Abstract: A hybrid vehicle (100) includes a voltage step-up device (17). The voltage step-up device (17) is provided between driving devices (18, 20) and an electrical storage device (16), and steps up input voltages of the driving devices (18, 20) to a voltage of the electrical storage device (16) or above. An HV-ECU (36) determines whether it is possible to reduce a CO2 emissions for a predetermined travel route by increasing the voltage of the electrical storage device (16). Then, when it is determined that it is possible to reduce the CO2 emissions, the HV-ECU (36) controls an SOC of the electrical storage device (16) so as to increase the SOC at a start of the travel route.

Abstract: There are provided a hybrid control unit, an engine control unit that controls an engine based on command information received from the hybrid control unit and an operation status of the engine, and a communication abnormality detection means that detects an abnormality in communication between the hybrid control unit and the engine control unit. In the case where due to an abnormality in the communication between the hybrid control unit and the engine control unit, the engine control unit cannot receive command information from the hybrid control unit, each of the hybrid control unit and the engine control unit performs control in preliminarily set sequence.

Abstract: An electric drive vehicle includes a vehicle main body 10, a battery 12, a power generating unit 11 that charges to the battery 12, an operating condition setting switch 40 capable of setting an operating condition of the power generating unit 11, a power-generating-unit side ECU 113 that operates the power generating unit 11 on the basis of the operating condition, a navigation system 30 that acquires a vehicle traveling condition, and a vehicle-side ECU 50 that estimates the amount of charge consumed in the battery 12 during traveling under the vehicle traveling condition. The vehicle-side ECU 50 turns on an alarm lump 46 when an estimated time necessary for charging the battery to make up the amount of charge estimated is longer than a desired time it takes to charge the battery to make up the amount of charge estimated.

Abstract: To provide an engine controller of a hybrid vehicle that can perform a forced driving operation of an engine by performing the same inspection procedure as that of a vehicle using only an engine as a drive source even in the hybrid vehicle. The engine controller includes an operation control unit (ECM) that performs forced driving control of the engine to maintain an operation in a predetermined state suitable for an inspection if a determination that the inspection of the engine by a forced driving operation is requested is made, and an operation state determination unit (EVCM) that determines whether the cold start condition is satisfied or unsatisfied based on information containing at least with or without change from the disconnected state to the connected state of the battery. If the cold start condition is satisfied, the forced driving control of the engine is performed by the operation control unit.

Abstract: A hybrid system includes a hybrid controller which controls the speed and torque of an engine based on the operated level of an accelerator pedal within a first range where the power generation efficiency of the system becomes equal to or higher than a preset power generation efficiency to allow the engine to operate at an engine operating point when the SOC detected by an SOC sensor is equal to or higher than an HEV low SOC, and which controls the speed and torque of the engine based on the operated level of the accelerator pedal within a second range where the power generated by a power generator motor becomes larger than that of the first range to allow the engine to operate at the engine operating point when the SOC detected by the SOC sensor is lower than the HEV low SOC.

Abstract: In a hybrid power and electricity system for an electric vehicle, the system provides two kinds of electricity sources for the electric vehicle to resolve conventional problems such as insufficient driving range and long charging time. The system includes a compressed gas power engine that uses compressed gas to generate power; a gas tank that supplies compressed gas to the compressed gas power engine; a generator that is driven by the compressed gas power engine to generate electricity; a battery that is charged by the generator or an external electricity source; a motor that propels the electric vehicle. The motor consumes electricity that is supplied by the battery or the generator driven by the compressed gas power engine. The electric vehicle can be driven and charged at the same time, and has an increased driving range. Furthermore, compressed gas is inexpensive and easily available.

Abstract: A method to permit a start time of a heat engine of a vehicle to be controlled. The heat engine is mechanically coupled to a polyphase rotary electrical machine connected to an on-board electrical network. The method is of the type consisting of carrying out pre-fluxing by establishing an excitation current in the inductor for a predetermined pre-fluxing time (Tpref) before the phase currents are established. In accordance with the method, the predetermined pre-fluxing time (Tpref) is a function of the voltage (Vbat+X) of the on-board electrical network. Typically, the predetermined pre-fluxing time (Tpref) is increased when the voltage (Vbat+X) of the on-board electrical network reduces within a nominal voltage range (V 1, V2).

