Abstract: A method for distributing energy in a vehicle having a hybrid electric drive system that includes an internal combustion engine and at least one electric motor which deliver torque to a primary drive shift having at least two drive wheels operatively associated therewith. The method includes the steps of delivering torque from the internal combustion engine and the electric motor to the primary drive shaft to accelerate the vehicle from a stationary position to a predetermined cruising velocity, disengaging the electric motor from the primary drive shaft once the vehicle has accelerate to the cruising velocity to reduce parasitic drag on the system, and delivering torque from the internal combustion engine to the primary drive shaft utilizing the mean horsepower of the internal combustion engine to maintain the vehicle at the cruising velocity.

Abstract: A hybrid electric drive system for a vehicle having at least two drive wheels which receive torque from a primary drive shaft. The system includes an internal combustion engine which is operatively connected to a secondary drive shaft for delivering torque thereto, a transmission assembly for delivering torque to the primary drive shaft which has an input shaft that is operatively connected to the secondary drive shaft for receiving torque therefrom, and at least one electric motor which is operatively connected to the input shaft of the transmission assembly for delivering torque thereto.