Abstract: A controller and a control strategy minimizes shift shock in a hybrid electric vehicle during a downshift conducted while the vehicle is in a regenerative braking mode by maintaining total powertrain torque at a desired target during the downshift. The controller has three preferable modes including modulating just engine torque, modulating just electric motor torque or simultaneously modulating both motor and engine torque.

Abstract: A controller and a control strategy minimizes shift shock in a hybrid electric vehicle during a downshift conducted while the vehicle is in a regenerative braking mode by maintaining total powertrain torque at a desired target during the downshift. The controller has three preferable modes including modulating just engine torque, modulating just electric motor torque or simultaneously modulating both motor and engine torque.

Abstract: A controller and a control strategy minimizes shift shock in a hybrid electric vehicle during a downshift conducted while the vehicle is in a regenerative braking mode by maintaining total powertrain torque at a desired target during the downshift. The controller has three preferable modes including modulating just engine torque, modulating just electric motor torque or simultaneously modulating both motor and engine torque.

Abstract: A vehicle operational cost display system includes a user interface adapted for entry of cost of fuel for operation of a vehicle; a central processing unit interfacing with the user interface, the central processing unit having a calculator function adapted to calculate total operational cost of the vehicle based on the cost of fuel for operation of the vehicle and distance traveled; and a display interfacing with the central processing unit, the display adapted to display the total operational cost of the vehicle. A vehicle operational cost display method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically angularly positioning wheels of an automotive vehicle after parking. The system disclosed here includes a power-assisted steering system coupled to the wheels. Further, the system includes a controller, coupled to the steering system, which is configured to automatically position the wheels in a desired direction, based on a determination that the vehicle is parked.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide voltage stability for a low voltage bus coupling a DC/DC converter with a low voltage load comprising one or more vehicle accessories. The DC/DC converter can be coupled to a high voltage battery, the low voltage load, and a starter circuit configured for starting an engine. Prior to engaging a starter motor to start the engine, the DC/DC converter can be isolated from the starter circuit so as to be shielded from any large current demand during an engine start event. While starting the engine, the starter motor can draw current from a secondary battery, while the DC/DC converter provides a sufficient and stable voltage to the vehicle low voltage accessories. After completion of the engine start event, the DC/DC converter can be recoupled to the starter circuit, allowing the high voltage battery to charge the secondary battery.

Abstract: A controller and a control strategy minimizes shift shock in a hybrid electric vehicle during a downshift conducted while the vehicle is in a regenerative braking mode by maintaining total powertrain torque at a desired target during the downshift. The controller has three preferable modes including modulating just engine torque, modulating just electric motor torque or simultaneously modulating both motor and engine torque.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide voltage stability for a low voltage bus coupling a DC/DC converter with a low voltage load comprising one or more vehicle accessories. The DC/DC converter can be coupled to a high voltage battery, the low voltage load, and a starter circuit configured for starting an engine. Prior to engaging a starter motor to start the engine, the DC/DC converter can be isolated from the starter circuit so as to be shielded from any large current demand during an engine start event. While starting the engine, the starter motor can draw current from a secondary battery, while the DC/DC converter provides a sufficient and stable voltage to the vehicle low voltage accessories. After completion of the engine start event, the DC/DC converter can be recoupled to the starter circuit, allowing the high voltage battery to charge the secondary battery.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically angularly positioning wheels of an automotive vehicle after parking. The system disclosed here includes a power-assisted steering system coupled to the wheels. Further, the system includes a controller, coupled to the steering system, which is configured to automatically position the wheels in a desired direction, based on a determination that the vehicle is parked.