Abstract: A dual mode battery charging system and method of use are provided for use in an electric vehicle. The system utilizes at least two user selectable, charging operational modes. In a first operational mode, a state of charge circuit powers on the engine/generator system whenever the battery state of charge falls below a first level and until the battery state of charge reaches a second level, where the second level is higher than the first level. In a second operational mode, the state of charge circuit powers on the engine/generator system whenever the battery state of charge falls below a third level and until the battery state of charge reaches a fourth level, where the fourth level is higher than the third level, and where both the third and fourth levels are lower than both the first and second levels.

Abstract: A dual mode battery charging system and method of use are provided for use in an electric vehicle. The system utilizes at least two user selectable, charging operational modes. In a first operational mode, a state of charge circuit cycles an engine/generator system on/off between a first level and a second level, where the second level is higher than the first level. In a second operational mode, the state of charge circuit cycles the engine/generator system on/off between a third level and a fourth level. After the fourth state of charge has been reached once, the state of charge circuit cycles the engine/generator system on/off between a fifth level and the fourth level, where the fifth level is higher than the third level and lower than the fourth level, and where the fourth level is lower than both the first and second levels.

Abstract: A dual mode battery charging system and method of use are provided for use in an electric vehicle. The system utilizes at least two user selectable, charging operational modes. In a first operational mode, a state of charge circuit powers on the engine/generator system whenever the battery state of charge falls below a first level and until the battery state of charge reaches a second level, where the second level is higher than the first level. In a second operational mode, the state of charge circuit powers on the engine/generator system whenever the battery state of charge falls below a third level and until the battery state of charge reaches the second level, where the third level is lower than both the first and second levels.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid electric vehicle, includes: a temperature detector configured to detect a motor temperature of the electric motor; a pressing speed detector configured to detect a pressing speed of an accelerator pedal; an electric current detector configured to detect a value of the electric current supplied to the electric motor from the battery; and an engine controller configured to allow, when the motor temperature detected by the temperature detector is equal to or lower than a threshold temperature, the engine to be started based on the pressing speed detected by the pressing speed detector, so that the generator generates the electric power, and configured to allow, when the motor temperature is higher than the threshold temperature, the engine to be started based on the value of the electric current detected by the electric current detector, so that the generator generates the electric power.

Abstract: A machine, such as an electrically powered track type tractor, includes an engine configured to rotate a generator. A drive coupling has a first element fixed to rotate with the engine and a second element fixed to rotate with the generator. The first and second elements are configured to rotationally couple together for transmitting torque from the engine to the generator, but configured to allow relative slip between the first and second elements. The relative slip may occur during engine start up as rotational rates pass through a range associated with the excitation of resonance torsional vibrations. A centering ring has a radial outer surface in contact with the first element and a radial inner surface in contact with the second element. The centering ring assists in avoiding an off center drive coupling arrangement while electrically isolating the first element from the second element.

Abstract: To provide a diesel hybrid vehicle system that does not need to additionally include a simulated sound generator and that is capable of achieving reduction in size, weight and cost of a vehicle. Not only during running of a vehicle, but even when a diesel engine is stopped at the time of starting up the vehicle or during braking control of the vehicle and when an output of the diesel engine is reduced during coasting of the vehicle, a propeller fan of a radiator is forcibly driven to generate a wind sound caused by the propeller fan.

Abstract: A method for operating a series hybrid vehicle is provided, in which an engine generates secondary power that is either stored or used as direct input energy by a secondary power source to provide motive power to the vehicle. Regenerative braking is used to convert kinetic energy of the vehicle into secondary energy, which is also stored. When the vehicle driver makes a power demand, the secondary power source is powered by secondary energy from an energy storage device, direct input energy generated by the engine, or both, depending on the amount of stored secondary energy in combination with vehicle speed. When in use, the power level at which the engine is operated is also determined on the basis of available stored energy and vehicle speed. At higher vehicle speeds, the amount of stored energy is allowed to be depleted in order to increase the available storage capacity for regenerative braking.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a fuel burning actuator operable to burn fuel to drive generator means to generate charge to recharge an energy storage means. The apparatus is operable to motor the fuel burning actuator by means of motoring means comprising an electric machine, the fuel burning actuator being operable to pump gas when motored. Brake means comprising a second electric machine is operable to generate charge in a regenerative braking operation in order to recharge the energy storage device. The apparatus is operable automatically to motor the fuel burning actuator by means of the motoring means when the fuel burning actuator is not burning fuel responsive to at least one operating parameter associated with the energy storage means, the apparatus being operable automatically to restrict by means of restrictor means an amount of gas pumped by the fuel burning actuator thereby to increase an amount of work done by the motoring means when the fuel burning actuator is motored.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a hybrid vehicle, in particular a series-produced hybrid vehicle, comprising at least one electric motor and at least one internal combustion engine, wherein the internal combustion engine is operated in at least one first operating range (B, D) of the vehicle, in particular in a stationary manner, and is deactivated in at least one second operating range (A, C) of the vehicle. In order to enable a basic constant sound without sudden changes, a basic sound (SB) which corresponds to the operating sound (SC) of the internal combustion engine is generated during the second operating range (A, C).

