Abstract: A display unit for an automobile includes a graph comprising a vertical axis X and a horizontal axis Y. The vertical axis X indicates a remaining capacity of driving energy, such the capacity of batteries in an electric vehicle, and the horizontal axis Y indicates a remaining distance that can be traveled based on the remaining capacity of driving energy. Thus, the remaining capacity and the remaining distance are integrally displayed on a single graph.

Abstract: A maximum output power and a discharged electric power amount from the battery is calculated; a future variation in maximum output power relative to the discharged electric power amount is evaluated, thereby determining a remaining capacity of the battery on the basis of the electric power amount discharged until the maximum output power reaches a preset lowest maximum-output power. Thus, the remaining capacity of the battery can be correctly detected, irrespective of the charged state, the discharge rate, the degree of deterioration of the battery and the like.

Abstract: Based on the difference between a battery voltage immediately after the battery is left to stand and the battery voltage upon elapse of the period of time after the battery has been left to stand, it is determined whether the battery has been in a charge mode or a discharge mode immediately before the battery is left to stand. If the battery has been in the charge mode, then a residual capacity is determined from the battery voltage at a predetermined time. When the battery is being discharged, then a maximum battery output is calculated based on a discharge current.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying the residual capacity of a battery includes a temperature indicator composed of a linear array of spaced light-emitting elements for displaying the temperature of the battery by way of light emitted from a succession of those of the light-emitting elements which correspond to the temperature of the battery detected by a temperature detector, a fully charged capacity indicator composed of a linear array of spaced light-emitting elements for displaying the fully charged capacity of the battery in association with the displayed temperature of the battery by way of light emitted from one of the light-emitting elements which is in a position corresponding to the fully charged capacity obtained based on the temperature of the battery, and a residual capacity indicator composed of a linear array of spaced light-emitting elements for displaying the residual capacity of the battery in association with the fully charged capacity by way of light emitted from a succession of those of the light