Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to hybrid electric vehicles, and more particularly to clutch-based control strategy for drive mode selection in Body on Frame parallel hybrid electric vehicles.

BACKGROUND
[002] Due to the growing threat of global warming, and rising fuel prices, electric vehicles are in high demand. Parallel hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) comprise both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor that can both individually or jointly drive the vehicle. Though most HEVs employ automatic transmissions for driving the vehicle, manual control modes for the vehicle and transmission can be used for optimizing power and efficiency. Parallel HEVs use control strategies for controlling selection of drive modes, such as electric mode, IC engine mode, and hybrid mode or assist mode.
[003] Clutch in the parallel HEV is disposed between the IC engine and the electric motor, so that the driving mode can be shifted between the IC engine mode, electric mode, and the hybrid mode, by engaging or disengaging the clutch. Therefore, the position of the clutch pedal is crucial for the control of the parallel HEV. Currently, the control strategy for drive mode selection in parallel HEVs with manual transmission is independent of the clutch position and is dependent on vehicle speed threshold, throttle pedal position, and the motor speed. Further, at present, the tractive power provided at driven wheels at positions other than neutral and reverse cannot be reversed. Therefore, the current techniques can result in increased fuel consumption and reduction in overall efficiency.

OBJECTS
[004] The principal object of embodiments herein is to disclose a clutch-based control strategy for drive mode selection in Body on Frame (BoF) parallel hybrid electric vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises a manual transmission and a manual clutch.
[005] Another object of embodiments herein is to disclose methods and systems for controlling tractive power provided at driven wheels at positions other than neutral and reverse.
[006] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating at least one embodiment and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[007] Embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[008] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for controlling drive mode selection in Body on Frame (BOF) parallel hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[009] FIG. 2 illustrates the components of the hybrid control unit (HCU), in accordance with the embodiments described herein;
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates operation of the parallel HEV in electric mode, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates operation of the parallel HEV in hybrid mode or assist mode, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates the operation of the parallel HEV in IC engine mode, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates the operation of the parallel HEV in IC engine mode, in accordance with the embodiments described herein; and
[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates various selection modes in the parallel HEV, in accordance with the embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0016] The embodiments herein disclose a clutch-based control strategy for drive mode selection in Body on Frame (BoF) parallel hybrid electric vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises a manual transmission and a manual clutch. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 6, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for controlling drive mode selection in a Body on Frame (BOF) parallel hybrid electric vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In BOF parallel HEVs, a separate body is mounted on a rigid vehicle chassis carrying an IC engine powertrain and an electric powertrain. The system 100 comprises a Hybrid Controller Unit (HCU) 102. The HCU 102 can be operatively coupled to a plurality of sensing elements, a throttle pedal 104, an electric gear console 106, an Engine management system (EMS) 108, and a Torque Control Unit (TCU) 110. The plurality of sensing elements comprises, but not limited to, a reverse gear sensor 112, a neutral gear sensor 114, and a clutch position sensor 116. The plurality of sensing elements are physical sensors. The reverse gear sensor is operatively coupled to a manual transmission 118 or a main gear box. The neutral gear sensor is operatively coupled to a manual transmission 118 or a main gear box. The neutral gear sensor 114 can determine the position of the manual transmission 118, i.e., whether the manual transmission 118 is in a neutral position, or in a non-neutral position, such as forward, or reverse positions The neutral gear sensor 114 can indicate to the HCU 102 whether the manual transmission 118 is in the neutral position, or in the non-neutral position. The reverse gear sensor 112 can determine the position of the manual transmission 118; i.e., whether the manual transmission 118 is in a reverse position. The reverse gear sensor 112 can indicate to the HCU 102 whether the manual transmission 118 is in the reverse position, or in the forward position. In an embodiment herein, the functions of the reverse gear sensor 112 and the neutral gear sensor 114 can be performed by a single sensor, which can detect whether the gear is on the neutral position, or the reverse position.