Abstract: A control unit for a series hybrid vehicle includes a basic required output calculator for calculating a basic required output for driving the vehicle based on a vehicle speed and an accelerator pedal opening, a gradient calculator for calculating a rising gradient of a road surface on which the vehicle runs, a correction output calculator for calculating a correction output which is added to the basic required torque based on the rising gradient, and a target output calculator for calculating, when a required output which results from adding the correction output to the basic required output is larger than a predetermined value, based on the required output, a battery target electric power by which the battery is required to output part of the required output and an engine target output by which the engine is required to output the remaining of the required output.

Abstract: A traveling apparatus is provided. The traveling apparatus includes: a driver configured to independently drive two wheels disposed in parallel; a chassis configured to connect the two wheels; a detector provided in the chassis configured to detect a posture angle of the chassis, rotating speed of the two wheels being set respectively based on information on the detected posture angle; and an empty vehicle controller configured to control a posture of a vehicle to stand the vehicle independently in a state of no rider on board. The empty vehicle controller limits or controls the posture angle at the start of the posture control of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for load management for an electric drive machine comprises receiving a fuel signal indicative of a volume of fuel provided to an engine associated with the electric drive machine, receiving an engine speed signal indicative of a rotational speed of an output shaft of the engine, and receiving a boost pressure signal indicative of a pressure of air at an intake manifold of the engine. The method further includes determining a torque adjustment factor based on the fuel signal and the boost pressure signal, and determining a torque capability of the engine based on the fuel signal and the engine speed signal An engine torque limit is determined based on the torque capability and the torque adjustment factor A first motor torque command signal is determined for a first electric drive motor of the electric drive machine based at least in part on the engine torque limit.

Abstract: An improved system and method for starting an engine of an electric drive machine is disclosed. The method includes supplying electric current from a first energy storage device to inductive windings of a propulsion motor. The method also includes accumulating energy in the inductive windings of the propulsion motor based on a magnetic field created when the supplied electric current flows through the inductive windings. Electrical energy is generated by regulating a first plurality of switches associated with a first inverter to cause a collapse of the accumulated energy in the inductive windings. Such electrical energy is stored in an energy storage device. A controller regulates a second plurality of switches associated with a second inverter to cause a release of the stored electrical energy. The released electrical energy is supplied to a generator to start the engine.

Abstract: Disclosed is construction machine with improved safety. A high voltage cable (63(53)) for supplying power that connects a storage means to an electric drive means (21) that drives by means of power from a power generation means (12), which generates power by means of the drive of an engine, or from the storage means, which stores the power generated by the power generation means (12), is wired along the sides of a frame structural member (47) that protrudes in a vertical direction, whereby said frame structural member (47) serves as an upright wall to adequately protect the high voltage cable (63); and even in cases in which, for example, the construction machine strikes an obstruction, or the like, the high voltage cable (63) is adequately protected by said frame structural member (47).

