Abstract: There is provided a vehicle having a drive system. The drive system includes an engine for providing electrical power for propelling the vehicle, an electrical energy storage device, a first motor for driving a rotation of a first shaft of the vehicle, and a second motor for driving a rotation of a second shaft of the vehicle. The drive system is configured to operate in a first mode, wherein in the first mode, power for each of the first motor and the second motor is provided exclusively by the electrical energy storage device.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system comprising three motor/generators, an engine and an electrical energy storage device. The system is arranged so that two axles can be driven at the same time. Each axle can be driven using power generated by the engine or provided by the electrical energy storage device. The system can also be configured to drive one of axles using mechanical power from the engine.

Abstract: A method of controlling operational modes of a hybrid electric vehicle includes: determining whether an all-electric range (AER) of the vehicle is at or less than a first predetermined value; activating a first operational mode if the AER is determined to be at or less than the first predetermined value; determining, while the first operational mode is active, whether the AER of the vehicle is greater than a second predetermined value; activating a second operational mode if the AER is determined to be greater than the second predetermined value.

Abstract: A method of controlling transition of operating modes in a hybrid vehicle includes the steps of providing a vehicle system having a generator coupled to an inverter and a motor coupled to an inverter. A switch box is disposed therebetween. The switch box includes a plurality of electrical switches that open and close to allow for direct electrical connection between the generator and the motor. The method detects a transfer condition using the vehicle system controller to transition from a first operating mode to a second operating mode. The transfer condition defines a predetermined efficiency threshold of the second operating mode being more efficient than the first operating mode. The method further preconditions the vehicle system by synchronizing electrical features between the generator and the motor. The method then actuates the switch box to close the plurality of switches allowing the generator and motor to electrically couple.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system comprising three motor/generators, an engine and an electrical energy storage device. The system is arranged so that two axles can be driven at the same time. Each axle can be driven using power generated by the engine or provided by the electrical energy storage device. The system can also be configured to drive one of axles using mechanical power from the engine.

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 motor drive system configuration for a vehicle. The motor drive system includes an engine operable for providing power to the vehicle, a motor operable for providing power to a first wheel and a second wheel of the vehicle. The motor drive system also includes a first transmission mounted between the engine and the motor and in operative engagement with the motor and the engine. The first transmission includes a first clutch for coupling and decoupling the motor with the engine. The motor drive system also includes a differential in operative engagement with the transmission and coupled to the first wheel and the second wheel, and a clutch for disabling the connection between the motor and the wheels.

Abstract: A motor drive system configuration for a hybrid vehicle includes a first motor, a second motor, a differential mounted between the first motor and the second motor, a differential gear, a reduction gear, and a rotatable shaft. The reduction gear includes first end in meshed engagement with the differential gear and a second end. The rotatable shaft includes a first end rotatably coupled to the first motor and a second end rotatably coupled to the second motor. The second end of the rotatable shaft includes a gear in meshed engagement with the second end of the reduction gear. The rotatable shaft has a ninety degree input into the differential and the first and second motors are mounted in-line with the rotatable shaft.

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 motor drive system configuration for a hybrid vehicle includes a first motor, a second motor, a differential mounted between the first motor and the second motor, a differential gear, a reduction gear, and a rotatable shaft. The reduction gear includes first end in meshed engagement with the differential gear and a second end. The rotatable shaft includes a first end rotatably coupled to the first motor and a second end rotatably coupled to the second motor. The second end of the rotatable shaft includes a gear in meshed engagement with the second end of the reduction gear. The rotatable shaft has a ninety degree input into the differential and the first and second motors are mounted in-line with the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A motor drive system configuration for a vehicle. The motor drive system includes an engine operable for providing power to the vehicle, a motor operable for providing power to a first wheel and a second wheel of the vehicle. The motor drive system also includes a first transmission mounted between the engine and the motor and in operative engagement with the motor and the engine. The first transmission includes a first clutch for coupling and decoupling the motor with the engine. The motor drive system also includes a differential in operative engagement with the transmission and coupled to the first wheel and the second wheel, and a clutch for disabling the connection between the motor and the wheels.

Abstract: A photovoltaic storage and charging system for a vehicle includes a photovoltaic apparatus disposed on the vehicle for absorbing radiant energy and converting the absorbed radiant energy into electrical energy. At least one energy storage device stores the electrical energy from the photovoltaic apparatus, and the stored electrical power is available for use by the vehicle. An electrical energy converter is disposed between the photovoltaic apparatus and the energy storage device, to receive the electrical energy from the photovoltaic apparatus, boost the energy to a predetermined level for charging the energy storage device and deliver the boosted electrical energy to the energy storage device.

Abstract: A vehicle motor drive system having a first motor and a second motor connected by a common rotatable shaft, wherein the shaft is in operable engagement with a first and second wheel. The first motor is coupled to the first end of the rotatable shaft member and the second motor is coupled to the second end of the rotatable shaft member. The first motor and the second motor are mounted ninety electrical degrees out of phase from one another to minimize lorque ripple.