Patent ID: 8182391

Claim:
A powertrain comprising: an engine; a transmission gearing arrangement having a transmission gearing arrangement input member and an output member; a stationary member; an electric torque converter having: a torque converter input member for receiving power from or providing power to the engine; a differential gear set having at least three members including a first member, a second member and a third member; wherein the torque converter input member is connectable to said first member; a motor/generator connected to said second member; a battery for providing power to or receiving power from said motor/generator; wherein said third member is operatively connected to the transmission gearing arrangement input member; and a brake selectively engagable for grounding said first member to the stationary member; wherein selective engagement of said brake provides a regenerative braking mode when said motor/generator is controlled to operate as a generator and provides an electric-only driving mode when said motor/generator is controlled to operate as a motor.