Abstract: Provided is a hybrid electric vehicle that includes a turbocharger and a method for controlling driving of the hybrid electric vehicle accordingly. In particular, an engine and a motor are configured to generate power respectively. An engine clutch may be positioned between the engine and the driving motor to engage and disengage the engine and the driving motor. An integrated starter and generator (ISG) starts the engine or generates power, and a turbocharger is provided therein. A decelerator adjusts revolution speeds and torque of the turbine and the air compressor of the turbocharger and the integrated starter and generator between the turbine and the air compressor of the turbocharger and the integrated starter and generator. Finally, a controller controls the integrated starter and generator, the engine clutch, the turbo charter, and the decelerator based on states of the engine, the driving motor, and the battery accordingly.

Abstract: A method of warming a catalyst of an exhaust gas treatment system of a hybrid vehicle includes transitioning a rotational speed of an engine to within a pre-defined speed range with an electric motor, and reducing an engine manifold pressure to within a pre-defined pressure range. The engine is fueled after the rotational speed of the engine is within the pre-defined speed range, and the engine manifold pressure is within the pre-defined pressure range. While the engine is being fueled, the engine manifold pressure is increased to within a catalyst light-off pressure range, and the torque output of the engine is increased to within a catalyst light-off operating torque range. The exhaust gas produced from the operation of the engine within the pre-defined speed range, within the catalyst light-off pressure range, and within the catalyst light-off operating torque range heats the catalyst while minimizing emissions.

Abstract: A system is provided for managing torque in a vehicle driveline coupled to an internal combustion engine and to a hybrid motor/generator. An engine control circuit provides to a transmission control circuit an engine torque value corresponding to torque applied by the engine to the driveline. A hybrid control circuit provides to the transmission control circuit a motor torque value corresponding to torque applied by the hybrid motor/generator to the driveline. The transmission control circuit controls operation of at least one friction device and controls shifting of the transmission, and also manages torque applied to the drive line by the engine and by the hybrid motor/generator based on the engine torque value and the motor torque value such that the friction device control and shift schedule instructions do not require modification to accommodate inclusion of the hybrid motor/generator in the system or exclusion of the hybrid motor/generator from the system.

Abstract: A plurality of energy efficiencies of an electric motor which are determined by characteristics of the electric motor are set according to the revolution speed and the driving force of the electric motor, and among the plurality of energy efficiencies, a plurality of energy efficiency groups having the equivalent energy efficiency are prepared. The energy efficiency for each transmission gear of a first input shaft is determined on the basis of a travelling speed and a required driving force of a vehicle. To which group among the plurality of energy efficiency groups that each determined energy efficiency is pertained is determined, and a transmission gear corresponding to the energy efficiency group having the highest energy efficiency among the determined energy efficiency groups is selected.

Abstract: A method to control a hybrid powertrain including an engine, an electric machine, and a transmission through a transition from an initial operating point to a target operating point includes monitoring a break point in a non-convex data set defined by an engine torque below which a growl condition cannot occur and a threshold low motor torque required for the grown condition, comparing the target operating point to the break point, and controlling the powertrain based upon the target operating point and the comparing.

Abstract: An ECU executes a program including the steps of adding a prescribed value when a brake pedal has been pressed down, calculating an amount of change in pressing force of the brake pedal, performing first motoring processing when the brake pedal has been released, adding a prescribed value to a brake OFF counter, calculating an amount of change in stroke when an accelerator pedal has been pressed down, calculating a first rate target value in accordance with a pedal switching speed, calculating a second rate target value in accordance with a speed of pressing-down of the accelerator pedal, determining a final rate target value, and controlling a first MG in accordance with the determined rate target value.

Abstract: A control device for a vehicle drive configured with a power transfer path that includes a first engagement device, a rotary electric machine, and a second engagement device. These elements being arranged in this order from an input member coupled to an engine to an output member that is coupled to the wheels of the vehicle. The control device executes mode shift control from a first control mode to a third control mode via a second control mode. The first, second and third control modes being modes in which the rotating electrical machine generates electricity with: (i) both the first and second engagement devices in a direct engagement state, (ii) the first engagement device in the direct engagement state and the second engagement device in the slip engagement state, and (iii) both the first and second engagement devices in a slip engagement state.

