Patent ID: 7694762

Claim:
A hybrid-electric wheeled vehicle powertrain comprising an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, an electric generator and a battery; the electric motor, the electric generator and the battery being electrically connected to form an electrical power source; a geared transmission defining power flow paths to vehicle traction wheels, the geared transmission having a first element connected drivably to the engine and a second element connected drivably to the motor; a rotor for the generator being connected to a third element of the geared transmission; and a reaction brake for anchoring the second element of the geared transmission as the engine drives the electric generator during operation of the powertrain in a reverse driving power delivery mode, the electric motor being drivably connected through the geared transmission to the vehicle wheels; the driving connection of the second element of the geared transmission to the motor comprising a clutch between the second element of the geared transmission and a torque output element of the powertrain whereby the motor, with the clutch disengaged, is isolated from the second element during reverse drive; the reaction brake for anchoring the second element of the geared transmission being released and the clutch being engaged during operation of the powertrain in a split-power delivery mode in a forward vehicle driving direction.