| abstract |
A hybrid vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine controllably coupled to road wheels of the vehicle by a clutch, and having an optional turbocharger that is operated only when extra power is needed for a extended time, a traction motor coupled to road wheels of said vehicle, a starting motor coupled to the engine, both motors being operable as generators, a battery bank for providing electrical energy to and accepting energy from said motors, an d a microprocessor for controlling these components, is operated in different modes, depending on its instantaneous torque requirements, the state of charge of t he battery bank, and other operating parameters. The mode of operation is selected by the microprocessor in response to a control strategy. |