Patent ID: 7669676
Filing Date: 2010-03-02
Classification: B60W,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for operating a hybrid motor vehicle in a front loaded electrical power mode, said hybrid motor vehicle including a first propulsion system which is powered by electrical energy stored in a rechargeable battery, and a second propulsion system which is powered by the oxidation of a fuel, wherein said first and second propulsion systems are operable jointly or singly to power said motor vehicle, said method comprising the steps of: measuring the amount of electrical energy stored in said battery; selecting a percentage of the amount of electrical energy stored in said battery; determining a distance D, that the first propulsion system, operating singly, could propel the vehicle on said selected percentage of the amount of electrical energy stored in said battery; selecting a hybrid cruising range which is greater than the distance D; and controlling the operation of said first and second propulsion systems in accord with a profile so as to power said vehicle such that when the vehicle has traveled through said hybrid cruising range, said selected percentage of electrical energy stored in said battery is depleted, and when said vehicle has traveled through the first 50% of said hybrid cruising range, over 50% of said selected percentage of electrical energy stored in said battery is depleted.