Patent ID: 8195350

Claim:
A vehicle comprising: an internal combustion engine capable of outputting power for driving; a generator capable of generating electric power through the use of at least part of power from the internal combustion engine; an accumulator capable of receiving electric power from the generator; a fuel consumption rate priority mode selection switch to select a fuel consumption rate priority mode that gives priority to fuel consumption rate; a maximum allowable charging power setting module configured to set a maximum allowable charging power based on a first relationship when the fuel consumption rate priority mode selection switch is turned off, the maximum allowable charging power being a maximum electric power allowed to charge the accumulator, the maximum allowable charging power setting module setting the maximum allowable charging power based on a second relationship having a tendency to allow charging of the accumulator in comparison with the first relationship when the fuel consumption rate priority mode selection switch is turned on; a charging power demand setting module configured to set a charging power demand required for charging the accumulator within a range of the set maximum allowable charging power in accordance with a state of the accumulator; a power demand setting module configured to set a power demand required for the vehicle; and a control module configured to control the internal combustion engine and the generator so that the accumulator is charged with the set charging power demand and the set power demand is ensured.