Drive system for a vehicle

A drive system for a vehicle, comprising:

• a first planetary gear set;
• a second planetary gear set;
• a third planetary gear set directly coupled to the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set;
• a first electromagnetic device coupled to the first planetary gear set;
• a second electromagnetic device coupled to the second planetary gear set;
• and
• an output shaft coupled to the first planetary gear set,
• wherein the third planetary gear set is aligned with the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set.

A vehicle, comprising:

• a multi-mode transmission including:
• a first planetary gear set;
• a second planetary gear set;
• a third planetary gear set coupled to the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set;
• a first motor/generator coupled to the first planetary gear set;
• and
• a second motor/generator coupled to the second planetary gear set;
• and
• a drive axle coupled to the first planetary gear set,
• wherein during a first mode of the multi-mode transmission, (a) an actuator is engaged to limit rotation of the third planetary gear set, (b) the third planetary gear set limits rotation a carrier of the first planetary gear set relative to a ring gear of the second planetary gear set, and (c) the first motor/generator is permitted to rotate independent of the second motor/generator.