Method for operating a drive device and corresponding drive device

A method for operating a drive device which includes a drive unit and an exhaust gas purification device arranged in an exhaust gas line for purifying exhaust gas from the drive unit, wherein the exhaust gas purification device is heated at least temporarily by an electrical heating assembly, which includes a heating element for heating a fluid and a bypass line branching off the exhaust gas purification device from the exhaust gas line on the one hand and opening into it on the other hand, in which a fluid pump for conveying the fluid through the exhaust gas purification device is arranged, wherein to heat the exhaust gas purification device before the drive unit is started, the fluid pump is operated for fluid heated by the heating element to flow through the exhaust gas purification device against an exhaust gas flow direction through the exhaust gas line.

A drive device comprising:

• a drive unit and an exhaust gas purification device arranged in an exhaust gas line for purifying exhaust gas from the drive unit, wherein the exhaust gas purification device is heatable by an electrical heating assembly, which includes a heating element for heating a fluid and a bypass line branching off the exhaust gas purification device from the exhaust gas line on the one hand and opening into it on the other hand, in which a fluid pump for conveying the fluid through the exhaust gas purification device is arranged, wherein the drive device is designed, in order to heat the exhaust gas purification device before the drive unit is started, to operate the fluid pump for fluid heated by the heating element to flow through the exhaust gas purification device against an exhaust gas flow direction through the exhaust gas line.