[0018] The manual transmission 118 is operatively coupled to a clutch 120, which is further coupled to the clutch position sensor 116. The clutch 120 can engage and disengage with the Internal Combustion (IC) engine 122 and electric motor 124. In embodiments herein, hydrogen used for fuel cells 138 can be used to drive the IC engine 122. Further, in yet another embodiment, alternate fuels 132 can be used for driving the IC engine. Alternate fuels can be, for example, CNG, bio gas, Ethanol, methanol, and the like. In an embodiment, fuel cells 138 can generate electric power which in turn can directly drive the electric motor without charging a battery pack 140. Alternately, the fuel cells 138 can charge the battery pack 140 and can drive the electric motor. Further, the electric motor can be driven in combination, i.e., by applying both the electric power from the fuel cells 138 as well as from the battery pack 140 directly. Fuel cells 138 use Hydrogen and air as fuel and hydrogen tanks 136 can be used for the storage of the hydrogen gas.
[0019] A clutch pedal can have the following positions based on pedal travel:
- Clutch pedal is not pressed.
- Clutch pedal is partially pressed.
- Clutch pedal is completely pressed.
[0020] In BOF manual transmission HEV, when the clutch pedal is completely pressed, the IC engine 122 gets disengaged and does not provide power to the vehicle, though engine speed can be increased based on throttle pedal input(s) provided by the driver of the vehicle. Similarly, the electric motor 124 does not drive the vehicle, if the clutch pedal is fully pressed. The clutch position sensor 116 senses the clutch position, and provides the sensed clutch position to the HCU. Hereinafter, embodiments herein use the terms “clutch” and “clutch pedal” interchangeably.
[0021] The HCU 102 is operatively coupled to the EMS 108. The EMS 108 comprises a plurality of electronic and electrical components (such as at least one sensor, at least one relay, at least one actuator, and an Engine Control Unit), which provide the HCU 102 with data parameters. In an embodiment herein, the HCU 102 and the ECU may comprise a single unit. In an embodiment herein, the HCU 102 and the ECU may be separate units. Based on the inputs from the plurality of sensing elements, the HCU 102 can provide signals to the EMS 108 to control the IC engine 122, wherein the signals provide to the EMS 108 are based on a control strategy.
[0022] In an embodiment herein, the IC engine 122 is coupled to the front wheels 126 and drives the front wheels 126. In an embodiment herein, the IC engine 122 is coupled to the rear wheels and drives the rear wheels. In an embodiment herein, the IC engine 122 is coupled to both the front wheels and the rear wheels and drives both the front wheels and the rear wheels. In an embodiment herein, the IC engine can be coupled to either front wheels or rear wheels of two wheel drive, or a four wheel drive, depending on the requirements.
[0023] The HCU 102 is further operatively coupled to the Traction motor Controller unit (TCU) 110. The TCU 110 controls the rear wheels 128 by way of the electric motor 124 from wheel slippage and helps in maximizing traction forces. The TCU 110 comprises, but not limited to, a wheel speed sensor (not shown) and a hydraulic modulator (not shown). The wheel speed sensor can be used for monitoring the speed of the rear wheels. The TCU 110 receives signals from the HCU 102 based on the inputs from the plurality of sensing elements and selected control strategy. The TCU 110 can control the electric motor 124, based on the inputs received from the HCU 102. The electric motor 124 is coupled to the battery pack 130. The electric motor 124 is further coupled to the rear wheels 128 and therefore drives the rear wheels 128.
[0024] FIG. 1 depicts an example layout, wherein the front wheels 126 are driven by the IC engine 122 and the rear wheels 128 are driven by the electric motor 124. However, it may be obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the above depicted arrangement can be modified for any combination of wheels 126, 128 and propulsion means (the IC engine 122 and the electric motor 124). For example, in an alternate arrangement, the front wheels 126 can be driven by the electric motor 124 and the rear wheels 128 can be driven by the IC engine 122.
[0025] The HCU 102 is configured to execute a control logic, based on the inputs from the plurality of sensing elements. Embodiments herein use the terms “control logic”, and “control strategy” interchangeably. The vehicle can be driven in one of the modes: IC engine only, electric motor only, and hybrid or assist (IC engine + electric), and fuel cell drive mode . Each of the drive modes can be selected based on the control method. The control method is discussed in detail below and has been provided in Table 1.

