HYBRID VEHICLE DRIVE APPARATUS

A drive system includes an engine, a first differential mechanism that is connected to the engine and transmits rotation of the engine, a second differential mechanism that connects the first differential mechanism with drive wheels, a switching device that changes a speed ratio of the first differential mechanism, a first running condition, and a second running condition. The second differential mechanism has a first rotational element connected to an output element of the first differential mechanism, a second rotational element connected to a first rotating machine, and a third rotational element connected to a second rotating machine and the drive wheels. The first running condition is a running condition in which the vehicle runs using the second rotating machine as a power source, while differentially operating the first differential mechanism. The second running condition is a running condition in which the vehicle runs using the second rotating machine as a power source, without differentially operating the first differential mechanism. A region in which the vehicle runs in the second running condition in the case where the engine cannot start by itself (S10-N) is larger than that in the case where the engine can start by itself (S10-Y).