Patent attributes
A hybrid vehicle includes a planetary gear mechanism, a first electric motor, an internal combustion engine, first drive wheels, an inter-element clutch, a second electric motor, and second drive wheels. The planetary gear mechanism is configured to transmit motive power among first to third rotary elements. The first electric motor is coupled to the first rotary element in a power transmittable manner. The internal combustion engine is coupled to the second rotary element in a power transmittable manner. The first drive wheels are coupled to the third rotary element in a power transmittable manner. The inter-element clutch is configured to switch between coupling and uncoupling two of the first to third rotary elements. The second electric motor is configured to perform power running operation using power generated by the first electric motor. The second drive wheels are coupled to the second electric motor in a power transmittable manner.