Abstract: An electric vehicle that includes a hydrocarbon engine coupled with a generator, the generator comprising a positive source connection and a neutral source connection. The electric vehicle further includes a plurality of interconnected electrical energy storage devices, each electrical energy storage device comprising a positive terminal and a neutral terminal. Also included is a switching subsystem configured to successively electrically connect each electrical energy storage device to the generator for a selected time interval in a repeating cycle by electrically connecting the positive source connection of the generator to the positive terminal of an electrical energy storage device and electrically connecting the neutral source connection of the generator to the neutral terminal of the electrical energy storage device. The electric vehicle also includes a motor for propelling the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel hybrid electric vehicle. The hybrid electric vehicle comprises a control module to control the charging operation according to at least one of the accelerating information, the speed information, or the gradient information of the vehicle, so as to charge the battery automatically.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte battery includes: an electrode group including a positive electrode and a negative electrode; and a nonaqueous electrolyte including an electrolytic solution, the electrode group including an insulating layer, the insulating layer containing a ceramic, the electrolytic solution including an electrolyte salt and an additive, the electrolyte salt including the compound of formula (1), and the additive being at least one of the compounds of formulae (2) to (14), and the compound of formula (1) being contained in 0.001 mol/L to 2.5 mol/L with respect to the electrolytic solution.

Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle includes an engine and a transmission having an input member, an output member, and a neutral state in which torque is not transmitted from the input member to the output member. A first motor/generator is coupled to the engine. A second motor/generator is coupled with vehicle wheels directly or indirectly through the transmission. The first motor/generator acts as a generator when powered by the engine to provide electric power to the second motor/generator. The second motor/generator acts as a motor when receiving electric power from a battery or from the first motor/generator. A shift selector is moved by a vehicle operator to establish an electric propulsion mode in which the transmission is in the neutral state and the second motor/generator functions as a motor.

Abstract: A motor vehicle (10) has a drive train in the region of a front axle. A body of the motor vehicle has connection points (1, 2, 3) for a laterally arranged internal combustion engine, a vehicle transmission (15) and a torque plate of a motor vehicle (10) that can be driven exclusively by the internal combustion engine. The connection points (1, 2, 3) also are connection points for a hybrid drive train (11). The vehicle uses a modular design principle and can be equipped with differently designed drive systems, including conventional drive exclusively by an internal combustion engine and hybrid drive, without having to make structural modifications. The hybrid drive train may be a serial hybrid or a parallel hybrid.

Abstract: Various methods and systems for an engine driving an electrical power generation system are provided. In one embodiment, an example method for an engine driving an electrical power generation system includes adjusting an engine speed in response to a relationship between oxygen and fuel while maintaining a power transmitted to the electrical power generation system.

Abstract: When passage through a road pricing area where an exhaust gas emission vehicle is subjected to billing is predicted, an ECU calculates a stored energy quantity available for EV traveling based on the current SOC of a power storage device, and estimates a required energy quantity for passing through the road pricing area by EV traveling. The ECU further calculates a deficit of the stored energy quantity relative to the required energy, and if a deficit is found, executes vehicle control for preparing a vehicle condition for passage through the road pricing area corresponding to the energy deficit.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique vehicle having a hybrid drive system. Other embodiments include unique hybrid drive systems. Still other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for fluid driven actuation systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is coupled to a supercharger operable to supply varying amounts of air to the engine responsive to the load on the engine. The supercharger has a pair of screw rotors driven by the engine to move air to the engine and a control apparatus for varying the mass and pressure of air supplied to the engine.

Abstract: A hybrid transmission is provided that has both a hybrid series operating mode and a compound-split operating mode. The transmission includes an input member operatively connected with the engine, an output member, and a plurality of selectively engageable torque-transmitting mechanisms. A gearing arrangement and first and second motor/generators operatively connected with the gearing arrangement are also provided. The gearing arrangement includes a first, a second, and a third planetary gear set, each having a first, a second, and a third member. A first interconnecting member connects a respective one of the members of each of the planetary gear sets for common rotation with one another. A second interconnecting member connects another one of the members of one of the planetary gear sets for common rotation with another one of the members of another of the planetary gear sets.

Abstract: A utility vehicle is disclosed having an electric drive. The drivetrain is comprised of batteries, a motor, a transaxle driven by the motor, a rear differential driven by the transaxle, and a prop shaft which is driven by the transaxle and drives a front differential. The batteries are provided in two groups and are supported on the frame of the vehicle. An on-board range extender is provided to charge the batteries and/or to provide power to the motor.

Abstract: An electrically powered vehicle includes a vehicle body, a battery that is mounted in the vehicle body and is usable for running, and an engine driven type of generator unit that is detachably mounted in the vehicle body and charges the battery. In the electrically powered vehicle, at least some of exhaust system assembly components that form an exhaust system of an engine of the generator unit are provided in the vehicle body. Specifically, the electrically powered vehicle is configured to mount, for example, a catalyst out of the exhaust system assembly components in the vehicle body.

