Tensile force assisted multi-group transmission and method of operating the same

The drive train has an automated group transmission (6) comprising a clutch (20) between a splitter group (8) and a main transmission (10). The clutch connects a transmission input shaft (18) to a main transmission shaft (22) to form a common, shiftable direct gear for traction force-supported shifting of the main transmission. With the direct gear engaged, connections of the input shaft and transmission shaft to the countershafts (14,16) and electric machine (EM) are separated.