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Energy flow in vehicles with hybrid propulsion systems depends primarily on the drive system design. The full hybrid propulsion system (series-parallel) enables differentiated energy flow management using different drive system operating conditions and energy recovery methods. The article attempts to estimate the energy differences resulting from this type of a system operating in two different modes: mode D - normal driving and mode B - forcing partial use of engine braking. Using these two driving modes in the real drive test, the energy flow characteristics of the vehicle were determined. Different operating conditions of the internal combustion engine and drive system in both modes allowed for the energy consumption during driving tests to be assessed.

The share of hybrid and electric powertrains in the market increases continuously. In local driving conditions, electric vehicles are zero-emission, yet their regular use requires an infrastructure allowing the recharging of high-voltage batteries. Hybrid vehicles also allow the use of the electric drive; however, when the high-voltage battery is low, a combustion engine is used to recharge it. Hybrid powertrains do not require any changes in the infrastructure, nor do they force any changes in the driver's habits. The use of a hybrid vehicle may, however, reduce the operating time of the combustion engine, thus contributing to the reduction of fuel consumption. This reduction of fuel consumption results from a specifically selected energy flow strategy in hybrid systems. This strategy was the focus of the research performed to identify the energy flow conditions in a hybrid drive system under driving conditions corresponding to the RDE test.