WO2015040632A2

WO2015040632A2 - Control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle and vehicle information display thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2015040632A2
Application number: PCT/IN2014/000558
Authority: WO
Inventors: Surajit Das; Samraj Jabez Dhinagar
Original assignee: Tvs Motor Company Limited
Priority date: 2013-09-18
Filing date: 2014-09-01
Publication date: 2015-03-26
Also published as: WO2015040632A3; TW201524810A; TWI658953B

Abstract

The present subject matter relates to a hybrid vehicle having a plurality of user selectable operating modes and having a control apparatus for the operating each of the selected operating modes. A polygonal display panel having a non circular mode board and displaying the selected operating mode, flow of power and other critical vehicle related information is also provided for instant graspability by the vehicle user. The control apparatus overides the manual input for the operating modes in predefined conditions and take corrective action according to the mentioned priorities and in order of priority.

Description

CONTROL APPARATUS FOR A HYBRID VEHICLE AND VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY THEREOF

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to a hybrid vehicle and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a method of operation and display of the vehicle operation related information in such hybrid vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] With dwindling non-renewable energy resources, the need to reduce fossil fuel consumption and emissions from vehicles powered by internal combustion engines is well known. One way to achieve the aforesaid goal is through an electrically driven vehicle. However, such a vehicle has greater body weight and shorter running distance per charge as compared to the conventional vehicles. Such drawbacks are overcome by hybrid vehicles, which utilize the advantages of both, an internal combustion engine and an electric traction motor into one vehicle.

[0003] Different types of hybrid vehicles are known in the prior art. A parallel type hybrid vehicle configuration has an internal combustion engine and an electric traction motor together providing the necessary wheel torque to drive the vehicle. Thus, there is great potential for reducing vehicle fuel consumption and emissions with no serious loss of vehicle performance or drivability.

[0004] The hybrid vehicles are operated through a control apparatus according to the engine, traction motor and battery specifications. A conventional control apparatus as disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 11- 82261 has an electric drive mode in which the vehicle uses only the electric motor as a power source and an engine drive mode in which the vehicle uses the internal combustion engine as a, power source. The apparatus improves the fuel efficiency of the vehicle by switching between the two drive modes in accordance with a driving condition. However, more modes are possible depending upon the operating conditions to optimize the hybrid vehicle's potential benefits. Therefore, there may be designed a control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle having two or more wheels for operating the vehicle in more than two modes.

[0005] There may also arise certain unexpected events during the operation of the vehicle which may occur from a mechanical fault, an electrical fault or any other unforeseen or unpredictable event. In such conditions, the control appartus should be capable of ensuring safety of the vehicle user by deviating from its normal working.

[0006] Further, it is imperative that the vehicle is best operated when the vehicle related information is visible clearly to the vehicle operator. The control apparatus may switch the hybrid vehicle between either of the power sources according to the available modes. A display panel for a series type hybrid vehicle is mentioned in Patent Application No. 881/DEL/2005. Here, the display panel (termed as 'indicating device') mainly concentrates all the vehicle related information in a central portion in an arcuate profile. The display panel relates to a hybrid vehicle with three modes. However, it is possible for a hybrid vehicle to have more than three modes. Consequently, more vehicle information needs to be displayed on the display panel to provide the user with a better sense of control and information while driving the vehicle which is not possible through the stated approach. This is because the concentration of too much information in such a small area in an arcuate fashion may create confusion in the mind of the user while driving the vehicle and he may find it difficult to grasp the information 'instantaneously'. It is quite probable that he may grasp the information with a time lag which may prove detrimental while driving and risk his safety. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present subject matter is directed to overcome all or any of the problems as set forth above and thereby to obviate a lacunae in the prior art. It is therefore an object of the present subject matter to disclose a hybrid vehicle having more than three user selectable operating modes thereby giving more discretion to the vehicle user and a control apparatus for the same which takes into account any vehicle related unexpected events. Another object of the present invention is to provide a hybrid vehicle wherein a user may select between the available operating modes through a means provided therein. Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide a display panel for a hybrid vehicle having user selectable, multiple operating modes for instant graspability of the selected operating mode, flow of power and other critical vehicle related information to the vehicle user.

