Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Gregory Kucab

Erik J Christen

A system and method for a vehicle having a traction battery, an electric machine, and a secondary power source, such as an engine, operate the electric machine and secondary power source to sustain a state of charge (SOC) of the traction battery when the SOC is either: a) below a first threshold and above a second threshold; or b) below a third threshold; and to deplete the SOC of the traction battery when the SOC is between the second and the third thresholds in response to detecting an operating condition associated with high Amp-hour (Ah) throughput of the traction battery, such as towing a trailer. The system and method operate the electric machine and the secondary power source to deplete the SOC when the SOC is above the third threshold and sustain the SOC when the SOC is below the third threshold when the condition is not detected.

Electrified vehicle control during trailer towing

An electrified vehicle axle includes a first wheel assembly having a first electric machine configured to power a first wheel and a second wheel assembly having a second electric machine configured to power a second wheel. A beam has a first end connected to the first wheel assembly and second end connected to the second wheel assembly. An axle shaft is supported for rotation within a hollow center of the beam and is configured to transfer torque between the first and second electric machines. At least one clutch selectively couples at least one of the electric machines to the axle shaft.

Electric vehicle with solid axle and hub motors

A power split hybrid powertrain includes an electrically actuated brake that selectively engages a ring gear attached to a flywheel. The ring gear may be, for example, a starter ring gear. Engagement of the brake while the engine is stopped permits use of both electric machines to provide torque to vehicle wheels, thereby increasing the electric torque capacity of the powertrain. The brake is mounted for movement relative to the ring gear, and a mechanical linkage is attached to the brake. In the event of a malfunction of the brake that prevents normal operation of the powertrain, the linkage is manually actuatable by a vehicle operator to move the brake to an override position wherein it cannot engage the ring gear.

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Livonia, MI, United States of America

Gregory Kucab