Patent attributes
An electric powertrain includes an electric machine, an inverter connected to the electric machine, and an energy storage system for providing an electric current. The energy storage system includes a first energy storage device operable at a first device voltage, and a second energy storage device operable at a second device voltage. A plurality of low-loss switching devices interconnect the first energy storage device and the second energy storage device. The switching devices are selectively controllable between a first operating mode for providing the electric current at a first system voltage, and a second operating mode for providing the electric current at a second system voltage. The first system voltage is different from the second system voltage.