, and when a predetermined condition occurs, controlling the engine speed with the at least one electric machine while the engine is still firing.

Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid powertrain including an engine, an electric motor and a high voltage battery includes preventing fuel flow to the engine when the high voltage battery includes a state of charge at or above a pre-defined upper limit, and when the hybrid powertrain is operating in a second fueling condition in which fuel flow to the engine is preferably maintained. The engine is rotated with torque supplied by the electric motor to maintain rotation of the engine without producing any engine torque.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes and internal combustion engine, an energy storage device, an electro-mechanical transmission having at least one electric machine rotatably coupled to the engine. The electro-mechanical transmission is selectively controllably operative to transmit torque among the engine and the at least one electric machine. A method to start operation of the internal combustion engine includes initiating rotation of a crankshaft of the engine with the at least one electric machine until a first predetermined crankshaft speed is achieved, firing the engine while controlling engine speed with the at least one electric machine until a flare threshold occurs, controlling the engine speed without any interaction from the at least one electric machine based on controlling combustion parameters of the engine, and when a predetermined condition occurs, controlling the engine speed with the at least one electric machine while the engine is still firing.

Abstract: A vehicle gauge and method for displaying an electric mode status of a vehicle that can operate in both an electric mode and one or more alternative modes. According to one exemplary embodiment, the method evaluates a number of throttle and non-throttle conditions and allocates portions of the total range of the vehicle gauge to these conditions. Based on these allocations, the method determines an overall vehicle gauge position that is representative of the electric mode status of the vehicle and provides this to the vehicle gauge so that the electric mode status can be displayed to the driver.

Abstract: A method for controlling operating mode of a vehicle having the electrically variable transmission includes requesting a shift in the operating mode of the transmission and determining if the shift in operating mode is desirable given vehicle conditions. If a shift is desirable then the system compares a timer value with a predetermined time value. The system instructs a shift in the operating mode of the transmission when the timer value is greater than or equal to the predetermined time value and instructs no shift in operating mode of the transmission when the timer value is less than the predetermined time value.

Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid powertrain including an engine, an electric motor and a high voltage battery includes preventing a fuel flow to the engine when the high voltage battery includes a state of charge at or above a pre-defined upper limit, and driving the engine with torque supplied by the electric motor when the hybrid powertrain is operating in a fuel-off disabled condition to maintain operation of the engine without producing any engine torque.

Abstract: A method for controlling operating mode of a vehicle having the electrically variable transmission includes requesting a shift in the operating mode of the transmission and determining if the shift in operating mode is desirable given vehicle conditions. If a shift is desirable then the system compares a timer value with a predetermined time value. The system instructs a shift in the operating mode of the transmission when the timer value is greater than or equal to the predetermined time value and instructs no shift in operating mode of the transmission when the timer value is less than the predetermined time value.