A city bus with hybrid drive system was studied for its performance. The driveline under consideration consists of two alternative energy sources—an internal combustion engine (ICE) and kinetic energy storage (KES)—a hydrostatic transmission (HST), a drive axle and corresponding gears. A generalized law for HST control is obtained that satisfies kinematic and torque requirements for the alternative energy sources and the different modes of operation of the bus. A test stand was developed for validation of the chosen control strategy and for the energy flow simulations through the HST. The estimated maximum energy recovery potential is around 20–25%.

The proposed paper considers small urban vehicles with electric hybrid propulsion systems. Energy demands are examined on the basis of European drive cycle (NEUDC) and on an energy recuperation coefficient and are formulated for description of cycle energy transfers. Numerical simulation results show real possibilities for increasing in achievable vehicle mileage at the same energy levels of a main energy source -the electric battery. Kinetic energy storage (KES), as proposed to be used as an energy buffer and different structural schemes of the hybrid propulsion system are commented. Minimum energy levels for primary (the electric battery) and secondary (KES) sources are evaluated. A strategy for reduced power flows control is examined, and its impact on achievable vehicle mileage is investigated. Results show an additional increase in simulated mileage at the same initial energy levels.