ABSTRACT
The performance characteristics of the Internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric motor complement each other admirably. Electric motors produce their maximum torque at low speeds and are able to maintain that torque through a significant speed range. Melding electric motors, with their low-end performance and wide operating range with the power capacity of a fuel-fed internal combustion engine can offer us the best of both worlds. The effect on the combustion engine is called load leveling. Combining the power of an electric motor and combustion engine means we can manage with a smaller combustion engine with little performance loss. The mechanical connection of the electric drive to the ICE in the mild application as well as any other hybrid system can vary greatly. Gains in fuel economy from a hybrid drive are impressive, but even more impressive gains can be achieved by increasing the potential for all-electric propulsion.