Electric gear switch console Manual transmission Clutch position Drive mode
Neutral (N) Neutral (N) Any IC engine only
Neutral (N) Non-neutral and non-reverse Any IC engine only
Neutral (N) Reverse (R) Any IC engine only
Forward (F) Non-neutral & non- reverse Not pressed Hybrid
10% pressed Hybrid
90% pressed IC engine only
Forward (F) Neutral Not pressed Electric only
10% pressed Electric only
90% pressed IC engine only
Reverse (R) Reverse (R) Not pressed Hybrid
10% pressed Hybrid
90% pressed IC engine only
Reverse (R) Non-neutral and non-reverse Any IC engine only
Reverse (R) Neutral Not pressed Electric only
10% pressed Electric only
90% pressed IC engine only
Table 1
[0026] The electric powertrain can have three gear positions: a forward position, a neutral position, and a reverse position. When the ignition is on, the driver can select one of the gear positions through an electric gear switch console 106. The selected gear in the electric gear switch console 106 can be provided as input to the HCU 102. The HCU 102 can continue to operate the vehicle in electric mode, if the manual transmission 118 is in neutral mode, the electric gear switch console 106 is in one of forward or reverse positions and if the clutch 120 is either not pressed or partially pressed. The forward position can comprise of one or more of forward gears.
[0027] The vehicle is said to be in a hybrid mode or an assist mode, wherein the vehicle is operated using the power derived from both the IC engine and the electric motor. Consider that the vehicle is moving in the forward direction powered by the electric powertrain, and if the driver chooses one of the forward gear positions on the manual transmission 118 (for example, the first gear, the second gear, the third gear, the fourth gear, the fifth gear, the sixth gear, and so on), the HCU 102 continues to operate the vehicle in the hybrid mode in the forward direction, irrespective of the position of the clutch 120. Similarly, when the vehicle is moving in the reverse direction powered by the electric powertrain, and if the driver chooses the reverse gear on the manual transmission 118, the HCU continues to operate the vehicle in the hybrid mode in the reverse direction, irrespective of the position of the clutch 120.
[0028] The vehicle can operate in IC engine mode, when the electric gear switch console 106 is in neutral position, irrespective of the position of the clutch 120 and the manual transmission 118. If the manual transmission 118 is in reverse position, the HCU 102 operates the vehicle in the reverse direction in IC engine mode, irrespective of the position of the clutch and the position of the electric gear switch console 106. If the manual transmission 118 is in a non-neutral and non-reverse position (i.e., in a forward gear), the HCU 102 operates the vehicle in the forward direction in IC engine mode, irrespective of the position of the clutch and the position of the electric gear switch console 106.
[0029] In another scenario, when ignition is on, and when the driver chooses forward position in the electric gear switch console 106, and when the manual transmission 118 is in neutral position, the HCU 102 continues to operate the vehicle in the IC engine mode. When the clutch 120 is fully pressed, the driver can change the manual transmission 118 from neutral to non-neutral and when the clutch 120 is released, the HCU 102 continues to operate the vehicle in the IC engine mode. Similarly, when the driver chooses reverse position in the electric gear switch console 106, and when the manual transmission 118 is in the reverse position, the HCU 102 continues to operate the vehicle in the IC engine mode in the reverse direction. In other words, the clutch is used for transmission of gears. Therefore, once the clutch pedal is fully pressed fully, it shows the intention of the driver to drive on ICE Mode based on the gear position. For electric drive mode, there is no gear, and hence either forward or reverse mode is selected and the vehicle is driven automatically.
[0030] In an embodiment herein, automatic transmission can be used for driving the vehicle in which no clutch is used and therefore the mode is fully automatic. The driver can select one of ICE mode, hybrid mode, or electric mode based on the preference of the driver.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates the components of the hybrid control unit (HCU) in accordance with the embodiments described herein. The HCU 102 can be, for example, but not limited to, a microprocessor. In an embodiment herein, the HCU 102 can be a dedicated standalone control unit. In an embodiment herein, the HCU 102 can be integrated with at least one other control unit present in the vehicle, such as the ECU. The hybrid control unit comprises, but not limited to, a memory 202 comprising a control module 204, input/output unit 206, and arithmetic and logic unit 208. The control module 204 stores the control methodology, as depicted in table 1.
[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates an example operation of the vehicle in the electric mode. In the electric mode, the vehicle is controlled by the traction motor controller unit (TCU) 110 which drives the rear wheels. The traction motor controller unit (TCU) 110 receives signals from the HCU 102 based on the input from the plurality of sensing elements. At step 302, once the ignition is on, the driver of the vehicle can choose a gear position in each of the manual transmission 118 and the electric gear switch console 106. At step 304, the HCU 102 checks if the manual transmission 118 is in the neutral mode. At step 306, if the manual transmission 118 is in the neutral mode, the HCU 102 checks if the electric gear switch console 106 is in either the forward position or the reverse position. At step 308, if the electric gear switch console 106 is in either the forward position or the reverse position, the HCU 102 checks if the clutch 120 is not currently being pressed or currently being partially pressed. At step 310, if the clutch 120 is not currently being pressed or currently being partially pressed, the HCU 102 sends a signal to the TCU 110, such that the TCU 110 continues to drive the rear wheels 128; i.e., the vehicle operates in electric mode.
[0033] The various actions in method 300 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 3 may be omitted.
