Abstract: A method for controlling a continuously variable ratio transmission is described. The method may include controlling a continuously variable ratio unit (“variator”) having rotary input and output members through which the variator is coupled between an engine and a driven component, the variator receiving a primary control signal and being constructed and arranged to exert upon its input and output members torques which correspond directly to the control signal. The method may also include determining a target engine acceleration, determining settings of the variator's primary control signal and of an engine torque control for providing the required engine acceleration and adjusting the control signal and/or the engine torque control based on these settings, predicting a consequent engine speed change, allowing for engine and/or transmission characteristics, and correcting the settings of the control signal and engine torque based on a comparison of actual and predicted engine speeds.

Abstract: When a diagnosis result of an ABS control system is normal, a determination is made as to whether or not to execute ABS control based on a slip ratio of a vehicle wheel, whereupon motor torque control is executed based on an operational state of an ABS. In other words, when ABS control is not executed, the motor-generator is controlled to a regenerative state, and when ABS control is executed, the motor-generator is controlled to a power running state. When the diagnosis result of the ABS control system is abnormal, on the other hand, regenerative braking by the motor-generator is prohibited immediately and the motor-generator is controlled to the power running state.

Abstract: A device for addition of motive force to a vehicle, with rotor-plate, rotor-arms, rotor permanent magnets, stator-plate, stator columns, stator electromagnets, and battery, cell, or other energy storage device. The device is retro-fittable on existing wheel assemblies, and installation coverts an internal combustion vehicle to a hybrid with electric propulsion.

Abstract: An exhaust purifying system includes: a catalytic device supplied with electric power from a power supply unit; a first connecting unit connecting one end of the catalytic device to a negative electrode node of the power supply unit; a second connecting unit connecting the other end of the catalytic device to a positive electrode node of the power supply unit; a leak detecting unit detecting leak from the power supply unit; and a control unit controlling opening and closing of each of the first and second connecting units. When leak is not detected by the leak detecting unit in a leak check state where one of the first and second connecting units is closed and the other is opened, the control unit closes the other and applies current through the catalytic device, and when leak is detected in the leak check state, the control unit does not apply the current through the catalytic device.

Abstract: Assumed torque Tb is calculated based on an operation state of an engine when there is no abnormality in sensors, the engine is in a warm-up completion state, and a travel mode is a series mode, and actual torque Ta is calculated and friction torque Tf is calculated based on information on an actual amount of electric power generation of a generator. When the friction torque Tf is larger than an upper limit clip value, the upper limit clip value is the friction torque Tf, and when the friction torque Tf is smaller than the lower limit clip value, the lower limit clip value is the friction torque Tf, correction torque Tc is calculated, and an operation of an electronic control instrument of the engine is controlled so as to set the assumed torque Tb to the correction torque Tc.

Abstract: A hybrid construction machine includes: an electric storage device temperature adjustment circuit; an engine cooling circuit including a first coolant and switchable between a state the first coolant after cooling the engine is introduced into the electric storage device temperature adjustment circuit and a state stopping introduction of the first coolant into the electric storage device temperature adjustment circuit; an equipment cooling circuit that cools, with a second coolant, equipment needing cooling, and switchable between a state the second coolant is introduced into the electric storage device temperature adjustment circuit and a state stopping introduction of the second coolant into the electric storage device temperature adjustment circuit; and a controller controlling the engine cooling circuit, the equipment cooling circuit, and a lead-out switching valve such that the first coolant or second coolant selectively flows, according to whether the electric storage device needs to be warmed or cooled

Abstract: Methods and systems for passively purging a hydrocarbon trap in an engine intake in a vehicle are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises, in response to an ambient temperature decrease during an engine off condition while a fuel tank is sealed from atmosphere, delivering fuel stored in a hydrocarbon trap in an intake of the engine to a fuel vapor canister coupled to the fuel tank in an emission control system.

Abstract: The metallic case of a power conversion apparatus includes a casing having a side wall, as well as an upper case and a lower case, a first area being formed between a cooling jacket provided at the inner periphery of the side wall and the lower case, the metal base plate dividing the first area between the cooling jacket and the upper case into a lower side second area and an upper side third area, first and second power modules being fastened to a top surface and a capacitor module being provided in the first area, driving circuits that drive inverter circuits of the power modules respectively being provided in the second area, and a control circuit that controls the driver circuits being provided in the third area.