Abstract: An apparatus controls a motor equipped in a hybrid vehicle. In this apparatus, a basic torque command value of the motor is calculated so as to reduce a deviation between a target rotation speed and an actual rotation speed of the motor. A torque correction value for the motor is calculated based on a variation of the target rotation speed which is obtained per unit time and a value of inertia of a power train rotated integrally with the rotation shaft of the motor. Further, a torque command value finally supplied to the motor is calculated by correcting the basic torque command value with use of the torque correction value.

Abstract: An engine starting system and technique for transitioning from an electric drive mode to a hybrid drive made in a hybrid electric vehicle is disclosed. In an electric drive mode the torque demand of the hybrid electric vehicle is met by an electromechanical device. The starting technique includes slipping a clutch between the engine and electromechanical device with the vehicle in the electric drive mode to rotate the engine, disengaging the clutch so that the engine is fueled to obtain a speed that approximates a speed of the electromechanical device, and engaging the clutch to couple the engine and the electromechanical device to the drive shaft to meet driver torque demand.

Abstract: Ina drive control apparatus (1) of a hybrid vehicle, provisional target engine power calculating means (17D) of control means (17) compares provisional target engine power which is calculated from a target drive power and a target charge/discharge power with a target engine power lower limit value and, when the provisional target engine power is smaller than the target engine power lower limit value, sets the target engine power lower limit value to the provisional target engine power. Motor torque instruction value operating means (17L) of the control means (17) calculates a torque instruction value of each of a plurality of motor generators (4, 5) by using a torque balance equation including a target engine torque which is obtained from a target engine operation point and an electric power balance equation including a target electric power.

Abstract: A hybrid drive control device for a hybrid motor vehicle includes a control or regulation unit having a hybrid operating module that predictively controls or regulates at least a state of charge of an energy store as a function of at least one route parameter. The control or regulation unit has at least one speed control operating module that predictively controls or regulates a motor vehicle speed as a function of the at least one route parameter.

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: A method operates a hybrid drive of a motor vehicle, which hybrid drive has an internal combustion engine and a first electric machine. The method generates, in response to a predefined setpoint torque value, a composite torque which drives the motor vehicle. In a transient operating mode which occurs during a change of the predefined setpoint torque value by a value, the composite torque is generated by summing a drive torque which is generated by the internal combustion engine and a drive torque which is generated by the first electric machine. At least one second electric machine is provided which is switched on during the transient operating mode in order to generate the composite torque of the internal combustion engine and of the first electric machine.

Abstract: In the case that operation stop of the engine is requested while the clutch is engaged and the engine is driven at a higher rotation speed than the resonance rotation speed band, the clutch is disengaged and the engine is driven in the self-sustaining operation at the self-sustaining rotation speed higher than the resonance rotation speed band, the rotation speed Ne of the engine is lowered less than or equal to the second rotation speed Nref2 lower than the resonance rotation speed band with stop of fuel injection into the engine and the partially-engaged clutch after the rotation speed Nm of the motor MG becomes less than or equal to the first rotation speed Nref1 predetermined as a rotation speed lower than the resonance rotation speed after the clutch is disengaged. The rotation speed of the engine is therefore enabled to pass more rapidly through the resonance rotation speed band.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is provided for use on a recreational or utility vehicle. The CVT is electronically controlled by at least one control unit of the vehicle. The CVT includes a primary clutch having a first sheave and a second sheave moveable relative to the first sheave. An actuator controls movement of the second sheave.

Abstract: Objects of the present invention is to improve the control accuracy of the charge state of a battery in consideration of the electric power losses of a plurality of motor generators and, in accordance therewith, to secure the protection performance of the battery, and to increase the energy recovery efficiency according to the regeneration. According to the present invention, there is provided a drive control device of a hybrid vehicle in which an electric power loss predicting means and a target electric power calculating means are arranged, a target engine power calculating means calculates target engine power based on target driving power, target charge/discharge power, and estimated power that is an electric power loss, and a motor torque instruction value calculating means calculates torque instruction values of a plurality of motor generators using a torque balance equation including target engine torque and an electric power balance equation including the target electric power.

Abstract: A method utilizing an integrated starter generator as a hybrid power source to an engine in a movable device is also disclosed. The impeller clutch activation decision may be based on load demand, more specifically, whether load demand for the engine is greater than the power from the engine at the current speed of the engine.