[0008] To this end, the present subject matter relates to a parallel type hybrid vehicle having a traction motor and an internal combustion engine as drive sources and having a control apparatus comprising: a controller connected with the traction motor, the controller also connected with the internal combustion engine through an ignition circuit and a starter motor, a battery for powering the traction motor and all electrical loads of the vehicle, a plurality of protection fuses, a throttle position sensor, an ignition switch, a DC-DC converter; wherein the hybrid vehicle has a plurality of mutually exclusive, user selectable operating modes selectable by a user through a mode selection switch, the selected operating mode displayed on a display panel, and wherein the controller controls the operation of the vehicle based on the selected operating mode. [0009] The plurality of operating modes comprises an electric mode, an engine mode, a hybrid power mode, and a hybrid economy mode. The display panel showing the selected operating mode includes a mode board comprising an operating mode indicating section, a power source status indicating section, a telle-tale indicatins section, a vehicle operating information indicating section, and a general information indicating section; wherein the display panel is polygonal in shape and the mode board located within the periphery of the display panel is oblongated in shape.

[00010] Further, the control apparatus for the hybrid vehicle may override the selected operating mode conditions on occurrence of identified events causing electrical fault or battery fault, and switches off the traction motor or the internal combustion engine accordingly.

[00011] The foregoing objectives and summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, and is not limiting. To fully appreciate these and other objects of the present subject matter as well as the subject matter itself, all of which will become apparent to those skilled in the art, the ensuing detailed description of the subject matter and the claims should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00012] The above and other features, aspects and advantages of the subject matter will be better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows a control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a table for unexpected potential events that may occur during the vehicle operation and their order of priority.

FIG. 3 shows a display panel for the hybrid vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00013] The present invention discloses a parallel type hybrid vehicle having a control apparatus configured to operate the vehicle in a plurality of operating modes. The hybrid vehicle has a battery driven electric traction motor 22 and an internal combustion engine 24 as drive sources. As shown in FIG. 1, the control apparatus comprises of a controller 5 connected with the traction motor 22, the controller 5 also connected with the internal combustion engine 24 through an ignition circuit 13 and a starter motor 1, a battery 3 for powering the traction motor 22 and all electrical loads 15 of the vehicle, a plurality of protection fuses 2,12,16,18, a throttle position sensor 7, an ignition switch 10, a DC-DC converter 11 and a mode selection switch 20.

[00014] The operating modes are user selectable and the user can select any of the operating modes for operating the vehicle and/or switch between the operating modes through the mode selection switch 20 provided for this purpose. The selected operating mode is displayed to the user through a display panel 21 attached to the hybrid vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the hybrid vehicle is provided with atleast four operating modes for optimizing the fuel efficiency, range of the vehicle and to provide more control and discretion to the vehicle user regarding the vehicle operation. The four operating modes are named as a hybrid economy mode, a hybrid power mode, an engine mode and an electric mode.

[00015] The hybrid economy mode is the pre-selected (default) mode for the vehicle i.e., except in case of any user selection otherwise, the vehicle would start and run in hybrid economy mode. This mode operates the vehicle by initially powering the traction motor 22 and then once the vehicle reaches a pre-defined operating point, the controller 5 cranks the internal combustion engine 24 and stops the traction motor 22. The hybrid power mode generally operates the vehicle in such a way that the vehicle gets power from the engine 24 and the traction motor 22 simultaneously. The engine mode operates the vehicle with engine 24 only whereas the electric mode operates the vehicle with traction motor 22 only. [00016] The user for operating the vehicle firstly switches on the ignition switch 10 through an ignition key provided in the vehicle which provides the. voltage to the DC/DC converter 11. The output of the DC/DC converter 11 is connected to all lighting loads 15 including the display panel 21. For protection of all the devices and loads, at least two protection fuses 12, 18, 16 have been provided. Once the display panel 21 receives the power, it displays vehicle related information and operational information to the user. The user then selects the operating mode through the mode selection switch 20 depending upon the required driving conditions of the vehicle like more power, more fuel efficiency etc.

