Abstract: A system in a vehicle includes a starter motor to start an engine of the vehicle and a battery configured to power the starter motor during the start of the engine. An ultracapacitor is controllably connected in series with the battery to provide additional power to the starter motor during the start of the engine.

Abstract: A system in a vehicle includes a starter motor to start an engine of the vehicle. The system also includes a first battery connected to the starter motor to power the starter motor during the start of the engine and a second battery controllably connected in series or in parallel with the first battery to provide additional power to the starter motor during the start of the engine.

Abstract: Internal combustion engine cranking is carried out including with a limited overlapping of cranking with a starter motor and a starter/generator during at least the initial compression stroke during a cranking cycle.

Abstract: An electric starter system for an internal combustion includes a pinion gear, a pinion solenoid coupled to the pinion gear, a starter motor that is selectively connectable to the flywheel of the engine via the pinion gear, and a controller in communication with the pinion solenoid and the starter motor. In response to an engine auto-stop signal, the controller is configured to translate the pinion gear into contact with the flywheel and the motor, and cause rotation of the engine crankshaft to a predetermined crank angle. In response to an engine auto-start signal, the controller is configured to command delivery of motor torque from the starter motor, through the pinion gear, and to the flywheel for a duration sufficient for starting the engine.