Patent ID: 8469849

Claim:
A system for operating a hybrid vehicle, said system comprising: a chargeable energy storage device for storing electrical energy; a single dynamo configured to operate in a motor mode for propelling the vehicle, and operate in a generator mode for charging the energy storage device; an engine configured to operate at an engine speed; and a torque coupling device configured to variably couple the engine to the dynamo, wherein said system is configured to (a) operate in a first mode wherein the dynamo is coupled to the energy storage device to operate the dynamo in the motor mode for propelling the vehicle, the engine is not operated, and the engine is not coupled to the dynamo, (b) operate in a second mode wherein the dynamo is coupled to the energy storage device to operate the dynamo in the motor mode for propelling the vehicle, and the dynamo is coupled to the engine such that the engine is motored by the dynamo for starting the engine, (c) operate in a third mode wherein the dynamo is coupled to the energy storage device to operate the dynamo in the motor mode for propelling the vehicle, and the engine is operated at an engine speed less than a speed threshold whereby the engine does not propel the vehicle, and (d) operate in a fourth mode wherein the engine is operated at an engine speed equal to or greater than the speed threshold for propelling the vehicle.