| abstract |
A hybrid vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine (40) controllably coupled to road wheels (34) of the vehicle by a clutch (51), a traction motor (25) coupled to road wheels of said vehicle, a starting motor (21) coupled to the engine, both motors being operable as generators, a battery bank (22) for providing electrical energy to and accepting energy from said motors, and a microprocessor (48) for controlling these components is operated in different modes, depending on the vehicle's instantaneous torque requirements, the state of charge of the battery bank, and other operating parameters. The mode of operation is selected by the microprocessor in response to a control strategy resulting in improved fuel economy and reduced emission. The engine may be fitted with a turbocharger (100) operated in response to a control signal for extended high-load operation. |