Hybrid electric axle and operating method

A method for operation of a hybrid electric axle system, comprising:

• selectively disengaging an electric drive disconnect clutch;
• wherein the hybrid electric axle system includes:
• an engine interface assembly including an input shaft with a mechanical interface that is configured to receive mechanical power from an internal combustion engine;
• and
• an electric drive assembly including:
• a traction motor that is rotationally coupled to a gear train;
• and
• the electric drive disconnect clutch configured to selectively rotationally couple the gear train to a differential;
• and
• wherein the engine interface assembly and the electric drive assembly are packaged in an axle housing.

A hybrid electric axle system, comprising:

• an engine interface assembly including an input shaft with a mechanical interface that is configured to receive mechanical power from an internal combustion engine;
• wherein the engine interface assembly includes:
• a one-way clutch rotationally coupled to the input shaft and a gear set that is rotationally coupled to a differential;
• and
• an engine disconnect clutch configured to selectively rotationally couple the input shaft and a gear shaft in the gear set;
• an electric drive assembly including:
• a traction motor that is rotationally coupled to a gear train;
• and
• an electric drive disconnect clutch configured to selectively rotationally couple the gear train to the differential;
• wherein the engine interface assembly and the electric drive assembly are packaged in an axle housing;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• selectively disengage the electric drive disconnect clutch;
• and
• selectively disengage the engine disconnect clutch.