Patent ID: 8146692
Filing Date: 2012-04-03
Classification: B60K,B60L,B60W,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having: an internal combustion engine; an electric-power drive-force inputting-outputting device which is connected to a drive shaft coupled with a drive axle and is connected to an output shaft of the internal combustion engine such that the output shaft of the internal combustion engine is rotatable relative to the drive shaft and which inputs drive force to and receives drive force from the drive shaft and the output shaft of the internal combustion engine while inputting and outputting electric power and drive force; an electric motor that outputs drive force to the drive-shaft; and a power storage device that powers and is powered by the electric-power drive-force inputting-outputting device and the electric motor, comprising: detecting atmospheric pressure; setting a first maximum dischargeable electric power of the power storage device based on a first relation between the first maximum dischargeable electric power and a state of the power storage device, when the detected atmospheric pressure is equal to or higher than a predetermined atmospheric pressure; and controlling the internal combustion engine, the electric-power drive-force inputting-outputting device, and the electric motor such that a required drive force is produced to propel the hybrid vehicle without discharging electric power from the power storage device beyond the first maximum dischargeable electric power; setting a second maximum dischargeable electric power based on a second relation between the second maximum dischargeable electric power and the state of the power storage device that is formulated such that the second maximum dischargeable electric power of the power storage device is set smaller than it is by the first relation, when the detected atmospheric pressure is lower than the predetermined atmospheric pressure; and controlling the internal combustion engine, the electric-power drive-force inputting-outputting device, and the electric motor such that the required drive force is produced to propel the hybrid vehicle without discharging electric power from the power storage device beyond the second maximum dischargeable electric power, setting the first relation such that, when the charge level of the power storage device is within a given range that ranges from a first reference charge level as a lower limit, the lower the charge level of the power storage device, the smaller the first maximum dischargeable electric power of the power storage device is made, and setting the second relation such that, when the charge level of the power storage device is within a given range that ranges from, as a lower limit, a second reference charge level that is higher than the first reference charge level, the lower the charge level (SOC) of the power storage device, the smaller the second maximum dischargeable electric power of the power storage device is made.