Abstract: In a vehicle including an EHC containing a catalyst base material and an insulator insulating the EHC from the outside, an ECU estimates a temperature of the catalyst base material and a temperature of the insulator immediately after a state of the vehicle is switched from a Ready-OFF state to a Ready-ON state, as a base material temperature for determination THcpost and an insulator temperature for determination THipost, respectively. Then, when base material temperature for determination THcpost is lower than a base material threshold temperature THcth and when insulator temperature for determination THipost is lower than an insulator threshold temperature THith, the ECU allows EHC power feed, and otherwise it does not allow but prohibits EHC power feed.

Abstract: A control device controlling a hybrid vehicle drive apparatus that includes an internal combustion engine, a rotary electric machine drivingly connected to a wheel and a clutch selectively drivingly connecting the internal combustion engine with the rotary electric machine. The control device performs control such that, when a start request of the internal combustion engine is issued in the state in which the clutch is released and combustion of the internal combustion engine is stopped, a rotational speed of the internal combustion engine is raised to a rotational speed of the rotary electric machine by transmitting driving torque of the rotary electric machine to the internal combustion engine by increasing a torque transfer capacity of the clutch, and, after the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine is synchronized with the rotational speed of the rotary electric machine, the combustion of the internal combustion engine is started.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes a combustion engine, an electric machine arrangement, a gearbox operable to receive motive power from at least one of the combustion engine and the electric machine arrangement for providing motive power to a load of the powertrain. The powertrain is configurable in operation so that its combustion engine is switchable between an inactive state and an active state. The combustion engine is cranked to switch it from its inactive state to its active state. Application of cranking torque to the combustion engine is controlled in operation to substantially temporally coincide with a gear change in the gearbox.

Abstract: An apparatus for an accessory drive configuration includes an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft which is structured to provide traction power. A torque-transmitting shaft extends through a portion of an internal combustion engine assembly, and the torque-transmitting shaft provides mechanical power to an accessory drive system. The internal combustion engine and an electric motor are operably coupled to the torque-transmitting shaft to selectively provide torque to the torque-transmitting shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a creep control system and method for a hybrid vehicle, which controls the driving of a motor according to the distance to a preceding vehicle in order to provide creep driving when the hybrid vehicle has come to a complete stop. In particular, driving information is detected and a determination is made as to whether the hybrid vehicle is in an idle stop and completely stationary state. Then when the hybrid vehicle is in the idle stop and completely stationary state, a determination is made as to whether a distance from a preceding vehicle is more than a predetermined distance. When the distance to the preceding vehicle is more than the predetermined distance, a motor is driven to perform creep driving.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an pneumatic hybrid internal combustion engine with at least one combustion chamber composed of a cylinder in which a piston is arranged mechanically interconnected to a crank shaft via a piston rod. An inlet valve and an exhaust valve are both mechanically interconnected via a valve gear to the crank shaft. The engine further includes at least one charge valve which is actuated by a charge valve actuator in a fully variable manner such that the engine can be operated in a four stroke hybrid mode.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes a combustion engine, an electric machine arrangement, a gearbox operable to receive motive power from at least one of the combustion engine and the electric machine arrangement for providing motive power to a load of the powertrain. The powertrain is configurable in operation so that its combustion engine is switchable between an inactive state and an active state. The combustion engine is cranked to switch it from its inactive state to its active state. Application of cranking torque to the combustion engine is controlled in operation to substantially temporally coincide with a gear change in the gearbox.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a structure of an electric vehicle, which includes an engine, an electric generator for being driven by the engine, a battery for being supplied and charged with generated power at least from the electric generator, and a motor for being supplied with power from the battery to drive driving wheels. The engine, the electric generator, and a power transmission device for transmitting a motive force of the engine to the electric generator are integrally formed to constitute a power generation unit. The power generation unit is arranged inside an engine room so that at least the engine is located rearward from wheel axles of left and right front wheels.

Abstract: After completion of warm-up of an engine, upon satisfaction of an exhaust gas recirculation condition by setting the drive mode of a hybrid vehicle to a normal mode according to the driver's accelerator operation, when a power difference ?Pe representing a decrease rate of a power demand Pe* required for the engine is less than a preset reference value ?, the engine and motors MG1 and MG2 are controlled to ensure output of a power equivalent to the power demand Pe* from the engine with prohibition for exhaust gas recirculation via an EGR valve and to ensure output of a torque equivalent to a torque demand Tr* to a ring gear shaft or an axle (steps S300 to S330 and step S390).