Abstract: Objects of the present invention is to improve the control accuracy of the SOC of the battery in consideration of the electric power losses of a plurality of motor generators and, in accordance therewith, to secure the protection performance of the battery and to increase the energy recovery efficiency according to the regeneration. In a drive control device of a hybrid vehicle including a motor torque instruction value calculating means, an electric power loss predicting means, an electric power upper limit/lower limit value calculating means, and a target electric power calculating means are arranged, and the motor torque instruction value calculating means calculates torque instruction values of a plurality of motor generators using a torque balance equation including target engine torque required at a target engine operating point and an electric power balance equation including target electric power.

Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle and a hybrid vehicle are disclosed. The hybrid vehicle includes a supercharged internal combustion engine having an overboost function and at least one electric drive. An overboost phase of the supercharger of the internal combustion engine is followed by a regeneration phase of the supercharger and a corresponding drop in torque, wherein the at least one electric drive is used to at least partially compensate for the drop in torque of the internal combustion engine during the overboost regeneration phase of the supercharger. Thus, an improved driving behavior with an extended overboost phase can be achieved.

Abstract: A method for organizing an electric energy and a kinetic energy of an electric vehicle includes the following steps. A plurality of electro-motor modules having different grade of kinetic energy are provided. A plurality of battery modules having different grade of electric energy are provided. A plurality of electric vehicle performances are preset, and one of the battery modules on the electric vehicle is arranged in accordance with the electric vehicle performances. One of the electro-motor modules on the electric vehicle is arranged in accordance with the electric vehicle performances and the one of the battery modules.

Abstract: A drive system includes at least two drive devices, at least one of which is electric, that drive at least two drive axles, a power electronics system, an energy storage arrangement, and a control device. The control device includes a drive control module for providing a recuperation limiting value for each electric drive, a recuperation control module for combining the recuperation limiting values to form a maximum recuperation total limiting value, and a brake control module for providing a total braking torque requested by a driver or assistance system, such that it derives a recuperation total torque that is less than the recuperation total limiting value and also derives recuperation partial torques for each electric drive. In the case of a total braking torque that is greater than the recuperation total limiting value, the brake control module generates a hydraulic brake pressure and transmits it to the brake system.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to start an engine while outputting a driving force requested from a driver.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for charging a battery of a hybrid electric vehicle driven with power of an engine and/or a motor, the method including detecting an accelerator pedal position by an accelerator position detector, detecting a brake pedal position by a brake position detector, determining, by a controller, when the vehicle is coasting based on manipulation of the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal; determining when a state of charge of the battery is a charged state having a value equal to or smaller than a set value; and maintaining the engine in a driving state and rotating the driving motor with engine power to charge the battery with generated power of the driving motor when the state of charge of the battery is the charged state having the value equal to or smaller than the set value and the hybrid electric vehicle is coasting.

Abstract: A method and system of dynamically displaying a plurality of electric drive range estimations for a vehicle having an electric motor and an energy storage system configured to provide electric power to the electric motor. The display providing information to a driver such that an electric drive range of the vehicle can be optimized.

Abstract: A method and system relates to improving powertrain responsiveness in a vehicle while maintaining fuel economy by inhibiting entry into, or exiting, energy-saving modes when oncoming traffic is detected. In one example, the energy-saving mode is inhibited in response to an indication of an oncoming vehicle of concern. In a second example, the energy-saving mode is selectively maintained in response to an indication of an absence of oncoming traffic.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is provided that includes a control system that controls the time required for engine shut down. An electric machine or integrated starter-generator may be used to apply a load to the combustion engine after an engine shut down signal is received. By reducing the time required to shut down the engine in a controlled manner, the catalytic converter can be conditioned by providing a desired volume of air and fuel to the catalyst to reduce emissions and increase fuel economy. If an indication is received that it is no longer desirable to shut down the engine, the engine may be restarted conventionally or started in a quick start mode by refueling the engine is the engine operating at a sufficient speed for a quick restart.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to perform control such that a crankshaft is stopped at a target crank angle at the time of stopping an engine of a hybrid vehicle.

