Abstract: A vehicle includes a motor/generator, a disconnect clutch disposed between the engine and the motor/generator, and a transmission disposed between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels. The transmission includes an input clutch which is selectively engagable for facilitating torque transfer between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels. When an engine start is requested, the motor/generator is operated, and a start mode for the engine is determined based on a number of vehicle parameters. The transmission input clutch is partially disengaged to at least partially isolate the vehicle drive wheels from engine torque disturbances when the engine is started. The disconnect clutch is engaged, and the engine is fueled, thereby facilitating torque production by the engine.

Abstract: A power boost system and method. An illustrative embodiment of the power boost system includes an operator interface having a system activation button; a vehicle system controller connected to the operator interface; and at least one of an engine system controller, a battery system controller and an accessory system controller connected to the vehicle system controller.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle and powertrain include an engine operable to output torque in only one direction, and further includes a power transfer arrangement configured to provide output torque in two rotational directions. In one embodiment, the power transfer arrangement includes three gears and a single clutch, the configuration of which provides a simple mechanism for driving the vehicle in reverse using torque produced by the engine.

Abstract: A system, method and vehicle using the same for increasing regenerative power recovered during vehicle deceleration. The system includes first and second sets of vehicle wheels, a controller, an electric machine, a regenerative power source, and a driveline. The electric machine performs as a motor/generator in a first/second mode of operation, respectively. The regenerative power source is electrically coupled to the electric machine and is configured to supply/receive power to/from the electric machine when the electric machine is in the first/second mode of operation, respectively. The driveline is coupled to the electric machine and the first set of vehicle wheels for transferring torque. The driveline includes a controllable coupling apparatus in electronic communication with the controller for selectively coupling, during vehicle deceleration, the electric machine to the second set of vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A power boost system and method. An illustrative embodiment of the power boost system includes an operator interface having a system activation button; a vehicle system controller connected to the operator interface; and at least one of an engine system controller, a battery system controller and an accessory system controller connected to the vehicle system controller.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling activation of a power source of a hybrid electric vehicle. The method includes determining a vehicle speed, determining an operating state of a brake system, and controlling activation of the power source based on at least one of the vehicle speed and the operating state of the brake system.

Abstract: A vehicle and a method for starting an engine in a vehicle are provided. The vehicle has a motor/generator, a disconnect clutch disposed between the engine and the motor/generator, and a transmission disposed between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels. The transmission includes an input clutch which is selectively engagable for facilitating torque transfer between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels. When an engine start is requested, the motor/generator is operated, and a start mode for the engine is determined based on a number of vehicle parameters. The transmission input clutch is partially disengaged to at least partially isolate the vehicle drive wheels from engine torque disturbances when the engine is started. The disconnect clutch is engaged, and the engine is fueled, thereby facilitating torque production by the engine.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a motor/generator, a disconnect clutch disposed between the engine and the motor/generator, and a transmission disposed between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels. The transmission includes an input clutch which is selectively engagable for facilitating torque transfer between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels. When an engine start is requested, the motor/generator is operated, and a start mode for the engine is determined based on a number of vehicle parameters. The transmission input clutch is partially disengaged to at least partially isolate the vehicle drive wheels from engine torque disturbances when the engine is started. The disconnect clutch is engaged, and the engine is fueled, thereby facilitating torque production by the engine.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle and powertrain include an engine operable to output torque in only one direction, and further includes a power transfer arrangement configured to provide output torque in two rotational directions. In one embodiment, the power transfer arrangement includes three gears and a single clutch, the configuration of which provides a simple mechanism for driving the vehicle in reverse using torque produced by the engine.

Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle having a primary power generating system and a secondary power generating system coupled via a power transmission assembly for delivery of tractive force for the vehicle. The method includes determining acceleration of input speed to the power transmission assembly when the primary power generating system is deactivated, and inferring activation of the primary power generating system based at least in part on the acceleration of the power transmission assembly.