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle propulsion system and method of operation have been provided. As one example, the system comprises an internal combustion engine including at least a combustion chamber configured to propel the vehicle via at least a drive wheel, a motor configured to propel the vehicle via at least a drive wheel, an energy storage device configured to store energy that is usable by the motor to propel the vehicle, a fuel system configured to deliver gasoline and alcohol to the combustion chamber in varying relative amounts, a control system configured to operate the motor to propel the vehicle and to vary the relative amounts of the gasoline and alcohol provided to the combustion chamber in response to an output of the motor.

Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid powertrain including an engine, an electric motor and a high voltage battery includes preventing fuel flow to the engine when the high voltage battery includes a state of charge at or above a pre-defined upper limit, and when the hybrid powertrain is operating in a second fueling condition in which fuel flow to the engine is preferably maintained. The engine is rotated with torque supplied by the electric motor to maintain rotation of the engine without producing any engine torque.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes a combustion engine, an electric machine arrangement, a gearbox operable to receive motive power from at least one of the combustion engine and the electric machine arrangement for providing motive power to a load of the powertrain. The powertrain is configurable in operation so that its combustion engine is switchable between an inactive state and an active state. The combustion engine is cranked to switch it from its inactive state to its active state. Application of cranking torque to the combustion engine is controlled in operation to substantially temporally coincide with a gear change in the gearbox.

Abstract: A machine having a transmission, a differential, and a drive shaft disposed therebetween has an improvement including a stator with a substantially cylindrical opening extending therethrough, and a rotor that rotates relative to the stator. The rotor is attached to the drive shaft in axial alignment, and rotation of the drive shaft causes a corresponding rotation of the rotor. At least a portion of the drive shaft extends through the opening in the stator. A semi-rigid coupling extends between the stator and the transmission.

Abstract: A control device is applied to a hybrid vehicle on which an internal combustion engine equipped with a supercharger, and a motor generator that generates electric power while applying negative torque to the internal combustion engine, are installed. The control device drives a boost pressure varying mechanism so as to regulate a boost pressure developed by the supercharger, and drives a throttle valve of the engine so as to adjust its throttle opening. A controller of the control device drives the boost pressure varying mechanism to reduce the boost pressure of the supercharger, before driving the throttle valve to reduce the throttle opening, in order to reduce output torque of the engine, when the motor generator is in a. high-load condition while negative torque applied from the motor generator to the engine is adjusted so as to restrict the engine speed to a target value.

Abstract: An ECU executes a program including a step of prohibiting idle priority control if automatic stop control of an engine is prohibited and a step of permitting the idle priority control if the automatic stop control of the engine is not prohibited.

Abstract: A method, comprising propelling a vehicle with an engine and a motor starting the engine if energy stored in an energy storage device is greater than an upper threshold level when a contaminant amount in the engine oil is greater than a threshold amount.

Abstract: A hybrid drive apparatus includes: a drive power source that includes an internal combustion engine, a first electric motor, and a second electric motor; a power transmission mechanism that includes a carrier, a sun gear, and a ring gear, and that is configured to rotate the output shaft of the internal combustion engine by the first electric motor; and plural bearings that each includes an outer ring member and an inner ring member fitted to the outer ring member through a rolling element, and that are provided apart from each other in an axial direction of the output shaft with the carrier being positioned between the bearings. An inner periphery of the outer ring member is positioned more inward in a radial direction of the ring gear relative to a meshing portion between inner teeth of the ring gear and outer teeth of one of the pinion gears.

Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain includes operating an engine substantially at wide open throttle, monitoring an output torque request, controlling the engine input torque by controlling a valve overlap setting for a cylinder of the engine based upon the output torque request wherein controlling the valve overlap setting for the cylinder modulates a residual burnt gas fraction within the cylinder utilizing at least one of an extended low slope portion of an exhaust valve closing curve and an extended low slope portion of an intake valve opening curve, and controlling an electric machine input torque based upon the output torque request and a time-lag difference between the output torque request and the controlled engine input torque.

