Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for assigning alternative energy vehicles to travel routes based on vehicle wear-and-tear ratings. Wear-and-tear ratings may be influenced by factors such as, for example, road grade, travel speed, electric motor use, and battery use, on various travel routes. An example method for determining a wear-and-tear rating of an alternative energy vehicle may involve determining an amount of stress imposed upon an electric motor of an alternative energy vehicle due to a grade of a road on a travel route, and an amount of energy consumed from a battery of the alternative energy vehicle due to a speed of travel on the travel route. The wear-and-tear rating of the alternative energy vehicle may then be determined based on the amount of stress imposed upon the electric motor and/or the amount of energy consumed from the battery on the travel route.

Abstract: Example embodiments described in this disclosure are generally directed to systems and methods to form a caravan of vehicles and take advantage of a slipstream formation that can provide benefits such as, for example, a reduction in fuel consumption for follower vehicles. In an example method, a first vehicle transmits a request to form a caravan with a second vehicle. The request may be originated by a slipstream driving arrangement system that can be a part of the first vehicle or provided in a personal communication device of a driver of the first vehicle. Upon receiving an acceptance of the request from a second vehicle, the first vehicle may execute a rendezvous operation to rendezvous with the second vehicle and execute a slipstream formation with the second vehicle. A financial incentive may be offered to either vehicle for operating as a lead vehicle of the caravan.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive a user profile responsive to an efficiency determination request for a vehicle model. The processor is also configured to obtain efficiency-affecting data from the user profile. The processor is further configured to compare the efficiency-affecting data to data gathered from drivers of the vehicle model, to determine a correlation between the user profile and similar drivers of the vehicle model. Also, the processor is configured to predict fuel efficiency for the new vehicle model based on efficiency achieved by the similar drivers.

Abstract: A method of monitoring user location relative to a vehicle in an industrial setting is provided. The method includes, in response to a proximity of the vehicle to a user mobile device being less than a threshold proximity when the user mobile device is outside of a pedestrian zone defined by a perimeter, effecting an annunciation mode at the user mobile device.

Abstract: A foldable card includes first and second sections, each defining a base and a layer of a blade of a key extending therefrom; and a hinge interface connecting the bases of the first and second sections, wherein the first section is configured to fold over the second section at the hinge interface so that a top surface of the first section is against a bottom surface of the second section and each of the layers of the blades align to form the blade of the key, and the first and second sections are configured to fold at the hinge interface into a storage position to form a collective flat surface.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for upgrading a vehicle's functionality based on the manner in which the vehicle is operated. A predefined operating condition of the vehicle that can be assisted by a vehicle feature not presently provided by the vehicle is identified. Thereafter, a notification is communicated to a user interface that indicates availability of the vehicle feature. Subsequently, the vehicle is upgraded to provide the vehicle feature responsive to input to the user interface submitting a request to perform the upgrade.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for assigning alternative energy vehicles to travel routes based on vehicle wear-and-tear ratings. Wear-and-tear ratings may be influenced by factors such as, for example, road grade, travel speed, electric motor use, and battery use, on various travel routes. An example method for determining a wear-and-tear rating of an alternative energy vehicle may involve determining an amount of stress imposed upon an electric motor of an alternative energy vehicle due to a grade of a road on a travel route, and an amount of energy consumed from a battery of the alternative energy vehicle due to a speed of travel on the travel route. The wear-and-tear rating of the alternative energy vehicle may then be determined based on the amount of stress imposed upon the electric motor and/or the amount of energy consumed from the battery on the travel route.

Abstract: Electric charging stations with docking management and methods of use are disclosed herein. An example system can include a base station providing electrical power, a charging interface configured to couple with a charging port of a vehicle and a cradle of the base station, a controller associated with at least one of the base station, the charging interface, or combinations thereof, the controller configured to execute a docking ruleset to determine when a docking failure occurs between the charging interface and the cradle of the base station and execute a remediating action in response to the docking failure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for preventing damage to an object within a charging field of a wireless vehicle battery charger. An example vehicle includes a wireless vehicle battery charger having a charging field, a plurality of Bluetooth antennas, and a processor. The processor is configured to identify a location of an object using one or more of the plurality of Bluetooth antennas, and, responsive to determining that the object is within the charging field, disable the wireless vehicle battery charger.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for preventing damage to an object within a charging field of a wireless vehicle battery charger. An example vehicle includes a wireless vehicle battery charger having a charging field, a plurality of Bluetooth antennas, and a processor. The processor is configured to identify a location of an object using one or more of the plurality of Bluetooth antennas, and, responsive to determining that the object is within the charging field, disable the wireless vehicle battery charger.