Abstract: A system includes a computing device with memory configured to store instructions and a processor to execute the instructions for operations that include receiving information representative of an amount of energy stored over a first period of time in an energy storage device of a vehicle that includes a first propulsion system. Operations include receiving information representative of a performance measure of the vehicle for a second period of time, shorter than the first period of time, and, determining an assistance adjustment from an estimated value of stored energy from the information representative of the amount of energy stored over the first period of time. Operations include determining a level of assistance for a second propulsion system included in the vehicle from the received information representative of the performance measure, and, adjusting the level of assistance using the assistance adjustment determined from the estimated value of the stored energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for controlling charging of a battery supplying power to a hybrid electric vehicle according to a driving state. The method includes: detecting, by a sensor, a speed of the vehicle, generating, by a generator, power according to a driving state of the vehicle; controlling, by a controller, a charge to the battery using generated power of the power generator based on a signal of the vehicle speed detector; calculating, by the controller, an average vehicle speed for a set time; updating, by the controller, the average vehicle speed at an update period shorter than the set time; changing a state of charge (SOC) charging band, a charging reference of the battery, based on the average vehicle speed; and determining, by the controller whether to charge the battery according to a driving state based on the SOC charging band.

Abstract: Ina drive control apparatus (1) of a hybrid vehicle, a change rate restriction value of a target engine rotational speed which is set on the basis of a vehicle speed is preset, a restriction value of the target engine rotational speed is calculated from the change rate restriction value and a previous target engine rotational speed, a target engine operation point to decide the target engine rotational speed and a target engine torque is set on the basis of the restriction value of the target engine rotational speed and the provisional target engine rotational speed, a target electric power is calculated from a difference between a target engine power which is calculated from the target engine operation point and a target drive power, and torque instruction values of a plurality of motor generators (4, 5) are calculated by using a torque balance equation including a target engine torque which is obtained from the target engine operation point and an electric power balance equation including the target electri

Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus of a hybrid vehicle has an internal combustion engine, a motor that generates a driving force for vehicle travel, and a diagnostic unit that diagnoses a vehicle state by motoring the internal combustion engine using the motor in a state where an output of the internal combustion engine is zero.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid construction machine including: an engine, a generator-motor, a hydraulic pump, an electric storage device, a power control device which controls electric power between the generator-motor and the electric storage device, a temperature detector which determines a temperature of the electric storage device, an unload valve provided between a discharge port of the hydraulic pump and a tank, an unload-valve control device, and a relief valve. The power control device controls an electric power to be supplied from the electric storage device to the generator-motor, under abnormal circumstances where the temperature of the electric storage device is low, to a power obtained by adding an additional discharge power to a power to be supplied under normal circumstances. The unload-valve control device closes the unload valve, under abnormal circumstances. The relief valve controls the discharge pressure of the hydraulic pump to the set pressure, under abnormal circumstances.

Abstract: A hybrid electric drive system for a hybrid powered vehicle which includes a combustion engine, and a transmission. An electric machine and the combustion engine are coupled to the transmission in the hybrid electric drive system providing engine and/or electric machine drive power for the vehicle. A clutch is mechanically communicating with and positioned between the combustion engine and the transmission to decouple the combustion engine from the transmission. An energy storage system is configured to transfer and receive power with the electric machine, and is configured to recharge using power from the electric machine. A hybrid system controller is configured to respond to a regenerative braking mode of the vehicle. While the hybrid electric drive system is in the regenerative braking mode, the hybrid system controller is configured to initiate shifting of the transmission into one or more selected gears relating to one or more selected electric machine speeds.

Abstract: Objects are to set up control of a plurality of motor generators in a case where a battery is charged or discharged, to secure both a target driving force and target charging/discharging, and to have the breath of control of using electric power of the battery under a more specific condition.

Abstract: In a drive control apparatus (1) of a hybrid vehicle, motor torque instruction value operating means (17F) of control means (17) calculates a torque instruction value of each of a plurality of motor generators (4, 5) by using a torque balance equation including a target engine torque which is obtained from a target engine operation point and an electric power balance equation including a target charge/discharge power. Thus, control of the plurality of motor generators (4, 5) in the case where there is a charge/discharge to/from a battery (18) can be performed, and both of assurance of a target drive force and assurance of a target charge/discharge can be satisfied in consideration of an operation point of an internal combustion engine (2) (engine operation point).

