Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a driveline of a four wheel drive vehicle that includes a high gear ratio and a low gear ratio. The driveline may be operated to shift between the high gear ratio and the low gear ratio while the four wheel drive vehicle is moving. In one example, a clutch is opened during shifting from the high gear ratio to the low gear ratio, which allows the vehicle to continue traveling during the gear ratio change.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a hybrid vehicle during operating conditions where vehicle braking is requested. In one example, regenerative braking is allocated to vehicle wheels responsive to actual and estimated vehicle yaw. Additionally, friction braking torque is allocated to vehicle wheels responsive to requested braking torque and regenerative braking torques.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric machine, a detachable lift, and a controller. The detachable lift has a lift battery that is electrically connected to the electric machine. The controller is programmed to, responsive to the vehicle traveling on a predetermined route, transfer power between the electric machine and lift battery such that a lift battery charge is within a desired range at an end of the route.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of electric machines each coupled to a laterally-opposing wheel to output a wheel torque. The vehicle also includes a controller programmed to command a combined regenerative braking torque output of the electric machines based on a lesser of a braking torque limit of each individual electric machine. The controller is also programmed to command a regenerative braking torque from each electric machine to be within a predetermined torque threshold of each other in response to a yaw rate exceeding a yaw threshold.

Abstract: An electrified vehicle includes a transmission system including a differential and an electrically powered heating device configured to selectively warm a differential fluid of the differential. The electrically powered heating device is selectively powered to warm the differential fluid.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a hybrid vehicle during operating conditions where vehicle braking is requested. In one example, regenerative braking is allocated to vehicle axles responsive to wheel torques of respective vehicle axles in response to an anti-lock braking system being activated. Additionally, friction braking torque is allocated to vehicle axles responsive to the anti-lock braking system being activated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a driveline that includes one or more electric machine providing torque to one or more axles are described. In one example, a requested vehicle speed is adjusted responsive to at least one of vehicle yaw, vehicle roll, and vehicle pitch so that vehicle speed may be maintained at a requested value.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting clutch pressures and electric machine torques as a function of a stability metric threshold(s) in order to balance performance and charging of an onboard energy storage device. In one example, a method includes during an upshift of a transmission from a first gear to a second gear, adjusting a clutch pressure of the transmission to adjust slippage of a clutch in response to a vehicle stability control parameter exceeding a threshold. In this way, torque delivered to a transmission output shaft may be reduced, which may increase vehicle stability.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a driveline of a hybrid vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine, and a transmission are described. In one example, values of an engine spark to engine torque relationship are adjusted to improve engine torque control. The engine is subsequently operated responsive to adjusted values of the engine spark to engine torque relationship.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a clutch to couple a motor and transmission, and a controller that, in response to a regenerative braking request and a temperature being within a first range, partially capacitizes the clutch for regenerative torque transfer therethrough with slip, and in response to another regenerative braking request and the temperature being within a second range less than the first, fully capacitizes the clutch prior to regenerative torque transfer therethough to preclude slip.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving hybrid vehicle cooling are presented. In one example, an electric pump may supply transmission fluid to a transmission and a driveline integrated starter/generator to cool, operate, and lubricate driveline components. The electric pump may be selectively operated to conserve energy and to supply driveline cooling when driveline cooling may be desirable.

Abstract: This disclosure details electrified vehicles that are equipped with secondary battery packs for increasing the electric range of the vehicles. An exemplary electrified vehicle includes a cargo space, such as a truck bed, and a secondary battery pack positioned within the cargo space. The secondary battery pack is adapted to selectively supply power for propelling one or more vehicle drive wheels. In some embodiments, the secondary battery pack is shaped like, and therefore disguised as, a toolbox.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of electric machines each coupled to a laterally-opposing wheel to output a wheel torque. The vehicle also includes a controller programmed to command a combined regenerative braking torque output of the electric machines based on a lesser of a braking torque limit of each individual electric machine. The controller is also programmed to command a regenerative braking torque from each electric machine to be within a predetermined torque threshold of each other in response to a yaw rate exceeding a yaw threshold.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a hybrid vehicle during operating conditions where vehicle braking is requested. In one example, regenerative braking is permitted during conditions of wheel slip so that a greater portion of a vehicle's kinetic energy may be recovered and stored as electrical energy. Additionally, in some examples, the amount of regenerative braking is adjusted responsive to a torque of a differential clutch during wheel slip conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a transmission, a clutch, and a controller. The clutch is configured to couple the engine and transmission during engine starts. The controller is programmed to, in response to an actual engine start time being greater than an upper threshold time for an engine start event, alter an engine start torque apply schedule for the clutch such that the actual engine start time is less than the upper threshold time for a next engine start event. The controller may be further programmed to, in response to the actual engine start time being less than a lower threshold time for the engine start event, alter the engine start torque apply schedule for the clutch such that the actual engine start time is greater than the lower threshold time for the next engine start event.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a hybrid vehicle during operating conditions where vehicle braking is requested. In one example, regenerative braking is allocated to vehicle wheels responsive to actual and estimated vehicle yaw. Additionally, friction braking torque is allocated to vehicle wheels responsive to requested braking torque and regenerative braking torques.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric machine, a detachable lift, and a controller. The detachable lift has a lift battery that is electrically connected to the electric machine. The controller is programmed to, responsive to the vehicle traveling on a predetermined route, transfer power between the electric machine and lift battery such that a lift battery charge is within a desired range at an end of the route.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle powertrain includes an internal combustion engine, first and second electric machines, traction wheels, and an output shaft having meshing gears configured to establish a final drive ratio between the output shaft and the traction wheels. The powertrain additionally includes a first mechanical linkage and a second mechanical linkage. The first mechanical linkage is configured to selectively transmit engine torque to the fraction wheels and selectively transmit electric machine torque to the traction wheels. The second mechanical linkage is configured to selectively transmit engine torque to the traction wheels. When transmitting engine torque to the wheels, the second mechanical linkage defines a fixed overdrive speed relationship between the engine and the fraction wheels.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a hybrid vehicle during operating conditions where vehicle braking is requested. In one example, regenerative braking is allocated to vehicle axles responsive to wheel torques of respective vehicle axles in response to an anti-lock braking system being activated. Additionally, friction braking torque is allocated to vehicle axles responsive to the anti-lock braking system being activated.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine and electric machine connected to a planetary gear, a one-way clutch, and a controller. The one-way clutch transfers torque from the planetary gear to an overdrive gear. The controller, in response to a condition requiring disengagement of the one-way clutch, increases a torque of the electric machine based on a torque command for the electric machine and the torque transferred from the planetary gear to the overdrive gear.