Patent ID: 8903581

Claim:
A method for starting an engine in a hybrid vehicle, comprising: generating a first control signal to be communicated to a clutch of the hybrid vehicle, the first control signal operable to cause the clutch to couple an engine of the hybrid vehicle to an electric motor of the hybrid vehicle such that a load is applied to the electric motor, the load causing: the electric motor to decelerate to a reduced rotational speed over a motor deceleration time period; and a starting torque to be supplied to the engine for starting the engine; and generating, during the motor deceleration time period, a second control signal to be communicated to an automatic transmission of the hybrid vehicle, the second control signal operable to cause the automatic transmission to shift to a target gear ratio selected such that a driving torque supplied by the electric motor at the reduced rotational speed during the motor deceleration time period is sufficient to maintain a desired acceleration of the hybrid vehicle.