LOAD-BASED VEHICLE OPERATING CONTROL

摘要

A hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine, both capable of providing propulsion power. A clutch is configured to selectively couple the engine to the electric machine. At times, the vehicle may be subject to excessive loads, such as a large amount of weight in the vehicle or the vehicle towing another object. At least one controller is programmed to engage the clutch and start the engine in response to a load of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined threshold and a release of the brake pedal while the vehicle is stopped and in drive. This increases available engine torque prior to vehicle launch in anticipation of an upcoming acceleration demand.

主权项

1. A vehicle comprising:
an engine; an electric machine; a clutch configured to selectively couple the engine to the electric machine; a brake pedal; and at least one controller programmed to engage the clutch and start the engine in response to (i) a release of the brake pedal while the vehicle is stopped and in drive, and (ii) a load of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined threshold to increase available engine torque prior to vehicle launch.