| abstract |
A hybrid electric powertrain includes a direct-injection, two-stroke, port scavenged engine in hybrid combination with an electric motor. The engine is configured to use a fuel with wide flammability limits, such as hydrogen, for extremely lean combustion to significantly reduce emissions. The two-stroke engine eliminates the engine displacement problems associated with extremely lean combustion, and the use of a hybrid powertrain allows the engine to be operated efficiently with reduced throttling compared to the prior art. A continuously variable transmission, or a transmission with closely-stepped ratios, is preferably employed. |