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates operation of the vehicle in the hybrid mode, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. At step 402, on the HCU 102 detecting that the manual transmission 118 is not in the neutral position and receiving user input (such as the user turning the ignition key, a start/stop button being pressed, and so on), the IC engine 122 of the vehicle is cranked. At step 404, the HCU 102 checks whether the manual transmission 118 is in a non-neutral position or a non-reverse position, i.e., if the ICE powertrain is powering the vehicle to move in one of a forward direction or a reverse direction. At step 406, the HCU 102 checks if the clutch 120 is not pressed or is partially pressed. If the ICE engine 122 is powering the vehicle to move in forward direction and if the clutch 120 is either not pressed or is partially pressed, at steps 408 and 410, the HCU 102 checks if the electric powertrain is in one of the forward mode or the reverse mode. At step 412, if the manual transmission 118 and the electric gear switch console 106 are in the forward position, and if the clutch 120 is either not pressed or is partially pressed, the HCU 102 continues to operate the vehicle in hybrid mode in the forward direction. At step 414, if the manual transmission 118 and the electric gear switch console 106 are in the reverse position, and if the clutch 120 is either not pressed or partially pressed, the HCU 102 continues to operate the vehicle in hybrid mode in the reverse direction.
[0035] The various actions in method 400 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 4 may be omitted.
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates the operation of the vehicle in the IC engine mode, in accordance with the embodiments described herein. At step 502, the HCU 102 checks whether the electric gear switch console 106 is in the neutral position. At step 504, the HCU 102 checks if the manual transmission is in one of the forward position, the neutral position or the reverse position. If the electric gear switch console 106 is in the neutral position and if the manual transmission 118 is in one of the forward position, the neutral position or the reverse position, the HCU 108 continues to operate the vehicle in ICE engine mode, regardless of the position of the clutch 120. At step 506, the HCU checks if the electric gear switch console 106 is in forward position. If the electric gear switch console 106 is in the forward position and if the manual transmission is in the reverse position, the HCU 102 operates the vehicle in IC engine mode, regardless of the position of the clutch 120. If the electric gear switch console 106 is in the reverse position and if the manual transmission 118 is in the forward position, the HCU 102 operates the vehicle in IC engine mode, regardless of the position of the clutch 120.
[0037] The various actions in method 500 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 5 may be omitted.
[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates the operation of the parallel HEV in IC engine mode, in accordance with the embodiments described herein. At step 602, the HCU 102 checks if the clutch 120 is fully pressed. The HCU 102 first determines one of the drive modes that the vehicle operates. At step 604, if the clutch 120 is fully pressed, the HCU 102 checks if the manual transmission 118 is in one of non-neutral and non-reverse position. On determining that the manual transmission 118 is in one of non-neutral and non-reverse positions, at step 606, the HCU 102 checks if the electric gear switch console 106 is in one of the forward position and the reverse position. If the manual transmission 118 is in one of non-neutral and non-reverse positions and if the electric gear switch console 106 is in one of the forward and reverse positions and if the clutch 120 is fully pressed, the HCU 102 operates the vehicle in ICE only mode. On the other hand, at step 608, the HCU 102 checks if if the electric powertrain or the electric gear switch console 106 is in one of the forward position and reverse position. On determining that the electric powertrain is in one of the forward and reverse positions, the HCU 102 checks if the manual transmission 118 is in neutral mode. If the electric powertrain is in one of the forward and reverse positions and if the manual transmission 118 is in the neutral mode, the HCU 102 operates the vehicle in ICE only mode.
[0039] The various actions in method 600 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 6 may be omitted.
[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates various selection modes in the parallel HEV, in accordance with the embodiments described herein. In the IC mode, the IC engine 122 is coupled to the front wheels 126 and drives the front wheels 126. In the pure electric mode, the electric powertrain drives the rear wheels. In the hybrid mode, both the front wheels and the rear wheels are driven by the electric powertrain and the IC engine, accordingly. In an embodiment, the IC engine 122 can drive the rear wheels and the electric powertrain can drive the front wheels. Embodiments herein apply to both two wheel and four wheel drives and the couplings corresponding to the wheels can be changed according to requirements.
[0041] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented through at least one software program running on at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the network elements. The network elements shown in Fig. 2 include blocks which can be at least one of a hardware device, or a combination of hardware device and software module.
[0042] The embodiment disclosed herein describes a clutch-based control strategy for drive mode selection in Body on Frame (BoF) parallel hybrid electric vehicle with manual transmission and manual clutch. Therefore, it is understood that the scope of the protection is extended to such a program and in addition to a computer readable means having a message therein, such computer readable storage means contain program code means for implementation of one or more steps of the method, when the program runs on a server or mobile device or any suitable programmable device. The method is implemented in at least one embodiment through or together with a software program written in e.g. Very high speed integrated circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL) another programming language, or implemented by one or more VHDL or several software modules being executed on at least one hardware device. The hardware device can be any kind of portable device that can be programmed. The device may also include means which could be e.g. hardware means like e.g. an ASIC, or a combination of hardware and software means, e.g. an ASIC and an FPGA, or at least one microprocessor and at least one memory with software modules located therein. The method embodiments described herein could be implemented partly in hardware and partly in software. Alternatively, the invention may be implemented on different hardware devices, e.g. using a plurality of CPUs, such as microprocessors.
[0043] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments and examples, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments and examples disclosed herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
, Claims:1. A Control Unit (102) in a body on frame parallel hybrid vehicle configured to:
receive one or more inputs from a plurality of sensing elements; and
operate the vehicle in one of IC engine mode, electric mode, and hybrid mode depending on position of a clutch (120) and the inputs received from the plurality of sensing elements.

