Patent ID: 7717202
Filing Date: 2010-05-18
Classification: B60K,B60L,B60W,F02D,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A propulsion system for a vehicle having a plurality of wheels, the propulsion system comprising: a first torque producing arrangement including an electric machine operable to provide torque to at least one of the vehicle wheels; a second torque producing arrangement including an engine operable to provide torque to at least one of the vehicle wheels; a first energy source configured to supply electrical energy to the electric machine; a second energy source configured to supply gaseous fuel to the engine; a hydrogen production system connected to the second energy source and having a connection point for receiving electrical energy from an electricity grid external to the vehicle, the production system including an electrolyzer, a water source, and a hydrogen dispensing and loading system, the hydrogen dispensing and loading system being configured to provide hydrogen to the second energy source from the electrolyzer when the electrolyzer produces hydrogen from water received from the water source; a third energy source configured to supply a non-hydrogen fuel to the engine; and a control system operatively connecting to the first and second torque producing arrangements and including at least one controller, the control system being configured to select at least one of the torque producing arrangements to drive the vehicle and at least one of the fuels to be supplied to the engine when the second torque producing arrangement is chosen.