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A hybrid utility vehicle includes a tool-supporting frame and an electrical power source driven by an engine. Right and left rear wheels independently driven by permanent magnet electric motors and front wheels electrically steerable over a range of approximately 180 degrees operate under the contro

A hybrid utility vehicle includes a tool-supporting frame and an electrical power source driven by an engine. Right and left rear wheels independently driven by permanent magnet electric motors and front wheels electrically steerable over a range of approximately 180 degrees operate under the control of a vehicle controller responsive to steering and speed input controls to provide zero turn radius operation with minimum slippage and tire scuffing. Space efficiency provided by the electric steering and an electrically driven tool deck facilitate a variety of tool mounting configurations including a rear discharge deck with a chute passing under the vehicle frame between the driven wheels. An inverter connected to the electrical power source provides 110/220 volt output. The power source also functions as a high powered, high rpm, low noise starter motor.

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What is claimed is: 1. A hybrid utility vehicle including a frame for supporting one or more tools, a combustion engine supported on the frame, an electrical power source driven by the engine, right and left driven wheels, steerable wheels offset from the driven wheels, the driven wheels and steera

What is claimed is: 1. A hybrid utility vehicle including a frame for supporting one or more tools, a combustion engine supported on the frame, an electrical power source driven by the engine, right and left driven wheels, steerable wheels offset from the driven wheels, the driven wheels and steerable wheels supporting the frame for steered movement over the ground, electric wheel motor structure connected to the driven wheels, electrically actuated steering structure connected to the steerable wheels for moving the steerable wheel structure approximately 180 degrees over a range of steered positions from a zero radius left turn position to a zero radius right turn position, an electronic controller connected to the electric wheel motor structure and to the steering structure, a steering control connected to the electronic controller and providing a steering input control signal to the electronic controller, the electronic controller responsive to the steering input control signal to actuate the steering structure and control the relative speeds of the driven wheels for increased wheel traction and vehicle maneuverability and for decreased ground disturbance at the left and right zero radius turn steered positions, wherein the supported tool comprises a mower deck supported between the driven wheels and steerable wheels, the mower deck including a discharge chute extending outwardly from the frame between the left and the right driven wheels, wherein the electric wheel motor structure is offset outwardly and above a lower portion of the discharge chute, the lower portion of the discharge chute substantially unencumbered with drive or motor structure. 2. The utility vehicle as set forth in claim 1 wherein the driven wheels comprise rear wheels and the discharge chute comprises a rear discharge chute. 3. The utility vehicle as set forth in claim 2 wherein the electric wheel motor structure comprises right and left drive motors connected to the right and left driven wheels, and wherein the discharge chute extends under the frame between the right and left drive motors. 4. The utility vehicle as set forth in claim 1 wherein the supported tool comprises a mower deck, wherein the mower deck includes a blade driven by an electric blade motor. 5. The utility vehicle as set forth in claim 4 wherein the blade motor is connected to the electronic controller. 6. The utility vehicle as set forth in claim 1 further including electric actuator structure connected to the mower deck for moving the mower deck relative to the frame, wherein the electric actuator structure is located between the drive wheels above the discharge chute. 7. The utility vehicle as set forth in claim 1 wherein the electrical power source comprises an electrical power generator, wherein the generator also is operable as a starter for the combustion engine. 8. The utility vehicle as set forth in claim 7 wherein the generator and wheel motor structure are operable as a vehicle brake.