Abstract: An electrically driven vehicle includes a vehicle body, a battery that is mounted in the vehicle body and is usable for running, and a generator unit that is detachably mounted in the vehicle body and charges the battery, a first fuel tank that stores fuel supplied to the generator unit being provided in the vehicle body. The generator unit includes a generator-unit-side fuel tank that stores fuel of the generator unit, and a fuel pipe is provided so as to detachably connect a vehicle-side fuel tank and the generator-unit-side fuel tank.

Abstract: There is provided a controller for a hybrid vehicle which can improve fuel consumption performance and driveability. A controller for a hybrid vehicle which can run in an EV drive mode in which an electric motor 101 is driven by electric power of a battery 113 only and a series drive mode in which the electric motor 101 is driven by electric power generated by a generator 107 using power of an engine 109 includes a demanded driving force calculation unit, a demanded electric power calculation unit, an available uppermost outputting value setting unit and an engine starting determination unit. The engine starting determination unit starts the engine 109 so that the vehicle runs in the series drive mode when the demanded electric power demanded of the electric motor 101 exceeds the available uppermost outputting value.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and a generator motor, a capacitor, and a driving force assisting unit. Further, the control device includes a switching unit that selects an appropriate traveling range from a plurality of traveling ranges including at least a normal traveling range and a charging priority range for preferentially charging the capacitor and switches the range, and a threshold value increasing unit that increases, when the charging priority range is selected by the switching unit, the predetermined determination threshold value as compared to when the normal traveling range is selected by the switching unit.

Abstract: A system for operating a hybrid vehicle that includes a chargeable energy storage device, a single dynamo (motor/generator combination) an internal combustion engine, and a torque coupling device configured to variably couple the engine to the dynamo. The torque coupling device is such that using only a single dynamo, the system is able to operate in different modes expected of hybrid vehicles, such as: electric drive only, engine drive only, electric and engine drive combined, and charging of the chargeable energy storage device.

Abstract: When determined that a driver's accelerator operation is rough during the turn-on condition of an ECO switch 88 while a hybrid vehicle 20 is driven without an operation of an engine 22 (Step S120), a threshold value Pref with respect to a power demand P* is set to a value P2 that is larger than a value P1 of the turn-off condition of the ECO switch 88 so as to give priority to fuel consumption of the engine 22 (Step S140). Then, the engine 22, motors MG1 and MG2 are controlled with a start of the engine 22 as necessary so as to ensure torque equivalent to a torque demand Tr* (Steps S150-S230).

Abstract: A machine, such as an electrically powered track type tractor, includes an engine configured to rotate a generator. A drive coupling has a first element fixed to rotate with the engine and a second element fixed to rotate with the generator. The first and second elements are configured to rotationally couple together for transmitting torque from the engine to the generator, but configured to allow relative slip between the first and second elements. The relative slip may occur during engine start up as rotational rates pass through a range associated with the excitation of resonance torsional vibrations. A centering ring has a radial outer surface in contact with the first element and a radial inner surface in contact with the second element. The centering ring assists in avoiding an off center drive coupling arrangement while electrically isolating the first element from the second element.

Abstract: Provided are a mixed cathode active material including lithium manganese oxide expressed as Chemical Formula 1 and a stoichiometric spinel structure Li4Mn5O12 having a plateau voltage profile in a range of 2.5 V to 3.3 V, and a lithium secondary battery including the mixed cathode active material. The mixed cathode material and the lithium secondary battery including the same may have improved safety and simultaneously, power may be maintained more than a required value by allowing Li4Mn5O12 to complement low power in a low state of charge (SOC) range. Therefore, a mixed cathode active material able to widen an available SOC range and a lithium secondary battery including the mixed cathode active material may be provided and properly used in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) or electric vehicle (EV).

Abstract: A vehicle drive system uses multi-fuel engines to provide mechanical energy as an electric generator. The electric generator provides electrical energy to an electric motor which in turn provides mechanical energy to the drive train of a vehicle. The electric generator also provides electric energy to storage batteries. Electrical energy may be provided from the storage batteries to the electric motor as needed.