Abstract: A power generation system is disclosed. The power generation system includes an electrical converting device and a repowered portion connected to the electrical converting device. The repowered portion includes a reciprocating internal combustion engine and a gearbox. The reciprocating internal combustion engine is connected to the gearbox by a first connecting structure. The gearbox is connected to the electrical converting device by a second connecting structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a work machine having a frame and a front and rear wheel axle. The machine includes a cab coupled to the frame. The cab is configured to include controls for controlling the operation of the work machine. The machine also includes an electrically-powered drive assembly coupled to the frame and front and rear axles and an inverter electrically coupled to the electrically-powered drive assembly. The machine further includes a platform assembly disposed adjacent the cab and coupled to the frame. The platform assembly comprises an outer wall at least partially surrounding the inverter.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle driving apparatus includes a clutch control device and an automatic transmission control device that are connected to mutually communicate. The clutch control device sends a request to wait gear shift to the automatic transmission control device while front clutch operation is in preparation. The automatic transmission control device that receives the request to wait gear shift determines whether priority is given to engaging or disengaging the front clutch or to shifting gears of the automatic transmission. The automatic transmission control device that is determined to give priority to the front clutch operation sends out a gear shift in stand-by state signal to the clutch control device while maintaining the automatic transmission in a gear shift prepared state. The clutch control device that receives the gear shift in progress signal restrains the front clutch from engaging or disengaging while maintaining the front clutch in an operation prepared state.

Abstract: A powertrain system includes an electric machine mechanically coupled to an internal combustion engine mechanically coupled to a transmission. A method for operating the powertrain system includes determining an engine stall threshold rate during engine operation in a low load condition. A time-rate change in an accessory load is controlled by the electric machine operating in an electric power generating mode in response to the engine stall threshold rate during the engine operation in the low load condition.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operating mode of a drive of a vehicle that includes a main drive unit and an auxiliary tractive energy source. The method includes operating the main drive unit, detecting the duration of actuation of an uninterrupted actuation of a brake pedal, and detecting whether the duration of actuation is above a minimum duration by comparing the duration of actuation with a minimum duration. The main drive unit is switched off if it has been detected that the duration of actuation is above the minimum duration. Otherwise, operation of the main drive unit is continued if it has been detected that the duration of actuation is not above the minimum duration. A device for carrying out the method is also described, which includes a timer for detecting the duration of actuation and a comparator for comparing the duration of actuation with a minimum duration.

Abstract: Engine exhaust is sent to a reformer, which produces hydrogen from fuel remaining in the exhaust. The hydrogen may be stored in a hydrogen tank, and may be used by a fuel cell to produce electricity to recharge a vehicle battery and/or to supply propulsion current to an electric propulsion system.

Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain for a hybrid electric vehicle having an engine and a motor and gearing for establishing power flow paths from the engine and the motor with common gear elements to vehicle traction wheels. An engine power bias is applied to an engine power command and a bias to a motor torque command to avoid an operating mode in which motor torque is at or near zero, whereby gear rattle due to torque disturbances is avoided.

Abstract: A control method for a powertrain of a hybrid vehicle executing a compound split mode where a first carrier and a second ring gear are selectively connected. More specifically, a controller, determines a target torque of the second motor/generator based on a gear ratio of the first sun gear and the first ring gear, a gear ratio of the second sun gear and the second ring gear, a demand torque of the powertrain, and an output torque of the first motor/generator; determines a compensation value based on a target speed of the engine and a current speed of the engine; and determines a final torque of the second motor/generator based on the target torque of the second motor/generator and the compensation value, and controlling the second motor/generator according to the final torque of the second motor/generator.

Abstract: An ammonia selective reduction-type NOx catalyst (48) is interposed in an exhaust passage of an engine (2) provided in a series-type hybrid electric vehicle (1), and a urea water injector (52) is disposed in the exhaust passage to supply a urea water into exhaust gas existing upstream of the ammonia selective reduction-type NOx catalyst (48). The engine (2) is started and stopped in accordance with the storage state of a battery (8), and the urea water injector (52) is controlled in accordance with the operating state of the engine (2). When the engine (2) is to be stopped, an adsorption increasing operation for increasing the amount of ammonia adsorbed by the ammonia selective reduction-type NOx catalyst (48) is executed over a predetermined period before the engine (2) is stopped.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a hybrid electric vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine having a cylinder provided with an intake valve, an exhaust valve, and a piston configured to rotate the engine's crankshaft. The method includes determining whether deceleration of the vehicle is desired and also includes ceasing supply of fuel to the cylinder when such condition is satisfied. The method additionally includes selecting a fuel-off actuation arrangement for the intake valve via a mechanism configured to provide variable valve timing and lift, such that a magnitude of compression pulses in the cylinder during deceleration is limited. A system for controlling the hybrid vehicle and a vehicle employing such a system are also provided.