[00017] The mode selection switch 20 transmits its selection to the controller 5. Once the user selects a particular operating mode, the controller 5 switches on the traction motor 22 or the internal combustion engine 24 depending upon the input obtained from the mode selection switch 20. For initiating the traction motor 22, the controller 5 receives power from the battery 3 and supplies it to the traction motor 22. A protection fuse 6 is provided to protect the controller 5 from high battery current in case of any malfunction. The user applies the throttle to accelerate the vehicle. The throttle position is sensed by the controller 5 with the help of the throttle position sensor (TPS) 7. The vehicle speed is sensed by a hall sensor connected to the wheel of a vehicle or to the traction motor 22.

[00018] For initiating the engine 24, the controller 5 cranks the starter motor 1 by supplying required voltage to a starter relay 23. The starter relay 23 supplies required voltage to the starter motor 1. In a preferred embodiment, the controller supplies 12 V to the starter relay 23 and the starter relay further supplies 48 V to the starter motor 1. In order to protect the battery 3 in case of failure of the starter motor 1, another protection fuse 2 has been provided. The controller 5 stops cranking i.e. supplying voltage to the starter relay 23 after it receives the pre-defined engine speed signal from a pulser coil attached to a magneto 8. For starting the engine 24, once the pulser coil signal is received by the ignition (TCI) unit 13. it Drovides voltaee to the ignition coil 14 which provides high voltage required for creating spark in the engine 24. In a preferred embodiment, the engine 24 is provided with an auto choke system as the engine starting is a must and is without any human intervention.

[00019] When the engine 24 is running, the magneto 8 generates power which is regulated by a RR unit 9 and provided to all the loads along with the DC/DC converter output. For proper operation of both the power sources, a protection circuit 19 is provided. Hence when the engine is ON, the vehicle electrical load gets power from both the battery 3 and magneto 8 sources which ultimately help in reducing the battery consumption. In order to switch off the engine 24 automatically (when the vehicle speed reaches to zero), the controller 5 cuts off the power supply using the ignition cut off relay (TCI relay) 17. It stops the power supply to the ignition unit 13 and stops the internal combustion engine 24. It is pertinent to note that in the present invention, the user has to just switch on the ignition switch 10 through the ignition key and the vehicle is ready to move. The cranking is done by the controller itself and not the user on providing the throttle.