Abstract: A system of electric power management for a hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a first inverter, a first electric machine coupled to the engine and the first inverter, and a first transmission coupled between the engine and the first electric machine. The first transmission has a transmission speed ratio operable such that the first electric machine operating speed operates independent of an engine operating speed. A second electric machine is coupled to the second inverter and a wheel axle of the vehicle. A high voltage battery is coupled to both the first inverter and the second inverter. A switch box is disposed between the first electric machine and the second electric machine. The switch box includes switches adapted to switch open and closed to allow direct electrical connection from the first electric machine to the second electric machine.

Abstract: A system for a hybrid vehicle includes an engine; a first inverter coupled to a second inverter; a first electrical machine coupled to the engine and the first inverter; a second electrical machine coupled to the second inverter and a wheel axle of the vehicle; a high voltage battery coupled to both the first inverter and the second inverter; and a switch box disposed between the first electrical machine and the second electrical machine. The switch box includes switches adapted to switch open and closed to allow direct electrical connection from the first electrical machine to the second electrical machine.

Abstract: A disclosed hybrid-type construction machine includes a generator part configured to generate electric energy by the driving force of an engine; an inverter configured to control the generator part; an electric power accumulator configured to accumulate the electric energy generated by the generator part; a DC bus located between the generator part and the electric power accumulator; and a converter configured to control a voltage of the DC bus, wherein when the electric power accumulator having approximately zero electric energy is charged the inverter of the generator part is not controlled, and a reference value of a voltage command for the DC bus to charge the electric power accumulator is set to be smaller than an induced voltage of the generator part.

Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid vehicle propulsion system includes selectively operating the engine to consume fuel stored on-board the vehicle based on a residence time of the fuel stored on-board the vehicle and further based on a profile of ambient conditions over the residence time.

Abstract: In an electrically driven vehicle equipped with a battery usable for running, a power generation unit of engine driven type that charges the battery is detachably mounted on the vehicle including a case where at least an engine of the power generation unit is detachably mounted, and the vehicle includes first stop means for bringing the power generation unit in a stopped state when the power generation unit is installed in or removed from the vehicle, and a generation stop switch for making an operation request to the power generation unit. More specifically, the first stop means stops an operation request signal to the power generation unit through low-voltage system wires when the generation stop switch is ON (no operation request is made).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present technology are directed toward a kinetic energy storage system for capturing kinetic energy of a vehicle, converting the captured kinetic energy into another form, and storing the converted energy in a portable energy storage device.

Abstract: An extended-range electric vehicle includes drive wheels, an engine having an output shaft, a planetary gear set having a node driven by the output shaft of the engine when the engine is on, and first and second electric machines. The first electric machine is connected to another node, and operates as a generator when the engine is on. A one-way clutch is connected to the remaining node. The second electric machine is connected to an output side of the one-way clutch, with a shaft connecting the drive wheels to the second electric machine. A controller provides a forward electric-only (EV) mode, a reverse EV mode, power-split mode(s), and series mode(s). The series mode(s) provide a direct mechanical path between the engine and drive wheels, with the one-way clutch overrunning in the forward EV mode. The one-way clutch may be activated passively or by a PRNDL device.

Abstract: A system for controlling a mode of operation of a vehicle having a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), an engine, and a drive motor coupled to the RESS and the engine, the drive motor selectively powered by at least one of the RESS and the engine includes a controller operable to adjust the vehicle to operate in a plurality of operating modes including a first mode in which the drive motor is powered by the RESS, a second mode in which the drive motor is powered more by the engine than the RESS, and a third mode in which the drive motor is powered by both the RESS and the engine. The third mode includes a plurality of braking modes adjusting the level of automatic brake power and manually requested brake power for providing resistance to the vehicle as the vehicle travels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for obtaining improved power generation efficiency by operating the primary power source, such as an ICE, only at the most efficient operating modes for a given engine, and simultaneously supplementing the power provided by the ICE with additional power stored in an accumulator, such as an ultra capacitor, as the load demands would otherwise cause that ICE to operate outside of the more efficient operating modes. In the case of a hybrid electric vehicle, the present invention would use banks of ultra-capacitors instead of batteries not just to start the ICE but also to supplement the electric power available for wheel drive motors when the ICE is in operation. According to the present invention, a control device would maintain the ICE at specific operational modes, either off, idle, or specific fuel efficient operating conditions over the entire range of vehicle operation.