Suzuki Motor Corporation

Kazuyoshi Noda

Kazuhiko Morimoto

Yoshiaki Omata

A hybrid vehicle includes an engine controller which controls a running state of the engine, a motor controller which controls both driving and battery recharging power-generating states, and an indicator which is connected to the motor controller. The indicator is turned on when the recharging power generating control is executed during slowdown of the hybrid vehicle. The indicator is turned on and off when the recharging power generating control is not executed during slowdown of the hybrid vehicle and is in a state that execution is possible. Therefore, by turning on the indicator or by turning it on and off, a driver is informed positively whether the recharging power generating control is executed or the recharging power generation control is not executed. As a result, the driver can operate the vehicle differently so that recharging power generation during vehicle slowdown can be executed efficiently.

Control apparatus for hybrid vehicle

A motor assist control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle having an engine and an electric motor includes a first map that executes power-generating operation of the motor from both engine rotational speed and engine load during traveling of the hybrid vehicle. A second map executes driving operation of the electric motor when the load detected by a load detector exceeds a set value during traveling of the hybrid vehicle. A use demand input switch inputs a second map use demand input signal by manual operation. A controller executes both drive and power-generating operations for the motor based on a driving state of the hybrid vehicle and a driving state of the engine. The control apparatus executes a drive operation for the electric motor and switches over use to the second map when a use demand signal is input and when second map use conditions are satisfied. As a result, the motor assist control apparatus can realize smooth acceleration on the basis of selection by a driving person during traveling of the hybrid vehicle. The control apparatus does not require an exclusive map, and can contribute to a simplified control system.

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Shizuoka-ken, Japan

Kazuyoshi Noda