Abstract: Provided is a hybrid vehicle, wherein a control means (17) includes a maximum regeneration torque calculating means (17D) which calculates a motor generator maximum regeneration torque necessary for supplying power to an electricity storing means (18) and calculates each of an engine operation maximum regeneration torque for operating an engine changing in accordance with a vehicle speed and an engine stop maximum regeneration torque and a change value calculating means (17E) which sets an engine stop prohibition vehicle speed in which an engine (2) is not stopped when a vehicle speed is equal to or faster than a predetermined vehicle speed and calculates a maximum regeneration torque when stopping the engine (2) at the engine stop prohibition vehicle speed as a maximum regeneration torque change threshold value from the engine stop regeneration torque of the maximum regeneration torque calculating means (17D).

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to suppress a vibration generated by an abrupt change in motor torque when starting an engine. In a hybrid vehicle which outputs power generated from an engine and a motor generator to a drive shaft through a power transmitting mechanism, the hybrid vehicle includes: a compensation torque calculating means which calculates an inertia compensation torque for compensating a change in the rotation speed of the engine generated by an inertia at the time of a gear shifting operation; and a target torque calculating means which corrects a target torque of the motor generator based on the inertia compensation torque calculated by the compensation torque calculating means, wherein the compensation torque calculating means corrects the inertia compensation torque when starting the engine.

Abstract: A diagnosis method of an oxygen sensor for hybrid vehicles is disclosed, which includes receiving a diagnosis request signal for the diagnosis of an oxygen sensor from an EMS (Engine Management System) which is configured to control the engine; determining when a passive-run condition is occurring, under which the speed of a vehicle is within a previously set deceleration range as an accelerator is turned off in response to receiving the diagnosis request signal, and disengaging the engine clutch when the passive-run condition is occurring. Next fuel is cut to the engine in response to receiving a diagnosis request signal while the engine operating at a previously set reference speed by controlling the HSG once the engine clutch is disengaged. Once the above steps are complete a diagnosis of the oxygen sensor is then performed.

Abstract: A cathode active material includes a first cathode material configured of a layered rocksalt type lithium metal oxide, the layered rocksalt type lithium metal oxide including lithium and a metal other than lithium, the metal configured of nickel (Ni), or nickel (Ni) and the like. A site occupancy of metal ions other than lithium at a 3a site obtained by Rietveld analysis of a powder X-ray diffraction pattern of the first cathode material in a cathode in a discharged state is about 5% or less, and a site occupancy of metal ions other than the metal occupying a part of a 3b site at the 3b site is about 1% or over, and the cathode active material is covered with a coating film, and an exposed amount of the cathode active material exposed from the coating film is within a range from about 0.05% to about 8% both inclusive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid electric vehicle (100) comprising: an engine (121) and at least one electric propulsion motor (123), the vehicle (100) being operable in a HEV mode in which the engine (121) may be switched on automatically during a drive-cycle by control means (140) and an electric vehicle (EV)-only mode in which engine starting is inhibited during a drive-cycle, the vehicle (100) being operable in one of a plurality of attribute modes in which one or more operating parameters of the vehicle (100) are changed by the control means (140) responsive to the identity of the selected attribute mode, wherein when in the HEV mode and a first attribute mode is selected, selection of the EV-only mode by the driver results in assumption of the EV-only mode and continued operation in the first attribute mode, and when in the HEV mode and a second or further attribute mode has been selected, selection of the EV-only mode by the driver results in assumption of the EV-only mode and automatic de-selection b

Abstract: In a set of hybrid vehicles including first and second hybrid vehicles connected in series, each of the hybrid vehicles having an electric storage device, a controller for the first hybrid vehicle comprises a monitoring unit configured to detect an amount of electric charge stored in the electric storage device of the first hybrid vehicle, a communication unit configured to carryout communication with a communication unit of at least the second hybrid vehicle to acquire an amount of electric charge stored in the electric storage device of the second hybrid vehicle, and a control unit configured to determine load shares of the first and second hybrid vehicles during operation of the first and second hybrid vehicles, on the basis of the amount of electric charge stored in the electric storage devices thereof.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle includes: engine starting means for starting an engine when a need for switching to a 4-wheel drive mode has been forecasted, the hybrid vehicle having a series HV drive mode in which the hybrid vehicle is run with a second electric motor, in the released state of a connecting/disconnecting device, while a first electric motor is operated with a drive force of said engine to generate an electric energy, the control apparatus further including, as said engine starting means, series HV drive controlling means for starting said engine and enlarging a series HV drive mode region for running the hybrid vehicle in said series HV drive mode, so as to cover a portion or an entirety of an original EV drive mode region for running the hybrid vehicle in said EV drive mode, when the need for switching to said 4-wheel drive mode has been forecasted.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to improve the drivability and the drive feeling by optimizing a change and a delay in the torque of an internal combustion engine so as not to influence driving torque at the time of decelerating the internal combustion engine as in the initial period of deceleration. The present invention includes a target driving power setting means, a target charge/discharge power setting means, a target engine power calculating means, a target engine operating point setting means, and a motor torque instruction value calculating means.

