Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for predicting energy consumption in vehicles. In an example method, a predicted energy consumption model associated with a vehicle may be determined. Sensor data associated with the vehicle may be received via a plurality of sensors associated with the vehicle. A driver-based energy consumption model associated with the vehicle may then be determined based at least in part on the sensor data. An estimated energy consumption model associated with the vehicle may then be determined based at least in part on the predicted energy consumption model and the driver-based energy consumption model. A vehicle charging prediction model may then be determined based at least in part on the estimated energy consumption model.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling charging of multiple electric vehicles (EVs) arriving at, and departing from, different charging stations at different times, includes scheduling charging of each EV of the multiple EVs responsive to which one of a plurality of categories each EV is assigned, each EV being assigned to one of the categories according to an arrival time at an associated one of the different charging stations, a departure time from the associated one of the different charging stations, an initial state of charge (SoC) of the EV, and a target SoC of the EV, and controlling charging of each EV responsive to the scheduling of charging for the assigned category of each EV. Charging demand may be selected by each EV as being reliable or flexible with flexible charging demand having a minimum target SoC and maximum target SoC.

Abstract: A controller may, after receiving indication that an electric utility provider will reduce power supplied during an upcoming period of time, increase a cost of charge energy for vehicles that charge at a rate at least equal to a threshold rate during the upcoming period of time. The controller may also decrease the cost of charge energy for vehicles that avoid charging or charge at a rate less than the threshold rate during the upcoming period of time.

Abstract: A controller may, after receiving indication that an electric utility provider will reduce power supplied during an upcoming period of time, increase a cost of charge energy for vehicles that charge at a rate at least equal to a threshold rate during the upcoming period of time. The controller may also decrease the cost of charge energy for vehicles that avoid charging or charge at a rate less than the threshold rate during the upcoming period of time.

Abstract: A computing device, programmed to: acquire a color image and transform the color image into a color-component map. The computer can be further programmed to process the color-component map to detect a traffic sign by determining spatial coincidence and determining temporal consistency between the color-component map and the traffic sign.

Abstract: A plurality of data streams are received from a vehicle, at least one of the data streams including multimedia data. A prioritization of the data streams is performed according to one or more factors. At least one of adjusting at least one of the data streams and preventing transmission of at least one of the data streams according to the prioritization is performed.

Abstract: A computing device, programmed to: acquire a color image and transform the color image into a color-component map. The computer can be further programmed to process the color-component map to detect a traffic sign by determining spatial coincidence and determining temporal consistency between the color-component map and the traffic sign.

Abstract: A vehicle and a vehicle battery charging system are disclosed. The vehicle charging system includes a parking structure having solar collector. The solar collector is configured to collect and concentrate solar energy. The concentrated solar energy is then transferred to a solar panel located on the vehicle in order to charge a battery of the vehicle.

Abstract: A plurality of data streams are received from a vehicle, at least one of the data streams including multimedia data. A prioritization of the data streams is performed according to one or more factors. At least one of adjusting at least one of the data streams and preventing transmission of at least one of the data streams according to the prioritization is performed.

Abstract: A vehicle and a vehicle battery charging system are disclosed. The vehicle charging system includes a parking structure having solar collector. The solar collector is configured to collect and concentrate solar energy. The concentrated solar energy is then transferred to a solar panel located on the vehicle in order to charge a battery of the vehicle.

Abstract: A reloadable prepaid electronic transaction card is provided that is tied either electronically or physically with a loyalty program, a bonus point program or reward program. The card includes machine readable indicia thereon that allows the card to be linked with a cash balance that resides on the card itself or in an account that is tied to the card. Another feature of the transaction card is that it is tied either electronically or physically to a loyalty program. In one embodiment the card is a reloadable prepaid electronic transaction card that both allows the customer to complete a purchase transaction without the need for cash while also including a customer loyalty code. In another embodiment, the card is tied to a points or bonus rewards system. In a further embodiment, the reloadable prepaid electronic transaction card is used to provide rebates for purchases, such as fuel purchases.

Abstract: An improved mounting arrangement for an automotive vehicle cross car beam provides a connector arranged on each end of the beam configured to wedgingly engage reciever slides formed in the front pillars of the vehicle.