Electric Motor
The electric motor is housed in a Hybrid Drive Unit located between the engine and transmission. The Hybrid Drive Unit includes a torque converter that the electric motor drives. The Hybrid Drive Unit also contains an engine disconnect clutch for engine starting, charging, and combined engine/electric motor drive. The engine disconnect clutch is engaged and disengaged hydraulically by the transmission fluid pump. The electric motor, torque converter and the engine disconnect clutch are serviced as an assembly as the Hybrid Drive Unit. The Hybrid Drive Unit has 4 modes of operation.
Electric Drive Mode - The engine is off and the electric motor drives the transmission providing torque to the wheels meeting driver demand. The engine disconnect clutch is disengaged during electric drive mode.
Electric Driven Mode - The electric motor is driven by the drivetrain from the inertia of the vehicle, providing energy to charge the batteries and provide engine braking. The engine disconnect clutch is disengaged during electric driven mode.
Hybrid Drive Mode - The engine disconnect clutch is engaged and the engine drives the transmission, providing torque to the wheels meeting driver demand. Requested torque above this is used to charge the high voltage battery through the electric motor. Electric motor can also assist the engine.
Engine Start Electric Motor - The engine disconnect clutch engages and the electric motor torque is split between the driveline and the engine to start the engine.