Method and control system for controlling propulsion equipment in a hybrid
vehicle including a traction motor and a propulsion unit, such as an
internal combustion engine or a fuel cell, are provided. In one
implementation, the control system includes a sensor coupled to sense a
signal indicative of vehicle torque demand. The control system further
includes memory for storing a threshold torque range indicative of
conditions of relatively low vehicle torque demand. A processor is
configured to process the signal indicative of vehicle torque demand to
determine whether the vehicle torque demand is within the threshold torque
range. During conditions when the signal indicative of vehicle torque
demand is within the threshold torque range, an actuator is configured to
generate a signal configured to activate the electric traction motor to
drivingly propel the vehicle while de-engaging the internal combustion
engine from propelling the vehicle. During conditions when the signal
indicative of vehicle torque demand is outside the threshold torque range,
the actuator is configured to generate a signal configured to deactivate
the electric traction motor from drivingly propelling the vehicle while
re-engaging the internal combustion engine to propel the vehicle.