Abstract: In a method and a device for engine stop/engine start of hybrid vehicles, which includes an internal combustion engine and an electric machine which is coupled to the internal combustion engine and is selectively able to be operated regeneratively or motively, the engine speed can be detected and compared to a limit speed to initiate the stopping of the engine in a hybrid vehicle using an automatic start/stop mechanism, and if the engine speed drops to the threshold speed, the engine is stopped, the electric machine being switched over into the motive or the regenerative operation when the limit speed is reached; the electric machine assuming the limit speed, whereas the fuel supply of the internal combustion engine is shut down or remains shut down and the electric machine initiates the stopping of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An input/output control device for a secondary battery mounted on a vehicle includes a current estimating unit estimating a battery current input to or output from the secondary battery based on an input/output power of the secondary battery and outputting an estimated value (estimated current (Is)), a current sensor measuring the battery current and outputting a measured value (measured current (It)), and an input/output control unit controlling the input/output power based on the estimated value and the measured value. The input/output control device controls the input/output of the secondary battery, using the measured current (It) as well as the estimated value (Is), and therefore can suppress more reliably significant increase in heating value of the secondary battery and its peripheral parts.

Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain including an electro-mechanical transmission coupled to an engine and an electric machine includes monitoring a desired input speed; signal processing the desired input speed to create a lead control signal to control the engine, wherein the signal processing includes low pass filtering the desired input speed and applying system constraint limits upon the desired input speed; signal processing the desired input speed to create an immediate control signal to control the electric machine, wherein the signal processing includes delaying the desired input speed by a lead period, low pass filtering the desired input speed, and applying system constraint limits upon the desired input speed; and controlling the powertrain through a powertrain transition based upon the lead control signal and said immediate control signal.

Abstract: A method and system for limiting a fast transient in an engine in a hybrid vehicle is provided. The predicted fuel loss percentage is calculated from an inferred air-fuel ratio (inferred lambda). The rate limit term is calculated from a measured air-fuel ratio (measured lambda) and an engine torque command change rate. The predicted fuel loss percentage and the rate limit term are inputs into a calibration table to determine an engine power rate limit and an engine torque rate limit. An engine torque command is limited using the engine torque rate limit to control a fast engine torque transient for an engine. An engine power command is limited using the engine power rate limit to control the fast engine power transient for the engine.

Abstract: A hybrid propulsion system for a vehicle and method of operation are described. In one example, the engine may operate in a two stroke cycle to provide increased engine torque when a recharging operation of the on-board energy storage device is requested. Further, a transition from a four stroke cycle to the two stroke cycle may be performed while maintaining the transmission in the previously selected gear ratio in response to a requested increase in charging or a requested increase in wheel torque as requested by the vehicle operator.

Abstract: A power generation control apparatus in a vehicle includes: a power generator generating power when driven by an internal combustion engine; an electric storage apparatus charged by the power generator; a current sensor measuring a charge and discharge current value; an SOC computation portion estimating an SOC in the electric storage apparatus on the basis of the measured charge and discharge current; a generation voltage computation portion determining a generation voltage of the power generator so that the SOC in the electric storage apparatus becomes a target SOC; a target SOC computation portion setting the target SOC; and a generation cost computation portion calculating an amount of consumed fuel per unit generation output on the basis of an operating point of the internal combustion engine. The target SOC set by the target SOC computation portion is changed according to the calculated amount of consumed fuel per unit generation output.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine, a planetary gear mechanism linked to the output shaft of the engine and to a driveshaft, a first motor linked the planetary gear, a second motor inputting and outputting power to and from the driveshaft, and a battery inputting and outputting electric power to and from the motors, when the battery temperature Tb is lower than the preset reference temperature Tbref, drive control prohibits the intermittent operation of the engine and controls the engine and the motors to output the torque demand to the driveshaft with warm-up control of the battery. When the battery temperature Tb is higher than or equal to the preset reference temperature Tbref and the cooling water temperature Tw is higher than or equal to the preset reference temperature Twref, drive control performs the intermittent operation of the engine and controls the engine and the motors to output the torque demand to the driveshaft.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) employing a hybrid system using both an internal combustion engine and a second motor/generator as a propelling power source for vehicle propulsion, and also employing a first generator driven by the engine for power generation, an integrated HEV control system is provided to control the engine, and the first and second motor/generators. The integrated HEV control system is also operable for detecting the presence of system failures and thereafter selecting at least one remedial action responsive to the system failures such that the system failures are corrected or minimized. The selected remedial action is also verified as being appropriate, monitored and thereafter executed.

