The present disclosures relate to methods and systems for a hybrid powertrain. The hybrid powertrain system includes an integrated axle configured to provide mechanical power to a first pair of wheels, the integrated axle comprising a first motor-generator and a first drive axle such that the first motor-generator and at least a portion of the first drive axle are mechanically coupled to a common housing. The system also includes a second motor-generator configured to be mechanically coupled with an engine via a first clutch and mechanically coupled with a second drive axle via a second clutch, the second drive axle mechanically coupled with a second pair of wheels. A controller is electrically coupled with the first and second motor-generators, the engine, and the first and second clutches, the controller configured to enable a fully electric mode, a series hybrid mode, a parallel hybrid mode, and a regenerative mode of operation.

A vehicle drive device includes a first drive unit that drives first wheels; a second drive unit that drives second wheels; and a control device. When the state of charge of an electrical storage device is less than a first threshold value and a vehicle speed is less than a second threshold value, the control device performs control such that when the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to zero and required drive power is greater than or equal to zero, the operating mode of the first drive unit is set to a second mode to output the required drive power from the second drive unit, and when the vehicle speed is greater than zero and the required drive power is less than zero, the operating mode of the first drive unit is set to a first mode so the first drive power source can generate electric power.

A through the road (TTR) hybridization strategy is proposed to facilitate introduction of hybrid electric vehicle technology in a significant portion of current and expected trucking fleets. In some cases, the technologies can be retrofitted onto an existing vehicle (e.g., a truck, a tractor unit, a trailer, a tractor-trailer configuration, at a tandem, etc.). In some cases, the technologies can be built into new vehicles. In some cases, one vehicle may be built or retrofitted to operate in tandem with another and provide the hybridization benefits contemplated herein. By supplementing motive forces delivered through a primary drivetrain and fuel-fed engine with supplemental torque delivered at one or more electrically-powered drive axles, improvements in overall fuel efficiency and performance may be delivered, typically without significant redesign of existing components and systems that have been proven in the trucking industry.

A through the road (TTR) hybridization strategy is proposed to facilitate introduction of hybrid electric vehicle technology in a significant portion of current and expected trucking fleets. In some cases, the technologies can be retrofitted onto an existing vehicle (e.g., a truck, a tractor unit, a trailer, a tractor-trailer configuration, at a tandem, etc.). In some cases, the technologies can be built into new vehicles. In some cases, one vehicle may be built or retrofitted to operate in tandem with another and provide the hybridization benefits contemplated herein. By supplementing motive forces delivered through a primary drivetrain and fuel-fed engine with supplemental torque delivered at one or more electrically-powered drive axles, improvements in overall fuel efficiency and performance may be delivered, typically without significant redesign of existing components and systems that have been proven in the trucking industry.

A drive force control system configured to reduce a total energy consumption of a hybrid vehicle. The drive force control system calculates: an output power of the engine which can optimize a thermal efficiency given that the engine is operated at a best fuel point; and a required electric power to be supplied from a battery or to be generated by a control motor, which can adjust the drive power established by the output power of the engine to the required power. A power exchange between the control motor and the battery is interrupted if the required electric power to be supplied from the electric storage device or to be generated by the control motor is less than a first predetermined electric power.

Systems and methods are described for electrical power control of a hybrid vehicle. A change in an electrical load of an ancillary component of the vehicle is determined. In response to determining the change in the electrical load of the ancillary component, an electrical load of an electrically heated catalyst of the vehicle is adjusted.

A drive apparatus for a hybrid vehicle includes: (a) a hybrid drive unit having (a-1) an automatic transmission, (a-2) a first rotating machine and (a-3) an engine connected to the first rotating machine through a hydraulically-operated connecting/disconnecting device; (b) an electric drive unit including a second rotating machine; and (c) a hybrid control device configured, in event of an anomaly that disables a shift control of the automatic transmission, to generate an electric power by causing the first rotating machine to be rotated by the engine and drive the hybrid vehicle to run by causing the second rotating machine of the electric drive unit to be operated with use of the generated electric power, in a state in which a power transmission through the automatic transmission is cut off and the connecting/disconnecting device is engaged.

An electric drive unit clutch for an automobile includes a first rotatable shaft, a one-way clutch fixedly mounted onto the first rotatable shaft, a dog clutch slidingly mounted onto the first rotatable shaft and adapted to rotate with the first rotatable shaft, a clutch ring positioned between the one-way clutch and the dog clutch, and a second rotatable shaft rotatable engaged with the clutch ring, wherein the clutch ring is adapted to transfer rotational motion from the second rotatable shaft through the one-way clutch and the dog clutch to the first rotatable shaft.

A vehicle includes a chassis, an engine coupled to the chassis, a power source coupled to the chassis, and a track assembly. The track assembly includes an electric motor coupled to the chassis, a first drive wheel coupled to the electric motor and pivotally coupled to the chassis, a second drive wheel coupled to the engine and pivotally coupled to the chassis, and a track engaging the first drive wheel and the second drive wheel. The engine is configured to provide mechanical energy to the second drive wheel to drive the track and propel the vehicle. The electric motor is configured to receive electrical energy from the power source and provide mechanical energy to the first drive wheel to drive the track and propel the vehicle.

A control system for a hybrid vehicle that is configured to generate a driving force as required even if it is necessary to charge a battery rapidly. The hybrid vehicle may be propelled in a parallel mode in which power of the engine is partially translated into electric power by a motor and the remaining power of the engine is delivered to drive wheels. In a case that a rapid charging command is transmitted and that a required driving force is greater than a first driving force, the motor is operated to generate electric power in a predetermined amount, and the driving force is restricted to the first driving force.