Patent ID: 8008876

Claim:
A hybrid electric vehicle comprising: a motor-generator driven by an engine to generate alternating current, wherein the motor-generator is further configured to start the engine; a motor for driving the vehicle; a diode rectifier to rectify alternating current generated by the motor-generator; an inverter connected to a feed circuit between the diode rectifier and the motor to convert direct current in the feed circuit into alternating current; a power supply connected to a line connecting the diode rectifier with the inverter; a first feed circuit to supply current to the motor to drive the vehicle through the diode rectifier and the inverter in series; a second feed circuit to connect the motor-generator with the power supply while bypassing at least the diode rectifier; an alternating current converter provided in the second feed circuit, wherein the alternating current converter includes a second inverter placed in parallel with the first feed circuit; and a switch device to selectively switch between a motor power feed mode where the power supply is connected to the motor via the second inverter and a starter power feed mode where the power supply is connected to the motor-generator via the second inverter.