Abstract: A method of monitoring user location relative to a vehicle in an industrial setting is provided. The method includes, in response to a proximity of the vehicle to a user mobile device being less than a threshold proximity when the user mobile device is outside of a pedestrian zone defined by a perimeter, effecting an annunciation mode at the user mobile device.

Abstract: A keycard may include electronics to allow access to vehicle functions. A keycard system for a vehicle includes a plurality of sections of a stacking key, and a keycard, including a key holder defining a plurality of sleeves, each sleeve having an opening for receiving a respective one of the plurality of sections, wherein the key holder further includes electronics configured to wirelessly provide access to the vehicle. A foldable keycard includes hinged sections, each defining a base and a layer of a blade of a key extending therefrom; and an electronic vehicle access component arranged at the base of one of the sections opposite the blades, and configured to fold away from the blades to allow the keycard to be inserted into a lock.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive a user profile responsive to an efficiency determination request for a vehicle model. The processor is also configured to obtain efficiency-affecting data from the user profile. The processor is further configured to compare the efficiency-affecting data to data gathered from drivers of the vehicle model, to determine a correlation between the user profile and similar drivers of the vehicle model. Also, the processor is configured to predict fuel efficiency for the new vehicle model based on efficiency achieved by the similar drivers.

Abstract: A foldable card includes first and second sections, each defining a base and a layer of a blade of a key extending therefrom; and a hinge interface connecting the bases of the first and second sections, wherein the first section is configured to fold over the second section at the hinge interface so that a top surface of the first section is against a bottom surface of the second section and each of the layers of the blades align to form the blade of the key, and the first and second sections are configured to fold at the hinge interface into a storage position to form a collective flat surface.

Abstract: A keycard may include electronics to allow access to vehicle functions. A keycard system for a vehicle includes a plurality of sections of a stacking key, and a keycard, including a key holder defining a plurality of sleeves, each sleeve having an opening for receiving a respective one of the plurality of sections, wherein the key holder further includes electronics configured to wirelessly provide access to the vehicle. A foldable keycard includes hinged sections, each defining a base and a layer of a blade of a key extending therefrom; and an electronic vehicle access component arranged at the base of one of the sections opposite the blades, and configured to fold away from the blades to allow the keycard to be inserted into a lock.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive a user profile responsive to an efficiency determination request for a vehicle model. The processor is also configured to obtain efficiency-affecting data from the user profile. The processor is further configured to compare the efficiency-affecting data to data gathered from drivers of the vehicle model, to determine a correlation between the user profile and similar drivers of the vehicle model. Also, the processor is configured to predict fuel efficiency for the new vehicle model based on efficiency achieved by the similar drivers.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive a vehicle request, including a requesting-occupant physical parameter. The processor is also configured to send a request, including the physical parameter, to a vehicle-hailing service. The processor is further configured to receive identification of a vehicle having sufficient space to accommodate the requesting-occupant, based on the physical parameter, responsive to the request. Also, the processor is configured to receive confirmation of the vehicle from the requesting-occupant, and request use of the vehicle, responsive to the confirmation.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for upgrading a vehicle's functionality based on the manner in which the vehicle is operated. A predefined operating condition of the vehicle that can be assisted by a vehicle feature not presently provided by the vehicle is identified. Thereafter, a notification is communicated to a user interface that indicates availability of the vehicle feature. Subsequently, the vehicle is upgraded to provide the vehicle feature responsive to input to the user interface submitting a request to perform the upgrade.

Abstract: Electric charging stations with docking management and methods of use are disclosed herein. An example system can include a base station providing electrical power, a charging interface configured to couple with a charging port of a vehicle and a cradle of the base station, a controller associated with at least one of the base station, the charging interface, or combinations thereof, the controller configured to execute a docking ruleset to determine when a docking failure occurs between the charging interface and the cradle of the base station and execute a remediating action in response to the docking failure.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to determine that measured vehicle variable values match a predefined set of vehicle variable values associated with recommending vehicle feature engagement. The processor is further configured to determine that the feature has not been used with a threshold frequency in a vehicle in which the variable values were measured. Also, the processor is configured to responsive to the match and use below the threshold, present a recommendation to engage the feature.