Patent ID: 7115064
Filing Date: 2006-10-03
Classification: B60K,B60L,B60W,Y02T,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling a wheel drive system of a hybrid electric vehicle when starting a power source, the hybrid electric vehicle having first and second power sources, a motor configured to be driven by the first and/or second power sources, and a power transfer unit having a plurality of gear ratios, the power transfer unit configured to be driven by the motor to drive a vehicle wheel, the method comprising: determining whether the first power source is to be started; determining whether a level of torque requested by a vehicle operator is greater than a threshold value if the first power source is to be started and the hybrid electric vehicle is in motion; maintaining a current gear ratio if the level of torque requested by the vehicle operator is greater than the threshold value; and providing a target level of torque with the motor while the current gear ratio is engaged.