Patent ID: 7207404

Claim:
A hybrid drive system for an automotive vehicle, comprising: a vehicle drive power source including an engine operable by combustion of a fuel to generate a drive force, and an electric motor; and non-cranking engine starting means operable upon switching of a vehicle drive mode from a forward motor drive mode in which the automotive vehicle is driven by operation of said electric motor only, to an engine drive mode in which the automotive vehicle is driven by operation of said engine, said non-cranking engine starting means starting said engine by merely controlling the starting of said engine without cranking of said engine, during a decrease of an operating speed of said engine down to a predetermined threshold, said controlling the starting of said engine comprising controlling a state in which said fuel is injected into said engine; and wherein said predetermined threshold of the operating speed of said engine is a lower limit above which the engine can be started without cranking of the engine, said predetermined threshold being about 500 r.p.m.