Abstract: A method for charging a plug-in electric vehicle with an external power source. In an exemplary embodiment, the method receives one or more utility rate preferences from a user, determines the utility rates of a local utility company, determines the total charging time needed to charge the plug-in electric vehicle, uses the utility rate preferences, the utility rates and the total charging time to develop several charging options that are presented to a user, and charges the plug-in electric vehicle according to the charging option selection made by the user.

Abstract: Methods and systems for estimating remaining life of an automotive propulsion battery are provided. A total usable capacity of the battery is calculated based on cycling the battery. A first component of degradation is calculated based on driving throughput of the battery. A second component of degradation is calculated based on aging of the battery. The total degradation is calculated based on the sum of the first component and the second component of degradation.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods for charging a battery of an electrical system. The electrical system includes the battery, a battery charger, and a controller. The battery charger is adapted to produce an output power in response to a control signal from the controller. The controller is adapted to control a battery charging process by determining a temperature of the battery pack, determining a voltage setpoint for the battery charger based on the temperature, and providing the control signal to the battery charger. According to an embodiment, when the temperature of the battery exceeds a first temperature value, the battery charging process is temporarily suspended prior to satisfying a charging termination criterion. Determining the temperature of the battery is repeated, and when the temperature of the battery is less than a second temperature value, the battery charging process is resumed.

Abstract: A method for charging a plug-in electric vehicle with an external power source. In an exemplary embodiment, the method receives one or more utility rate preferences from a user, determines the utility rates of a local utility company, determines the total charging time needed to charge the plug-in electric vehicle, uses the utility rate preferences, the utility rates and the total charging time to develop several charging options that are presented to a user, and charges the plug-in electric vehicle according to the charging option selection made by the user.

Abstract: Methods and systems for estimating remaining life of an automotive propulsion battery are provided. A total usable capacity of the battery is calculated based on cycling the battery. A first component of degradation is calculated based on driving throughput of the battery. A second component of degradation is calculated based on aging of the battery. The total degradation is calculated based on the sum of the first component and the second component of degradation.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods for charging a battery of an electrical system. The electrical system includes the battery, a battery charger, and a controller. The battery charger is adapted to produce an output power in response to a control signal from the controller. The controller is adapted to control a battery charging process by determining a temperature of the battery pack, determining a voltage setpoint for the battery charger based on the temperature, and providing the control signal to the battery charger. According to an embodiment, when the temperature of the battery exceeds a first temperature value, the battery charging process is temporarily suspended prior to satisfying a charging termination criterion. Determining the temperature of the battery is repeated, and when the temperature of the battery is less than a second temperature value, the battery charging process is resumed.

Abstract: A specialized container is ideally suited to protecting electronic boards being transported from injury due to physical shock and electrostatic shock. The container consists of an outer shell and at least one insert. The outer shell and each insert can be made of electrostatic discharge protective corrugated fiberboard material. The outer shell is basically a rectangular prism, suitable for receiving a electronic board with a substantially rectangular base. A first insert is easily placed within the outer shell, consisting of a platform on which the board will rest and at least one resilient and compressible support member extending down from the platform to the bottom panel of the outer shell. To provide further protection for the board, a second insert may be placed on top of the first, with a tab extending downward from the second insert to a slit in the first insert platform. The board then rests on the platform of the second insert.