Abstract: This vehicle includes a vehicle-mounted component mounted below a rear floor panel and an electric power reception device mounted below the rear floor panel and including an electric power reception portion receiving electric power in a non-contact manner from an electric power transmission device including an externally provided electric power transmission portion, and the vehicle-mounted component is arranged flush with and around the electric power reception device.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine disposed in an engine compartment provided with a hood, and also an electrical machine for at least assisting in driving the vehicle and generating electric energy, and a power electronics system for controlling the electric power supply to, and from the electric machine during operation of the motor vehicle by the internal combustion engine and/or the electrical machine, the power electronics system is arranged in the engine compartment above the internal combustion engine and below the hood.

Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid powertrain system including an internal combustion engine includes controlling operation of the hybrid powertrain system in response to a preferred minimum coolant temperature trajectory for the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A Lithium Ion battery cooling system for use in a hybrid vehicle comprises a plurality of self-contained liquid cooling modules, each cooling module including a closed and sealed container having an interior space. Each cooling module includes a battery assembly disposed within the interior space of the container and a plurality of battery cells having at least one fluid channel formed therebetween for receiving a fluid therein. A dielectric fluid is disposed within the at least one fluid channel. The dielectric fluid substantially immerses and is in contact with the battery assembly to heat and cool the battery assembly. A heating element is disposed within the interior space and heats the dielectric fluid. A cooling element is disposed within the interior space and cools the dielectric fluid.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a vehicle powertrain includes a module including a clutch, an electric machine and a first sump, a transmission including a line pressure source and a second sump, and a pump that supplies fluid from the first sump to the line pressure source when the source of line pressure is unavailable, and supplies fluid from the first sump to the second sump when fluid volume in the second sump is low.

Abstract: A charging system is provided for an electric vehicle. A vehicle battery stores electrical energy used to drive the electric vehicle. A refillable storage device is carried by the vehicle for storing compressed fluid from an off-vehicle supply of compressed fluid. An expander is in fluid communication with the refillable storage device. The expander selectively receives the compressed fluid from the refillable storage device when the vehicle battery is in need of charging and generates a rotational energy in response to the compressed fluid flowing through the expander. A generator is rotationally coupled to the expander and electrically coupled to the vehicle battery for converting the rotational energy into electrical energy that is transferred to and stored by the vehicle battery.

Abstract: A component housing in a motor-vehicle drive train is sealed by pressurization of the housing interior. The component is a hybrid module (1) comprising at least one electric machine provided between the combustion engine (VM) and the gearing (G) of the motor-vehicle drive train. The pressurization is achieved by a rotating component (R, RA, M, F) of the hybrid module. The rotating component is designed in a manner similar to an impeller of a centrifugal pump. Therefore, rotation of the component builds up a positive pressure (P) on the radially outer region of the rotating component in the region of the housing (GE) in the interior of the hybrid module.

Abstract: Electronic control systems and related control methods for controlling electric drive motors for propelling a vehicle and electric auxiliary motors for performing work. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that includes a mowing deck. Features of the control systems allow for safe and efficient use of the vehicle. These features include a power take-off timeout, automatic fail-safe brake (parking), and customized drive characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery system including two or more kinds of cell lines having different charge and discharge characteristics, wherein each cell line includes one or more battery cells connected in series with each other. In the battery system according to the present invention, the battery cells of at least one cell line exhibit a high-rate charge characteristic, whereas the battery cells of at least another cell line exhibit a high-rate discharge characteristic. Consequently, the high-rate charge and discharge characteristics are improved, and the balance between the charge and discharge characteristics is maintained, whereby the battery system according to the present invention is used as a power source having a high power.

Abstract: Multiple high-voltage side and low-voltage side electric conductors are formed from one sheet of a conductive plate in such a way that the multiple electric conductors are arranged in parallel to one another across an initial gap between the high-voltage side and the low-voltage side electric conductors. The multiple electric conductors are connected to one another via connecting portions. An intermediate portion of the connecting portion is deformed so as to reduce the initial gap to a smaller adjusted gap. Portions of the electric conductors as well as switching devices mounted to the electric conductors are sealed by sealing material. The connecting portions are cut away so that the electric conductors are finally separated from one another.

Abstract: An intermittent operation control is executed, wherein a hybrid vehicle is run with a running drive source while an internal combustion engine is intermittently operated in the intermittent operation control. When the internal combustion engine is restarted after a stop due to the intermittent operation control, a rapid warm-up control is executed in which a catalytic converter is rapidly warmed up by retarding the ignition timing of the internal combustion engine. In addition, when the internal combustion engine is restarted, the internal combustion engine is operated only by port injection until the pressure of fuel for in-cylinder injection reaches a reference set pressure. Subsequently, when the pressure of the fuel for in-cylinder injection reaches the reference set pressure, the in-cylinder injection is started.