Abstract: When the low SOC control request is output and the catalyst warming request is not output, the low SOC control mode is set as a control mode and the state of charge (SOC) of the battery is controlled according to the managing center SOC* set as the smaller value S2 than the value S1 for the normal time. When the catalyst warming request is output, the catalyst warming mode is set as a control mode regardless of the low SOC control request and the engine is controlled to perform the self sustained operation (no-load operation) at the idling rotation speed Nidl with the spark-retard state. Namely, when the battery temperature is low and the catalyst temperature is also low, the catalyst warm-up is given a higher priority than the low SOC control and prevents the exhaust emission from becoming worse.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine, a planetary gear mechanism linked to the output shaft of the engine and to a driveshaft, a first motor linked to the planetary gear, a second motor inputting and outputting power to and from the driveshaft, and a battery inputting and outputting electric power to and from the motors. When a cooling water temperature Tw of the engine is lower than a threshold Twref, the intermittent operation of the engine is prohibited, and a controller performs a warm-up control on a condition that a battery temperature Tb is a preset reference temperature T?, while performing a low state of charge control on condition that a battery temperature Tb is higher than or equal to a preset reference temperature T? and lower than a preset reference temperature T?.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for obtaining improved power generation efficiency by operating the primary power source, such as an ICE, only at the most efficient operating modes for a given engine, and simultaneously supplementing the power provided by the ICE with additional power stored in an accumulator, such as an ultra capacitor, as the load demands would otherwise cause that ICE to operate outside of the more efficient operating modes. In the case of a hybrid electric vehicle, the present invention would use banks of ultra-capacitors instead of batteries not just to start the ICE but also to supplement the electric power available for wheel drive motors when the ICE is in operation. According to the present invention, a control device would maintain the ICE at specific operational modes, either off, idle, or specific fuel efficient operating conditions over the entire range of vehicle operation.

Abstract: On incompletion of port learning, an auto stop-permitting water temperature is set to a temperature which is higher than a temperature set on completion of the port learning and is higher than a port injection temperature as an upper limit temperature that enables an engine to be driven in a port injection drive mode. This arrangement increases the opportunity of continuing the operation of the engine with fuel injection from a port fuel injection valve without an auto stop, thus increasing the opportunity of the port learning.

Abstract: A power generation system is disclosed. The power generation system includes an electrical converting device and a repowered portion connected to the electrical converting device. The repowered portion includes a reciprocating internal combustion engine and a gearbox. The reciprocating internal combustion engine is connected to the gearbox by a first connecting structure. The gearbox is connected to the electrical converting device by a second connecting structure.

Abstract: A control method for a hybrid powerplant includes receiving a pre-transition signal, and selectively adjusting a combustion torque of an engine of the powerplant between a first torque value and a second torque value prior to a deactivation transition period based on the pre-transition signal, wherein the second torque value is less than the first torque value. The method further includes selectively adjusting an electric drive torque of an electric machine of the powerplant prior to the deactivation transition period based on the pre-transition signal and the combustion torque. The selectively adjusting the electric drive torque includes adjusting the electric drive torque such that a sum of the combustion torque and the electric drive torque is equal to a desired drive torque of the powerplant during a pre-transition period prior to the deactivation transition period. A related control system is also provided.

Abstract: A method for operating an oil control valve coupled to a cam phaser configured to adjust a position of at least one cam between hard stops, the oil control valve included in an internal combustion engine having an intake valve and/or an exhaust valve controlled via the cam phaser. The method including operating the oil control valve responsive to cam position feedback information, the oil control valve adjusted in a first relationship based on the feedback information and operating the oil control valve in a cleaning mode during select combustion conditions by abruptly switching the oil control valve between two states responsive to the cam position feedback information. The oil control valve adjusted in a second relationship based on the feedback information, the second relationship including more abrupt adjustment than the first relationship.