[00020] The four modes of the vehicle are now described in detail. Hybrid economy mode is included in the vehicle to derive optimal benefits from the combination of the engine 24 and the battery 3. It provides optimum fuel efficiency for the hybrid vehicle. If the user does not select any particular mode, the vehicle will operate in hybrid economy mode which is the default mode for the hybrid vehicle. The vehicle moves when the user applies the throttle attached to the handle bar. The throttle is connected to the throttle position sensor 7 which senses the rotation of the throttle. The moment the controller 5 receives voltage signal from the throttle position sensor 7, it supplies power to the traction motor 22 which enables the movement of the vehicle. Further, the acceleration of the vehicle is directly related to the rate of change of the throttle which is sensed by the controller 5 via the rate of change of the voltage coming out of the throttle position sensor 7. [00021] Once the vehicle speed reaches to a pre-defined operating point, the controller cranks the starter motor 1 by supplying required voltage to the starter relay 23. In one embodiment, the pre-defined operating point includes a vehicle speed range between 15 to 30 kmph. The starter relay 23 in turn supplies required voltage to the starter motor 1 which cranks the engine 24. Till this is achieved, the traction motor 22 will remain switched on. Once the engine 24 is started and becomes operational, the controller 5 switches off the traction motor 22. The controller detects the cranking of the engine 24 through the hall sensor provided therein. The vehicle would continue to operate with the engine 24 as the power source till the vehicle speed is above the pre-defined speed. Whenever the vehicle speed goes below the pre-defined speed, the controller again initiates the traction motor 22 and switches off the engine 24, either by sending communication to the ignition unit 13 or by disrupting the power supply to the ignition unit 13. [00022] According to an aspect, the user may want greater acceleration and feel from the vehicle. Also more instant power is required by the vehicle while climbing a gradient. Therefore a hybrid power mode is provided in the vehicle for sporty rides. To start the vehicle in hybrid power mode, the user has to operate ignition key which switches on the ignition switch 10 and thereafter operate the mode selection switch 20 to select the hybrid power mode. The mode selection switch 20 would give the signal to the controller 5. The vehicle moves when the user applies the throttle attached to the handle bar. The throttle position sensor 7 provided therein transmits voltage signal to the controller 5 which supplies power to the traction motor 22 as well as cranks the engine 24. [00023] Further, in the engine mode, the vehicle runs on engine 24 alone. This mode is selected by the user in the similar way by switching on the ignition key and operating the mode selection switch 20. To start the vehicle, the user has to apply the throttle and the controller 5 cranks the engine 24. Hence it is convenient for the user to follow the same procedure for operating all the modes rather than startinp the vehirle in the conventional way by a self-start switch separately for the engine mode. However, when the vehicle carries heavy load and is operated in a high gradient condition, the controller may be adapted to support the engine 24 with the traction motor 22. Additionally, in case there is any malfunction in the engine, or the fuel is exhausted, and if the engine stops then the controller would be in a position to identify the situation by continuous monitoring the engine speed sensor. Such occurrence would prompt the controller 5 to start the traction motor 22, provided there shall not be any electrical system . fault and sufficient battery power is available.

[00024] The vehicle is also operable as a pure electric vehicle running on the traction motor 22 alone. In this case, the user after switching on the ignition key has to select the electric mode by operating the mode selection switch 20. The controller 5 would get the signal. To start the vehicle, the user has to apply the throttle and the controller would receive the voltage through the throttle position sensor 7 after which it activates the traction motor 22. The vehicle would continue to operate in electric mode till the battery 3 has sufficient pre-defined voltage level. The electric mode is most useful when the user has to go for short rides such as for visiting the neighbourhood grocery store. It reduces the cost of operation of the vehicle for the user. It is pertinent to note that after selecting any of the operating modes through the mode selection switch 20, a signal is sent to the controller 5 and a visual indication is given to the user through the display panel 21.

[00025] According to an aspect, the user selects the available modes in the vehicle through the mode selection switch 20 placed forwardly of the user. In one embodiment, the mode selection switch 20 is provided at a distal portion of a handle bar of the vehicle. The distal portion has a switch housing wherein the mode selection switch 20 is located and is accessible by the thumb of the user. According to another embodiment, the mode selection switch 20 is provided within the display panel 21. [00026] The vehicle is ready to move as soon as the user switches on the ignition key and operates the mode selection switch 20 to select between the available operating modes. If the user forgets to select any mode, then the vehicle would, by default, be operated in the hybrid economy mode. In the prior art, the user needs to crank the engine by pressing a separate switch after switching on the ignition key. However, in the present invention, if no mode is selected by the user, the engine is cranked automatically based on the inputs received by the controller.

[00027] According to yet another aspect, in the hybrid vehicle, the battery power is very high and there may arise certain unexpected events during the operation of the vehicle. Hence, continuous diagnosis and monitoring is necessary to avoid any type of electrical hazard within the vehicle. Therefore, the control apparatus overrides the normal working of the vehicle irrespective of the selected operating mode on occurrence of any predefined event from a set of priority events causing electrical fault or battery fault, and switches off the traction motor or the internal combustion engine accordingly in the order of priority as mentioned in the table of FIG. 2. The set of priority events further comprises of electrical fault events including a short circuit of the traction motor, thermal overload of the motor or the controller, hall sensor fault; battery fault events including low voltage, low state of charge, excess temperature, cell imbalance and communication disruption; and gradient detection. The electrical fault events take precedence over battery fault events. The battery fault events take priority over the gradient detection event.