Abstract: A system, method and vehicle using the same for increasing regenerative power recovered during vehicle deceleration. The system includes first and second sets of vehicle wheels, a controller, an electric machine, a regenerative power source, and a driveline. The electric machine performs as a motor/generator in a first/second mode of operation, respectively. The regenerative power source is electrically coupled to the electric machine and is configured to supply/receive power to/from the electric machine when the electric machine is in the first/second mode of operation, respectively. The driveline is coupled to the electric machine and the first set of vehicle wheels for transferring torque. The driveline includes a controllable coupling apparatus in electronic communication with the controller for selectively coupling, during vehicle deceleration, the electric machine to the second set of vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A system for controlling exhaust emission oxides of nitrogen (NOx) during restarts of an internal combustion engine (ICE). The system includes a first sensor for determining a first level of exhaust gas oxygen at a location upstream of a catalytic converter, a second sensor for determining a second level of exhaust gas oxygen at a location mid-bed of the catalytic, and a controller for performing at least one process to reduce NOx emissions when a difference between the first level of exhaust gas oxygen and the second level of exhaust gas oxygen exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A method controlling a hybrid electric vehicle. The hybrid electric vehicle includes a power transfer unit having a plurality of gear ratios and at least one power source adapted to drive the power transfer unit. The method includes calculating a speed ratio value, comparing the speed ratio value to a threshold value, and inferring a torque disturbance if the speed ratio value is greater than the threshold value.

Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle when starting a power source. The method includes initiating a start sequence that includes driving the power source at a target speed, determining a speed adjustment value based on an amount of vehicle acceleration requested by the driver, adjusting the target speed, and modifying output of the electrical machine to maintain the target speed.

Abstract: A method for controlling a wheel drive system of a hybrid electric vehicle when starting a power source. The hybrid electric vehicle includes first and second power sources, a motor, and a power transfer unit adapted to drive a vehicle wheel. The method includes determining whether the first power source is to be started, determining whether a level of torque requested by a vehicle operator is greater than a threshold value, maintaining a current gear ratio if the threshold value is exceeded, and providing a target level of torque to the power transfer unit.

Abstract: A vehicle and a method for starting an engine in a vehicle are provided. The vehicle has a motor/generator, a disconnect clutch disposed between the engine and the motor/generator, and a transmission disposed between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels. The transmission includes an input clutch which is selectively engagable for facilitating torque transfer between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels. When an engine start is requested, the motor/generator is operated, and a start mode for the engine is determined based on a number of vehicle parameters. The transmission input clutch is partially disengaged to at least partially isolate the vehicle drive wheels from engine torque disturbances when the engine is started. The disconnect clutch is engaged, and the engine is fueled, thereby facilitating torque production by the engine.

Abstract: A method controlling a hybrid electric vehicle. The hybrid electric vehicle includes a power transfer unit having a plurality of gear ratios and at least one power source adapted to drive the power transfer unit. The method includes calculating a speed ratio value, comparing the speed ratio value to a threshold value, and inferring a torque disturbance if the speed ratio value is greater than the threshold value.

Abstract: A system for controlling exhaust emission oxides of nitrogen (NOx) during restarts of an internal combustion engine (ICE). The system includes a first sensor for determining a first level of exhaust gas oxygen at a location upstream of a catalytic converter, a second sensor for determining a second level of exhaust gas oxygen at a location mid-bed of the catalytic, and a controller for performing at least one process to reduce NOx emissions when a difference between the first level of exhaust gas oxygen and the second level of exhaust gas oxygen exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle having a primary power generating system and a secondary power generating system coupled via a power transmission assembly for delivery of tractive force for the vehicle. The method includes determining acceleration of input speed to the power transmission assembly when the primary power generating system is deactivated, and inferring activation of the primary power generating system based at least in part on the acceleration of the power transmission assembly.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling activation of a power source of a hybrid electric vehicle. The method includes determining a vehicle speed, determining an operating state of a brake system, and controlling activation of the power source based on at least one of the vehicle speed and the operating state of the brake system.