HYBRID DRIVE TRAIN FOR A VEHICLE, VEHICLE, METHOD OF OPERATION AND RETROFITTING

摘要

A drive train for a vehicle and a method of operating a vehicle are disclosed. The drive train comprises a transmission system that includes a vehicle transmission (12) and a final drive unit (18). The drive train additionally has a kinetic energy recovery system that includes an energy storage means (30) which typically includes a flywheel. The kinetic energy recovery system is operatively coupled, to be driven by and to drive, the transmission system between the vehicle transmission and the final drive unit (18). Components of the kinetic energy recovery system may be contained in a transfer box (14) connected to an output of the vehicle transmission (12). A propshaft (16) may connect the transfer box (14) to the final drive (18). Further claims relate to a method of operation and a method of retrofitting the drive train, by mounting an engine (10) further spaced from the final drive unit (18).