US Patent 11383697 Vehicle control apparatus

A vehicle control apparatus for a vehicle provided with an engine, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to an output shaft of the engine, a motor coupled to a wheel, and an output clutch that transmits power from an output shaft of the CVT and the motor to the wheel includes a controller that is able to switch and execute either of an EV mode that allows, upon disengagement of the output clutch, power outputted from the motor to drive the wheel, and an HEV mode that allows, upon engagement of the output clutch, power outputted from the engine and the motor to drive the wheel, and that, in an adjustment of a gear ratio of the CVT during the EV mode, engages the output clutch and adjusts the gear ratio of the CVT, and thereafter disengages the output clutch before the gear ratio reaches a target gear ratio.