[00028] In a preferred embodiment in the hybrid economy mode, the predefined operating point for cranking the engine includes the speed range between 15-30 kmph after which the engine is cranked by the controller. The pre-defined speed range can vary based on the type of battery and its voltage. The preferred speed is 25 kmph. However, below the defined operating point, i.e. below 25 kmph, the vehicle runs on power supplied by the battery. In the absence of occurrence of such incidents, the normal hybrid economy mode working would follow. When the vehicle runs in the hybrid power mode, based on mentioned priorities and in the order of priorities of FIG. 2, the controller will disable the traction motor to avoid any electric hazard and subsequent safety issues. These priorities are not applicable, to the extent aforementioned, when the vehicle runs in engine mode because the traction motor is not operational during engine mode. When the vehicle runs in electric mode, based on mentioned priorities and in the order of priorities, the controller would switch off the traction motor and crank the engine. Thus on occurrence of the mentioned conditions and priorities, the control instructions deviate from the normal instructions and may either switch off the traction motor or crank the engine depending upon the mode selected by the user. Such deviations act as a fall back option and improve the safety of the vehicle during the vehicle operation. Further, the electrical fault events include a short circuit of the traction motor, thermal overload of the motor or the controller, hall sensor fault whereas the battery fault events including low voltage, low state of charge, excess temperature, cell imbalance and communication disruption. The electrical fault events take precedence over battery fault events.

[00029] To enable the user to visually check the vehicle related information, operating conditions and operating modes more effectively, the display panel 21 is provided in the vehicle. In one embodiment, the display panel 21 is located in the anterior portion of the vehicle placed forwardly of the user and centrally to the handle bar. The display panel 21 makes the vehicle operator feel more confident and in control while driving the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 3, the display panel 21 includes a mode board 70 which further comprises of an operating mode indicating section 71, a power source status indicating section 73, a tell-tale indicating section 74, a vehicle operating information indicating section 75, and a general information indicating section 76. The mode board 70 located within the periphery of the display panel 21. In a preferred embodiment, the display panel 21 is polygonal in shape and the mode board 70 is oblongated in shape. Further, the mode board 70 is preferably an LCD display displaying partly digital information. [00030] The mode board 70 is now explained with the help of FIG. 3. The operating mode indicating section 71 is preferably displayed in the centre of the display panel and has the largest area. It shows the selected mode of the vehicle. When the vehicle is in operation, this section also shows the flow of power and its direction in the vehicle. For example, if the vehicle is running in hybrid power mode, the operating mode indicating section 71 shows a battery and engine both providing power to the rear wheels of the vehicle. The flow of power is indicated by means of indicators 72. In one embodiment, the indicators are arrows 72. The indicators 72 also show the charging of the battery during a particular mode via regenerative braking or during free coasting of the vehicle. For each of the selected operating mode, the mode board 70 has a separate backlit color. In a preferred embodiment, the mode board 70 is backlit in four different colours for the four available modes.

[00031] The power source status indicating section 73 is displayed towards the right side of the operating mode indicating section 71. It indicates the fuel status and the battery charge status of the vehicle simultaneously in the form of solid blocks. If the battery is low, the battery status display starts blinking. The tell-tale indicating section 74 comprises of a plurality of hollow blocks which indicate critical visual information to the user. The hollow blocks may display information related to an electrical malfunction, turn signal lamp indication, high beam indication, and battery critically low warning. It helps the user to find out about any malfunction occuring in the vehicle. However, additional critical information may also be displayed by using more hollow blocks. The vehicle operating information indicating section 75 displays vehicle operation related information like vehicle speed, engine r.p.m, odometer etc. Preferably, this information is displayed digitally. The general information indicating section 76 displays other useful information required by the user during the drive like time or date or both. The general information settings can be entered or modified through switches 77 provided therein for this purpose. [00032] Further, all the sections are integrated on the mode board 70. The sections need not be in the particular stated formation. Their location may change based on the ease of graspability of the vehicle mode and vehicle information by the user. For example, in one embodiment of the display panel, the power source status indicating section. 73 is placed towards the left of the operating mode indicating section 71 and the tell-tale indicating section 74 is placed towards the right side of operating mode indicating section 71.