Abstract: During an operation of an engine, an input limit Swin and an output limit Swout of a battery are set to a power demand-based input limit Wp*, which depends on a power demand P*, and to an accelerator opening-based output limit Wacc, which depends on an accelerator opening Acc (steps S400 to S420). This control technique effectively prevents the battery from being frequently charged or discharged to a relatively high level of electric power within an allowable electric power range defined by the reference input limit Bwin and the reference output limit Bwout, thus restraining premature deterioration of the battery.

Abstract: A hybrid power plant (5) for an aircraft (1) comprises at least: a hybrid drive system (37) having a main on-board electricity network (16) and an auxiliary electricity network (34); and a selective adaptation interface (38) arranged to enable electrical energy to be exchanged selectively between the main and auxiliary electricity networks (16; 34). At least one engine and a hybrid drive auxiliary electrical machine (7, 31) are mechanically connected to a transmission (8); said machine (7) being electrically connected to at least one auxiliary electrical bus (36) in parallel with at least one auxiliary device for delivering electric charge.

Abstract: A vehicular electric power source control device provided on a vehicle provided with an engine that may be stopped even in a vehicle drivable state which is established when a predetermined condition is satisfied and in which a vehicle drive force can be generated, and an electric-energy storage device which is charged by an operation of said engine, the vehicular electric power source control device permitting implementation of an automatic engine starting control to start said engine when an amount of an electric energy stored in said electric-energy storage device has been reduced to or below a predetermined charging start threshold value while the engine is held at rest in said vehicle drivable state, the vehicle electric power source control device includes an engine start permitting portion configured to permit the implementation of said automatic engine starting control under a condition that any passenger is present within the vehicle.

Abstract: A control for a hybrid vehicle includes; obtaining information that an EV switch that is operated when a travel of the vehicle in an EV mode in which priority is given to an EV travel in which the vehicle travels by a motive power only from a rotary electric machine is to be selected has been operated; starting a permission preparation control for causing a transition from a state in which a situation of the vehicle satisfies a predetermined reservation condition for reserving the EV mode to a state in which the situation of the vehicle satisfies a predetermined permission condition for permitting the EV mode if the situation of the vehicle does not satisfy the permission condition but satisfies the reservation condition when the EV switch has been operated; and enabling to control the travel of the vehicle in the EV mode if the predetermined permission condition is satisfied.

Abstract: An electricity storage control device for a hybrid vehicle that includes: an internal combustion engine; a battery that is charged by a power generator driven by the internal combustion engine; and a motor that is driven upon receiving an electric power from the battery, the hybrid vehicle conducting travel in an EV mode for traveling with only the motor, includes: a planned traveling distance setting unit that sets a planned traveling distance in the EV mode; and a residual control unit that calculates a traveling enable distance in the EV mode according to an electricity storage state of the battery and that, when the planned traveling distance is longer than the traveling enable distance, operates the internal combustion engine to cause the power generator to charge the battery so that amount of storage in the battery reaches amount of storage corresponding to the planned traveling distance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a generation means for generating electrical power to operate vehicle systems and/or for recharging batteries used by electric and/or hybrid cars. The present invention may also generate electric power to operate an electric motor that can also drive a vehicle. The present invention may also use the electric power generated for other uses as well. It comprises an engine that is connected to at least one rotatable member connected for rotation therewith and at least one generator that is connected to the rotatable member through a rotor in said generator to generate electrical energy.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle, once an engine is started in response to prohibition of an operation stop of the engine based on a deterioration factor, the operation stop of the engine is not allowed irrespective of the value of the deterioration factor D until elapse of a certain time period since the start of the engine. The deterioration factor has an increase according to discharge of a battery and a decrease according to charge of the battery and represents start of deterioration of the battery when exceeding a specific reference value. Such prohibition of the engine operation stop prevents a stop of the engine within a relatively short time period after a start of the engine based on the deterioration factor. This arrangement effectively prevents the driver from feeling odd and uncomfortable due to frequent stops and starts of the engine based on the deterioration factor, which is not apparently correlated to the driver's accelerating operations.