2. The control unit (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (102) is coupled to an IC engine (122) by way of an Engine Management System (EMS) (108).

3. The control unit (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the IC engine is driven by one of alternate fuels and hydrogen used for fuel cells.

4. The control unit (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (102) is configured to operate the vehicle in automatic transmission mode, wherein the automatic transmission mode is independent of the clutch position, and wherein the automatic transmission mode comprises selection of one of the ICE mode, the hybrid mode, and the electric mode.

5. The control unit (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (102) is coupled to an electric motor (124) by way of a traction motor controller unit (TCU) (110).

6. The control unit (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensing elements comprises a neutral gear sensor (114), a reverse sensor (112), and a clutch position sensor (116).

7. The control unit (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more inputs comprise a gear position from a manual transmission (118), a gear position from an electric gear switch console (106), position of the clutch (120), and throttle pedal position.

8. The control unit (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the position of the clutch (120) is indicated by the clutch position sensor (116); and wherein the position of the clutch (120) is one of not pressed, partially pressed, and fully pressed.

9. The control unit (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (102) is configured to
operate the vehicle in the IC engine mode, on the clutch (120) being fully pressed and both the electric gear switch console (106) and the manual transmission (118) are in one of a forward position, a reverse position, and independent of position of the clutch (120);
select the hybrid mode when position of the clutch (120) is not pressed or partially pressed; and when the vehicle is moving in one of the forward direction or the reverse direction powered by both the IC engine (122) and the electric motor (124); and
select the electric mode, when the clutch (120) is not pressed or partially pressed and when position of an electric gear switch console (106) is in one of a forward position and a reverse position.

10. A method for selecting a drive mode in a parallel hybrid electric vehicle comprising:
receiving, by a Hybrid Control Unit (HCU) (102), one or more inputs from a plurality of sensing elements; and
operating, by the HCU (102), the vehicle in one of IC engine mode, electric mode, and hybrid mode depending on position of a clutch (120) and the inputs received from the plurality of sensing elements.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the HCU (102) is coupled to an IC engine (122) by way of an Engine Management System (EMS) (108).

12. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the HCU (102) is coupled to an electric motor (124) by way of a traction motor controller unit (TCU) (110).

13. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the plurality of sensing elements comprises a neutral gear sensor (114), a reverse sensor (112), and a clutch position sensor (116).

14. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the one or more inputs comprise a gear position from a manual transmission (118), a gear position from an electric gear switch console (106), position of the clutch (120), and throttle pedal position.

15. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the position of the clutch (120) is indicated by the clutch position sensor (116); and
the position of clutch (120) is one of not pressed, partially pressed, and fully pressed.

16. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the method further comprises
operating the vehicle, by the HCU (102), in the IC engine mode, on the clutch (120) being fully pressed and both the electric gear switch console (106) and the manual transmission (118) are in one of a forward position , a reverse position and, independent of position of the clutch (120);
selecting, by the HCU (102), the hybrid mode, when position of the clutch (120) is not pressed or partially pressed; and when the vehicle is moving in one of the forward direction or the reverse direction powered by both the IC engine (122) and the electric motor (124); and
selecting, by the HCU (102), the electric mode, when the clutch (120) is not pressed or partially pressed and when position of an electric gear switch console (106) is in one of a forward position and a reverse position.