[00033] The mode board 70 is oblongated and large enough so that the user can easily grasp the information displayed on the display panel 21. It is kept oblongated in shape because it avoids concentration of all information at one place and hence avoids ambiguity and instant graspability issues. It is pertinent to note that the vehicle information is not necessarily limited to displaying numbers and also includes visually graspable information like tell-tale signals.

[00034] Further, if the vehicle battery is low or critically low, the display panel 21 of the vehicle displays to or alerts the vehicle user by a visual indication about the low voltage condition of the battery. The user can then charge the battery directly through an external power source by a charging port 4 provided for this purpose. The battery has to be charged for a specified duration of time for powering the vehicle to a specified distance. [00035] According to an aspect, when the vehicle is operated in engine mode, the controller continuously monitors the battery state for charge and voltage. Whenever the battery voltage is low, the controller enables the charging of the battery with the help of traction motor which acts as a generator. The battery can be charged in the following conditions: i. Whenever the battery voltage reaches a pre-defined voltage, the traction motor operates as the generator when the engine is supplying full power to the wheels. But this condition is removed, when the battery voltage is above the pre-defined voltage level. ii. When brakes are applied, the controller charges the battery with help of regenerative braking mechanism provided therein for this purpose. iii. When the vehicle is freely coasting, i.e. the engine rpm is below certain pre-defined level (e.g. idling rpm) and if the battery voltage is below the pre-defined voltage, then the controller would charge the battery through the motor.

[00036] Further, there is another option provided to charge the battery when its voltage level is below the pre-defined voltage level by using the alternator provided therein. The same can be done by using the traction motor too as explained above but if the vehicle speed is very high, then the power generated by the traction motor used as generator is also very high. This happens due to the high voltage generated by the permanent magnets used in the traction motor. Any device using permanent magnet generates very high field at high RPM. The huge current generated by the generator could not be transferred to the battery because the battery has a charging current limit. Hence, the high current generated has to be regulated by the controller and then only supplied to the battery. The circuit required for the same is expensive. Since the vehicle has an alternator, the same can be used to charge the battery at high speed when the battery voltage is below the pre-defined voltage and if the vehicle is moving at a very high speed. In an embodiment of the present vehicle, the same cut-off has been fixed at 50 kmph beyond which the controller would stop charging the battery. But the power generated from the alternator is available which can be used for charging the 48 V battery via the controller.

[00037] The present subject matter and its equivalent thereof offer many advantages, including those which have been described henceforth. The present invention discloses a hybrid vehicle with more than three modes and its supporting control apparatus. More modes give more choices to the user and hence ensure optimum fuel efficiency. Further, the vehicle having four modes provides the best practices of an engine operated vehicle and a battery operated vehicle into one vehicle. The control appartus deviates from the normal instructions and may either switch off the traction motor or crank the engine depending upon an adverse event. Such deviations act as a fall back option and improve the safety of the vehicle and the user during the vehicle operation. Further, the display panel adequately displays the selected modes, flow of power, any malfunction and other vehicle related information for instant graspability by the user so as to avoid any ambiguity during driving.

[00038] The present subject matter is thus described. The description is not intended to be exhaustive nor is it intended to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments may be modified in light of the above description. The embodiments described are chosen to provide an illustration of principles of the invention and its practical application to enable thereby one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore the forgoing description is to be considered exemplary, rather than limiting, and the true scope of the invention is that described in the appended claims.