Abstract: The present invention suppresses a battery temperature increase while suppressing a decrease in battery SOC. The present invention has: a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the battery; and a hybrid ECU that, when the temperature sensor has detected a battery temperature that is equal to or exceeds a predetermined temperature, controls in a manner so that an engine and an electric motor are connected during regenerative power generation during deceleration. The hybrid ECU sets the predetermined temperature in accordance with the gear stage number during hybrid vehicle deceleration.

Abstract: Provided is a hybrid construction machine together with a method for controlling that construction machine in a manner ensuring the operability of its combined operations regardless of fluctuations in the load on its work machine.

Abstract: Methods are provided to operate a battery electric drive for a combine to ensure battery charge sufficiency during operation of the drive. One method includes monitoring the actual state of charge (SOC) of the battery pack during combine operation; calculating a running average of the actual SOC over a selected time interval; and adjusting the combine power when the running average SOC deviates from a target SOC. Another method differs in that actual SOC is compared to a bell curve of time related SOC measurements having a mean and standard deviations and only adjusts the combine power when an actual SOC measurement is outside the target SOC by an amount greater than the standard deviations. An operator display includes hybrid system power, RPM gauge, a SOC gauge and a battery pack direction flow of power.

Abstract: A method and system used to identify an optimal hybrid vehicle operating mode based on a variety of potential factors, and then recommend the optimal operating mode to the driver so that they can make an informed decision regarding their operating mode selection. In one embodiment, the method uses geographic-, vehicle- and/or environmental-related factors to establish one or more operating zones, monitors the location of the hybrid vehicle and determines when it is within one of the operating zones, and then determines an operating mode that is optimal for that particular operating zone.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a PCU controlling electric power supplied to a motor, a first power storage device, a second power storage device, an ECU, a charger, system main relays SMR1 to SMR4, SMRA, SMRB, and charging relays CR1 to CR4. The first power storage device is formed such that a first module and a second module which are separately disposed are connected in series through SMRA and SMRB. The first power storage device is connected to the PCU through SMR1 and SMR2. The second power storage device is connected to the PCU through SMR3 and SMR4. The charger has a capacitor that is connected to the first power storage device through CR1 and CR2 and also connected to the second power storage device through CR3 and CR4. When charging is completed, the ECU turns on CR1, CR2, SMR1, and SMR2, and turns off SMRA, SMRB, CR3, CR4, SMR3, and SMR4.

Abstract: A control device for a hybrid vehicle causes the hybrid vehicle to travel in limp-home mode with motive power from an engine when either a motor or a battery for travel cannot be used. The engine incorporated in the hybrid vehicle includes an EGR device for recirculating part of exhaust gas to an intake system of the engine again. Even if an operation state of the engine satisfies a prescribed EGR permission condition for operating the EGR device, during the travel in limp-home mode with an abnormality detection flag being set to 1, the control device prohibits operation of the EGR device.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a frame, at least two wheels carried by the frame, an internal combustion subsystem driving at least one of the two wheels, an electrical subsystem driving at least one of the two wheels and recapturing kinetic energy during deceleration events, a pneumatic subsystem driving at least one of the two wheels and recapturing kinetic energy during deceleration events, and a control subsystem selectively operating the internal combustion, electrical and pneumatic subsystems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell hybrid system having a multi-stack structure, which maintains the voltage of a fuel cell at a level lower than that of an electricity storage means (supercapacitor) during regenerative braking so that the fuel cell does not unnecessarily charge the electricity storage means, thereby increasing the amount of recovered energy and improving fuel efficiency.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a combustion engine (2) with a driveshaft (4) for driving the wheels of at least one axle (7), at least one electrical machine (11, 12) for driving the wheels of this axle or at least one other axle (10), with the at least one electrical machine capable of being operated as a generator during a braking process and as a motor during an acceleration process, and a further electrical machine (18) which is coupled to the at least one electrical machine and includes a flywheel store which has a rotor (14) and is chargeable during a braking operation and dischargeable during an acceleration process. The rotor (14) can be mechanically coupled via at least one shiftable clutch (23) to the driveshaft (4) of the at least one axle (7) which can be driven by the combustion engine.

Abstract: A vehicle charging system (1) includes: a connection cable (2) for supplying power from the external power source (12) such as a commercial power source; the drive battery (8); an auxiliary battery (9); and a drive battery charging device (3). The drive battery charging device (3) includes a power source circuit (7) connected to the external power source (12), the drive battery (8), and the auxiliary battery (9). Power from at least one of the external power source (12), the drive battery (8), and the auxiliary battery (9) is supplied to the control section (4). Operation of the control section (4) becomes possible with the supplied power. Accordingly, under control of the control section (4), a charge section (10) charges the drive battery (8) and the auxiliary battery (9) using power from the external power source (12).

