Abstract: A regenerative braking system for use with a hybrid electric vehicle 10 including an internal combustion engine 14, an electric motor/generator or transaxle assembly 16, and a transmission assembly 18 which selectively receives torque from the engine 14 and transaxle 16 and delivers the received torque to vehicle's wheels 26, 28. The engine 14 is connected to the transmission assembly 16 by use of a clutch 20. During regenerative braking events, the system automatically disengages clutch 20, thereby allowing a maximum amount of energy to be recovered by the transaxle assembly 16, as engine “drag” is eliminated. Furthermore, the system disengages clutch 20 during idling conditions, and utilizes transaxle 16 to provide a negative torque to the driveline, effective to recover energy and to simulate engine drag forces due to compression braking effects, thereby providing a driver of the vehicle 10 with consistent feel during all operating modes.

Abstract: A method of distributing a torque demand in a hybrid electric vehicle having an internal combustion engine 200 and an electric motor 202 is provided. In hybrid operation, the motor 202 initially starts the vehicle. When the vehicle desired power demand reaches a first vehicle 27. A method as described in claim 26, wherein said third predefined percentage of accelerator pedal travel position is 0%.operational parameter, a controller 214 switches the torque demand to the engine 200. An accelerator pedal 220 has a position sensor 222 which determines a non-fixed pedal 220 first position during transition between the motor 202 and engine 200. The accelerator pedal 220 also has a preset second position wherein a maximum of engine 200 torque is requested. The controller 214, cognizant of the accelerator pedal 220 first and second positions, linearly scales the accelerator pedal 220 to provide a uniform torque-responsive accelerator pedal.

Abstract: A post-transmission, parallel hybrid electric vehicle and method of control thereof is provided having an engine 200 joined to a differential 206 by an automated layshaft transmission 212. A motor 202 is provided which additionally provides torque to the differential 206 during gear changes of the transmission 212 to minimize the affects of clutch shudder from an engine clutch 210.