Claims

A parallel type hybrid vehicle having a traction motor (22) and an internal combustion engine (24) as drive sources and having a control apparatus comprising: a controller (5) connected with the traction motor (22), the controller (5) also connected with the internal combustion engine (24) through an ignition circuit (13) and a starter motor (1), a battery (3) for powering the traction motor (22) and all electrical loads (15) of the vehicle, a plurality of protection fuses (2,6,12,16,18), a throttle position sensor (7), an ignition switch (10), a DC-DC converter (11), wherein the hybrid vehicle has a plurality of mutually exclusive, user selectable operating modes selectable by a user through a mode selection switch (20) after the ignition switch (10) is made operable, the selected operating mode displayed on a display panel (21), and wherein the controller (5) controls the operation of the vehicle based on the selected operating mode, and wherein further the plurality of operating modes comprises an electric mode in which the vehicle runs with only the traction motor (22) as drive source, an engine mode in which the vehicle runs with only the internal combustion engine (24) as drive source, a hybrid power mode in which the vehicle is simultaneously powered by the internal combustion engine (24) and the traction motor (22), and a hybrid economy mode in which the vehicle is powered initially by the traction motor .(22) and when the vehicle reaches a pre-defined operating point, the vehicle is only powered by the internal combustion engine (24).

2. The hybrid vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pre-defined operating point includes a vehicle speed range between 15 to 30 kmph.

3. The hybrid vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display panel (21) includes a mode board (70) comprising: an operating mode indicating section (71) indicating the selected operating mode, and flow of power and its direction in the selected operating mode through indicators (72), a power source status indicating section (73) indicating the fuel status and battery charge status, a telle-tale indicating section (74) comprising a plurality of blocks for displaying critical vehicle related information, a vehicle operating information indicating section (75) indicating operating conditions of the vehicle, and a general information indicating section (76) indicating time or date or both, wherein the display panel (21) is polygonal in shape and the mode board (70) located within the periphery of the display panel (21) is oblongated in shape.

4. The hybrid vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein the mode board (70) is separately backlit for each of the selected operating mode.

5. The hybrid vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control apparatus overrides the selected operating mode conditions on occurrence of any predefined event from a set of priority events causing electrical fault or battery fault, and switches off the traction motor or the internal combustion engine, accordingly in the order of priority; the set of priority events further comprising: electrical fault events including a short circuit of the traction motor, thermal overload of the motor or the controller, hall sensor fault, the battery fault events including low voltage, low state of charge, excess temperature, cell imbalance and communication disruption, and gradient detection.

6. The hybrid vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mode selection switch (20) is provided at a distal portion of a handle bar of the vehicle.

7. The hybrid vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mode selection switch (20) is provided within the display panel (21) of the vehicle.

8. The hybrid vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the battery 3 is chargeable by an external power source through a charging port 4, and when the battery voltage falls below a pre-defined voltage level the battery 3 is chargeable by the traction motor 22.

9. A parallel type hybrid vehicle having a traction motor (22) and an internal combustion engine (24) as drive sources, and including a plurality of mutually exclusive, user selectable operating modes selectable by a user through a mode selection switch (20) after an ignition switch (10) is initiated, wherein a controller (5) controls the operation of the vehicle based on the selected operating mode; the hybrid vehicle further comprising a display panel (21) for displaying the selected operating mode, wherein the display panel (21) includes a mode board (70) comprising: an operating mode indicating section (71) indicating the selected operating mode, and flow of power and its direction in the selected operating mode through indicators (72), a power source status indicating section (73) indicating the fuel status and battery charge status, a telle-tale indicating section (74) comprising a plurality of blocks for displaying critical vehicle related information, a vehicle operating information indicating section (75) indicating operating conditions of the vehicle, and a general information indicating section (76) indicating time or date or both, wherein the display panel (21) is polygonal in shape, the mode board (70) located within the periphery of the display panel (21) is non-circular in shape and is separately backlit for each of the selected operating mode.

10. The hybrid vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the plurality of operating modes comprises: an electric mode in which the vehicle runs with only the traction motor (22) as drive source, an engine mode in which the vehicle runs with only the internal combustion engine (24) as drive source, a hybrid power mode in which the vehicle is simultaneously powered by the internal combustion engine (24) and the traction motor (22), and a hybrid economy mode in which the vehicle is powered initially by the traction motor (22) and when the vehicle reaches a pre-defined operating point, the vehicle is only powered by the internal combustion engine (24); and wherein further the mode selection switch (20) is provided at a distal portion of a handle bar of the vehicle.