Abstract: After a collision has been detected, all the upper arm transistors of inverters (41, 42) are turned off, and all the lower arm transistors of the inverters are turned on. Then, when no counter electromotive force is generated in any one of motors (MG1, MG2), a gate voltage (V2) lower than a gate voltage (V1) at which each upper arm transistor completely turns on is applied to at least any one of the upper arm transistors of the inverters (41, 42), and at least any one of the lower arm transistors of the inverters (41, 42), which is serially connected to the at least any one of the upper arm transistors to which the gate voltage (V2) is applied, is turned on.

Abstract: A vehicle including a vehicle body is disclosed. A transmission casing includes a plurality of walls extending outwardly to a distal edge. One of the walls defines a first side and another one of the walls defines a second side. A power inverter module is coupled to the transmission casing to define a unit disposed in a first position when the unit is stationary relative to a first end of the vehicle body and a second position when the unit moves toward a second end of the vehicle body. The power inverter module slopes downwardly from the first side toward the second side to define a module angle relative to a longitudinal axis such that the power inverter module defines an angular position. The angular position of the power inverter module minimizes engagement of the power inverter module with a component when the unit is in the second position.

Abstract: A hybrid construction machine includes a hydraulic pressure work element driven by hydraulic pressure generated by driving power of an internal combustion engine or a motor generator, and also includes an electric-motor work element driven by an electric motor. A superordinate control unit generates a control command which controls drive of the hydraulic pressure work element and the electric-motor work element. A subordinate control unit controls drive of the hydraulic pressure work element and the electric-motor work element based on the control command generated by the superordinate control unit. The subordinate control unit monitors an error in the superordinate control unit.

Abstract: A parallel hybrid vehicle system utilizing the Power Take Off connection on an automatic transmission as a transfer port for a secondary device is described for both driving modes and stationary operation. The secondary device is a battery powered electric motor providing motive power or regenerative braking in driving mode or providing power to accessories typically mounted to a conventional PTO while stationary.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes a transmission device operative to transfer power between an input member, a torque machine and an output member, the output member coupled to a driveline coupled to a wheel to transfer tractive torque therebetween. A method for controlling the hybrid powertrain system includes monitoring an operator torque request, determining an operating range state of the transmission device, determining a net output torque to the output member based upon the operator torque request, determining a lash state of the driveline, and determining a command for transferring output torque to the output member based upon the operating range state of the transmission device, the net output torque, and the lash state of the driveline.

Abstract: An exhaust pipe structure for a hybrid vehicle includes an exhaust pipe, which includes bent portions and is connected to an internal combustion engine. The exhaust pipe includes a front-rear direction extended part, a catalytic part, and a joint part. The front-rear direction extended part extends in a front-rear direction of the hybrid vehicle and is secured to the hybrid vehicle. The catalytic part is positioned between a driving battery pack disposed under a floor of a vehicle body of the hybrid vehicle and the internal combustion engine, adjacent to the driving battery pack, and is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction extended part. The joint part rotatably joints the catalytic part to the front-rear direction extended part.

Abstract: Embodiments as described herein provide a simplified turbo recharger for an efficient, reliable, low-cost system that delivers good performance for improving efficiency of a vehicle using electric power. Embodiments as described herein may be used with electric motor, combustion engine hybrid vehicles to improve the fuel efficiencies of such vehicles. A turbine may be positioned in an exhaust stream of a vehicle that is coupled to a generator to recharge the battery of a vehicle. The turbine may include a wastegate to permit the exhaust stream to enter or bypass the turbine depending on the charge of the battery, the rate of rotation of the turbine, pressure within the turbine, the speed of the engine, or a combination of the above.

Abstract: Embodiments discussed herein are directed to managing the heat content of two vehicle subsystems through a single coolant loop having parallel branches for each subsystem.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle has an engine, an electric machine connected to the engine by an upstream clutch, a transmission gearbox connected to the electric machine by a downstream clutch, and a controller. The controller is configured to, in response to a user commanded shift of the transmission, control the electric machine speed to a designated speed based on gearbox output speed and the transmission gear ratio after the shift, thereby synchronizing speeds across the gearbox for the shift. A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle provides, in response to a user commanded shift of an automatic transmission gearbox, controlling an electric machine speed to a target speed based on the transmission gear ratio after the shift where the target speed is synchronized with the transmission gearbox output speed.

