Abstract: An automotive vehicle wheel apparatus includes a turnable cover or door for a wheelhouse opening in a fender. In another aspect, a sheath or liner is provided close to at least half of a circumference of a wheel. A further aspect blocks and/or removes circumferential air moving with a wheel.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle braking system includes an electronic shift controller in communication with a vehicle control unit for manually adjusting a signal indicative of a regenerative braking intensity. The electronic shift controller communicates with the vehicle control unit through a gateway module for analyzing the signal indicative of the regenerative braking intensity.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a drive mode switch is provided that is configured to move in a rotary motion, a substantially fore-and-aft motion and a substantially cross-vehicle motion. The switch sends a signal that corresponds to each of the motions. A controller is provided that receives the signals from the switch and includes programmed software that correlates the signals to various vehicle motion outputs, such as forward and reverse.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle braking system includes a hydraulic brake system in communication with a regenerative brake system. The regenerative brake system has both a fixed system logic portion and a user-adjustable system logic portion. The fixed system logic of the regenerative brake system is driven by a brake member displacement.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle braking system includes a regenerative brake system operable upon a deceleration request from at least one of an acceleration member and a braking member. At least a portion of the deceleration request is adjustable by a user when the deceleration request is provided by the acceleration member.

Abstract: An interactive driver system is provided that alleviates range anxiety for the driver of an electric vehicle. The system includes: a range monitor module that determines range of the electric vehicle and identifies a given condition of the vehicle in which the range of the vehicle may be exceeded during ongoing operation of the vehicle; a load monitor module that identifies one or more electric loads being placed on a battery of the electric vehicle; and a driver notification module that presents suggestions on a display of the vehicle to the driver of the vehicle for reducing energy consumption by the vehicle upon occurrence of the given condition, where the suggestions relate to the identified electric loads. The suggestions presented to the driver preferably identify an action to be taken by the driver that reduces energy consumption and an associated change in the range of the vehicle if the action is taken by the driver.

Abstract: An automotive vehicular bumper apparatus is provided. In another aspect, a bumper beam is attached to a composite body panel of an automotive vehicle. A further aspect provides a bumper beam including a first pair of generally V-shaped structural members and a second pair of generally V-shaped structural members joined together adjacent apexes thereof. In another aspect, a centralized bumper beam and a small width bumper are employed.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle system includes a light and a module. The light is adapted to be attached to an exterior of a vehicle. The module selectively illuminates the light during a vehicle stationary period based on an electric drive system state of charge. The module further selectively illuminates the light during a vehicle driven period based on vehicle operating conditions different than the electric drive system state of charge.

Abstract: A visual and/or audio warning is provided during at least slow forward motion of an automobile vehicle. In another aspect, external music is emitted during only slow movement of an electric or hybrid vehicle. Other aspects of an electric or hybrid vehicle employ warning sounds (preferably music) directly from a vehicular outer body panel and/or the electric drive motor.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle composite body structure includes a composite floor pan having a floor, first and second walls, side walls, and a first raised section located in the floor. The body structure also includes a composite frame coupled to the floor pan having a roof frame member and elongated first, second, and third support members.

Abstract: An automotive vehicular structure includes a composite roof frame and elongated composite support members extending from the roof frame. The support members may be integral to the roof frame as a single piece. A method of assembling a vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: An automotive vehicular structure includes a composite first body side outer panel including a first connecting panel and a composite second body side outer panel and a second connecting panel. The second connecting panel is directly attached to the first connecting panel at a location between the first side panel and the second side panel. A method of assembling an automotive vehicle is also provided.