Electric Only Engine Off (EV): Upon the driver removing their foot from the brake pedal and depressing the accelerator, the vehicle will launch in electric-only mode or electrically variable (EV). The vehicle operates in full-electric mode without starting the engine for approx 25 to 50 miles depending on ambient temperature, terrain and driving behaviour. DC power from the battery flows to the TPIM where it is converted into 3-phase AC power. Once the battery reaches a determined range the engine will start see Electric Only Engine On.
Electric Only Combined Engine Off (EV): Depending on driver demands and road conditions the vehicle can enter combined mode. If the required torque to propel the vehicle is low then drive motor A can supply the torque needed to move the vehicle. If the demands increase then the primary torque supplied comes from drive motor B.
Electric Only Engine On (EV) or Extended Range: Once the battery reaches a determined range the engine will start. After the engine is started the system operates in electrically variable (EV) mode utilising an input split configuration, where the engine drives motor A to generate electricity to provide power to drive motor B which provides torque to the wheels. The energy generated by drive motor A is either stored in the battery or provided to drive motor B delivering output torque depending on driving conditions. The engine will operate at an appropriate speed to optimise fuel consumption while maintaining output power requirements.
Electric Only Combined Engine On (EV): Depending on driver demands and road conditions the vehicle can enter combined engine on mode. During this mode the engine electrical power is combined with the battery electrical power to provide the output torque required to move the vehicle. The variable 1-3R clutch is locked as well as the variable 2-3-4 clutch.
Regenerative Braking: As the driver lifts their foot from the accelerator pedal and depresses the brake pedal the electric motors are used to decelerate the vehicle by applying negative torque to the output shaft and generate electricity thereby charging the battery. The 3-phase AC power generated by the motor is converted to high-voltage DC power in the HPCM and stored in the battery. The EREV operating system coordinates requests for negative torque requests from the electronic brake module with electric motor and engine control functions.
Engine Start: Once the predetermined state of charge is reached the engine is started by drive motor A. Drive motor A is used to start the engine while the Variable Low 1-2 Clutch remains locked and drive motor B simultaneously provides output power to the wheels. During the engine start event drive motor A also provides active damping to reduce torque disturbances from engine cylinder firing pulses, and drive motor B is used to damp driveline disturbances. During this event the inverter draws DC power from the battery and converts it to AC power for both motors. The drive motor generator power inverter control module controls each motor's speed and power independently. The drive motor generator power inverter control module determines when to stop the engine and when to restart based on vehicle operating conditions and optimal hybrid battery power and fuel consumption. The engine is stopped at idle and during deceleration manoeuvres to improve fuel economy.
Reverse: When the vehicle is placed in reverse the Variable Low 1-2 Clutch is locked and drive motor B spins backwards and provides output torque to the wheels. When needed the engine starts and drive motor A is used to charge the battery and DC power from the battery flows to the HPCM where it is converted into 3-phase AC power to drive motor B.
