Abstract: An electric powertrain includes an engine configured to provide mechanical energy and a generator operably coupled to the engine and configured to convert at least a portion of the mechanical energy into electric energy. The electric powertrain further includes at least one electric motor operably coupled to the generator, a plurality of driving members, and at least one power electronics unit configured to control at least one of the engine and the generator. The at least one electric motor is configured to provide torque for the plurality of driving members.

Abstract: An electric powertrain includes an engine configured to provide mechanical energy and a generator operably coupled to the engine and configured to convert at least a portion of the mechanical energy into electric energy. The electric powertrain further includes at least one electric motor operably coupled to the generator, a plurality of driving members, and at least one power electronics unit configured to control at least one of the engine and the generator. The at least one electric motor is configured to provide torque for the plurality of driving members.

Abstract: An electric powertrain, a vehicle using an electric powertrain, and a method of manufacturing a vehicle having an electric powertrain are disclosed. The electric powertrain balances the ability of the vehicle to accept a given load, while at the same time affording the vehicle with an acceptable level of maneuverability. By selectively sizing the ratio of the inertia of the electric motor to the inertia of the vehicle, the optimum balance between these two competing concerns may be reached. Moreover, by optionally ensuring the Stemler Factor is less than or equal to the inertia ratio, the proper balance between load acceptance and maneuverability is attained as well.

Abstract: An electric drive system is provided. The electric drive system includes a first output member, a second output member, and an electric motor that includes an output shaft having an axis of rotation. The output shaft is operatively engaged with the first and second output members to rotate the first and second output members. A differential steering system is disposed between the electric motor and the first and second output members. The differential steering system includes at least one planetary gear assembly that has an axis of rotation that substantially aligns with the axis of rotation of the output shaft. A steering motor is operatively engaged with the at least one planetary gear assembly and is operable to modify the rotational speed of the at least one planetary gear assembly to thereby adjust the rotational speed of one of the first and second output members relative to the other of the first and second output members.

Abstract: A predictive load management system is provided. A power source is operable to generate a power output and has a desired operating range. A transmission has a drive member operably engaged with the power source and a driven member. A control system is operable to receive at least one input indicative of a load on the transmission and to identify a desired load of the transmission based on the at least one input. The control system is also operable to receive at least one input indicative of current power output of the power source. The control system limits the desired transmission load applied to the driven member of the transmission based on the current power output of the power source to thereby prevent the power source from operating outside of the desired operating range.

Abstract: An electric drive system is provided. The electric drive system includes a first output member, a second output member, and an electric motor that includes an output shaft having an axis of rotation. The output shaft is operatively engaged with the first and second output members to rotate the first and second output members. A differential steering system is disposed between the electric motor and the first and second output members. The differential steering system includes at least one planetary gear assembly that has an axis of rotation that substantially aligns with the axis of rotation of the output shaft. A steering motor is operatively engaged with the at least one planetary gear assembly and is operable to modify the rotational speed of the at least one planetary gear assembly to thereby adjust the rotational speed of one of the first and second output members relative to the other of the first and second output members.

Abstract: An electric drive system is provided. The electric drive system includes a first output member, a second output member, and an electric motor that includes an output shaft having an axis of rotation. The output shaft is operatively engaged with the first and second output members to rotate the first and second output members. A differential steering system is disposed between the electric motor and the first and second output members. The differential steering system includes at least one planetary gear assembly that has an axis of rotation that substantially aligns with the axis of rotation of the output shaft. A steering motor is operatively engaged with the at least one planetary gear assembly and is operable to modify the rotational speed of the at least one planetary gear assembly to thereby adjust the rotational speed of one of the first and second output members relative to the other of the first and second output members.

Abstract: A drive system with the capability for providing continuously variable and differential outputs is provided. The drive system may include a power source system and first, second, and third variable drive units coupled to the power source system. The drive system may also include first and second planetary gear assemblies, each planetary gear assembly including a sun gear, a ring gear, a carrier, and a plurality of planetary elements. The first variable drive unit may be mechanically coupled to the first planetary gear assembly. The second variable drive unit may be mechanically coupled to the second planetary gear assembly. The third variable drive unit may be mechanically coupled to the first planetary gear assembly and to the second planetary gear assembly. The drive system may also include first and second output shafts coupled, respectively, to the first and second planetary gear assemblies.