Abstract: A method for operating a powertrain system includes determining an objective function for an object component of interest of the powertrain system. Constraints are determined for a plurality of independent variables and dependent variables. Permutations of the objective function are evaluated with reference to the independent variables and the dependent variables. The objective function is evaluated to determine maximum and minimum values for the objective function for each of the permutations. Overall minimum and maximum values for the objective function are determined based upon the maximum and minimum values for the objective function for each of the permutations. Operation of the powertrain system associated with the object component of interest is controlled based upon the overall minimum and maximum values for the objective function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control device that controls a vehicle drive device in which a rotary electric machine is provided in a power transfer path that connects between an internal combustion engine and wheels and in which a first friction engagement device is provided between the internal combustion engine and the rotary electric machine and a second friction engagement device is provided between the rotary electric machine and the wheels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing hybrid functionality aboard a vehicle having a high voltage (HV) energy storage system (ESS) electrically connected to a VITM and a battery disconnect unit (BDU) including a precharge contactor and a high voltage (HV) contactor, a voltage sensor and a controller is provided. The method includes detecting an ESS/HV bus data fault, measuring and storing an initial HV bus voltage, closing the precharge contactor in the BDU, measuring a present HV bus voltage when the precharge contactor has been closed a predetermined short time and indicating if an actual ESS/HV bus fault exists, measuring the present HV bus voltage until either the present HV bus voltage is greater than the predetermined high voltage indicating that no actual ESS/HV bus fault exists or the time the precharge contactor is closed is greater than a predetermined maximum time indicating that an actual ESS/HV bus fault exists.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to improve drivability and traveling feeling without influence of torque variation of an internal combustion engine on a drive torque while ensuring the compatibility with a driving force and charge/discharge by control. A drive control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle includes first and second motor-generator, a differential gear mechanism, an accelerator position detecting unit, a vehicular speed detecting unit, a battery state-of-charge detecting unit, a target drive power setting unit, a target charging/discharging power setting unit, a target engine power calculation unit, a target engine operating point setting unit, a motor torque command value operation unit. The drive control apparatus performs a feedback correction on calculated torque command values for a plurality of motor-generators.

Abstract: In a vehicle having an all-wheel drive system in which the front axle and the rear axle of the vehicle can be driven with differently sized front-axle and rear-axle torques, a rotational-speed difference between a front-axle-side rotational speed and a rear-axle-side rotational speed is established from a torque difference between the front-axle and rear-axle torques. The vehicle includes a unit for determining a road friction coefficient, which unit measures the rotational-speed difference and determines the road friction coefficient based on a value pair derived from the rotational-speed difference and the torque difference or determined from a parameter correlating therewith.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle powertrain includes driving first wheels using an electric machine, starting an engine, using a second electric machine driven by the engine to produce synchronous speed at a input of a transmission having a desired gear engaged, engaging a clutch that connects said input and the engine, and using the engine and the transmission to drive second wheels.

Abstract: A method for operating a powertrain system to transfer torque among an engine, torque machines, and a driveline includes identifying a speed/torque search window responsive to a parameter affecting engine power output and the output torque request. A search is executed to determine a preferred engine operating point for operating the powertrain system in response to an output torque request. The search includes determining a candidate power cost associated with operating the powertrain system at the candidate engine torque and candidate engine speed for each of a plurality of candidate engine speeds and candidate engine torques within the speed/torque search window. A preferred engine operating point is determined as the candidate engine speed and the candidate engine torque associated with a minimum of the candidate power costs. Engine operation is controlled responsive to the preferred engine speed.