Abstract: A drive unit includes an engine, a generator, an electric motor and a power distributing device. The engine drives the generator to generate electric power. The electric motor is driven by the electric power generated by the generator and rotates a drive wheel. The power distributing device distributes the drive power generated by the engine between the generator and the drive wheel. A crankshaft of the engine can extend in a transverse direction of the vehicle. The generator, the motor and the power distributing device are disposed on a shaft, which is different from the crankshaft and extends substantially parallel to the crankshaft. The power of the engine and the drive force of the motor are output from a portion of the shaft through the power distributing device and the rotor of the motor.

Abstract: An engine produces power, which is distributed by a power distribution device to an electric generator and a rear wheel. A motor produces power other than that produced by the engine to drive the rear wheel. A battery stores electricity generated by the electric generator and supplies electricity to the electric generator and the motor. A hybrid control unit (HCU) controls the engine, the electric generator and the motor. The HCU drives a decompression device provided in the engine to reduce the pressure inside an engine cylinder created while cranking the engine, in order to stop the engine.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine for generating power through fuel consumption, a generator driven at least by the engine for generating power, a battery charged by the generator, a motor driven by at least the electric power from the generator or the battery to generate power, and a drive wheel that is rotated by the power of at least one of the engine and the motor. The hybrid vehicle also includes a drive controller with a control section configured to regulate the speed of the generator driven by the engine, and configured to charge the battery with the power generated by the generator. The drive controller also comprises a battery current detector that produces a signal indicative of an amount of current supplied from the generator to the battery, the control section receiving said signal. The control section is configured to cause a throttle opening of the engine to decrease while controlling the generator to keep a rotational speed of the generator above about 80% of an upper rotational speed limit.

Abstract: An engine produces power, which is distributed by a power distribution device to an electric generator and a rear wheel. A motor produces power other than that produced by the engine to drive the rear wheel. A battery stores electricity generated by the electric generator and supplies electricity to the electric generator and the motor. A hybrid control unit (HCU) controls the engine, the electric generator and the motor. The HCU drives a decompression device provided in the engine to reduce the pressure inside an engine cylinder created while cranking the engine, in order to stop the engine.

Abstract: An engine produces power, which is distributed by a power distribution device to an electric generator and a rear wheel. A motor produces power other than that produced by the engine to drive the rear wheel, and also functions as an electric generator. A control unit drives the electric generator and the motor using electricity from a battery to start up the engine. When starting up the engine, the control unit drives a decompression device provided in the engine to reduce the compression pressure inside a cylinder from the moment when cranking of the engine is started.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine for generating power through fuel consumption, a generator driven at least by the engine for generating power, a battery charged by the generator, a motor driven by at least the electric power from the generator or the battery to generate power, and a drive wheel that is rotated by the power of at least one of the engine and the motor. The hybrid vehicle also includes a drive controller with a control section configured to regulate the speed of the generator driven by the engine, and configured to charge the battery with the power generated by the generator. The drive controller also comprises a battery current detector that produces a signal indicative of an amount of current supplied from the generator to the battery, the control section receiving said signal. The control section is configured to cause a throttle opening of the engine to decrease while controlling the generator to keep a rotational speed of the generator above about 80% of an upper rotational speed limit.

Abstract: A drive unit includes an engine, a generator, an electric motor and a power distributing device. The engine drives the generator to generate electric power. The electric motor is driven by the electric power generated by the generator and rotates a drive wheel. The power distributing device distributes the drive power generated by the engine between the generator and the drive wheel. A crankshaft of the engine can extend in a transverse direction of the vehicle. The generator, the motor and the power distributing device are disposed on a shaft, which is different from the crankshaft and extends substantially parallel to the crankshaft. The power of the engine and the drive force of the motor are output from a portion of the shaft through the power distributing device and the rotor of the motor.