Abstract: Wheeled vehicle, comprising of one front wheel, two side wheels and one rear wheel, configured on a chassis frame in a symmetrical rhombus (diamond) layout. The non-steered front wheel is turned by pedals using human power, similar or exactly in bicycle use design, or with electric motor power. The two parallel side wheels in one axis are perpendicular to the chassis frame, allowing them to swivel in unison for steering the vehicle without elaborate axle pivoting apparatus. The rear wheel is powered by an electric motor, hybrid motor or. liquid. fuel motor. The rear wheel is attached longitudinally with the center of the chassis frame so that it swivels also in unison for steering with the side wheels.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for an electric vehicle has an axle drive device of a portal design with two electric machines for driving the wheels of an axle of the electric vehicle, and at least one electric energy store that can be discharged when an electric machine is operated as a motor and/or can be charged when an electric machine is operated as a generator. The drive arranged is characterized in that the two electric machines (11) of the axle drive device (10) are combined with a respectively assigned transmission (12) in an electric axle to drive the individually suspended wheels (2) of the axle by means of, in each case, one articulated shaft flange (13) via a respective articulated shaft. Frequency converters assigned respectively to the two electric machines are combined in a converter unit.

Abstract: The invention of the LNG-Lithium Hybrid Vehicle (LLHV) combines Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) and lithium-ion battery power sources to propel the vehicle, said vehicle having an electric series motor for acceleration and a shunt motor for cruising. An accelerator engaging arm is attached to the primary acceleration pedal for the purpose of operating the series motor and the shunt motor. The invention further provides an LNG control system that routes power from the generator to either run the vehicle or recharge the lithium-ion batteries.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain unit includes an internal-combustion engine, and a gearbox device with a primary shaft that can be connected to the shaft of the internal-combustion engine via a clutch device. The gearbox device includes a secondary shaft with an output pinion meshing with a first crown wheel of a differential, the casing of which is rigidly connected to the casing of the gearbox device. An electrical machine is designed to function as electric motor and as electric generator, having a shaft connected by a transmission to a second crown wheel of the differential. An engagement device driven via an electronic control actuator is set between the shaft of the electrical machine and the second crown wheel. The electrical machine can be set coaxially to the output shafts of the differential or parallel thereto. Alternatively, the shaft of the electrical machine may be connected to the shaft of the internal-combustion engine by means of a belt transmission and engagement device.

Abstract: A main battery and an auxiliary battery are both mounted on a hybrid vehicle without narrowing a cargo room. A floor panel 102 includes a rising portion 102c that rises upward and extends in a widthwise direction of a vehicle 101, and a front portion 102a extending forward from the rising portion 102c. A rear seat 109 is mounted above the floor panel 102 in such a manner that a seat portion 109a is parallel to the front portion. The front portion 102a, the seat portion 109a of the rear seat 109, and the rising portion 102c form a housing space SP for mounting a main battery 110 and an auxiliary battery 111 side by side in the widthwise direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: The prevent invention provides a device and a method for calculating a distance to empty of an electric vehicle which can reduce an initial error in estimating a distance to empty of an electric vehicle. The device and the method for calculating a distance to empty of an electric vehicle can provide more accurate DTE information from the start to the end of traveling by reducing the earlier error, in estimating the DTE from the amount of the presently remaining fuel (the amount of remaining capacity of a battery) of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicular motor drive device is provided with an electric motor and a speed reducer having two gear trains capable of switching a fixed gear ratio. Driving force curves, which are determined depending on an output characteristic of the motor and represent a relationship between an output rotation speed in the respective gear train and an output torque, which is obtainable maximally at such output rotation speed, have a constant torque curve section, a gradually decreasing torque curve section and a constant speed curve section. The gear trains have respective speed reduction ratios such that the driving force curve of a gear train having a larger speed reduction ratio and the driving force curve of a gear train having a smaller speed reduction ratio continue to and partially overlap with each other in the gradually decreasing torque curve sections.

Abstract: Deterioration of a power storage unit included in a vehicle is prevented or the power storage unit that has deteriorated is repaired, and the charge and discharge performance of the power storage unit is maximized to be maintained for a long time. Attention has focused on a reaction product formed on an electrode surface which causes malfunction or deterioration of a power storage unit such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. In the power storage unit used for a vehicle that runs on the power of an electric motor, rapid discharge occurring in the acceleration of the vehicle or the like tends to promote the solidification of the reaction product. The reaction product is removed by application of an electrical stimulus, specifically, an inversion pulse voltage.

Abstract: A vehicle has a motor and an engine each serving as a driving source for running the vehicle, and assembled batteries each capable of supplying an electric power to the motor. The assembled batteries include a high-power assembled battery and a high-capacity assembled battery. The high-power assembled battery is capable of charge and discharge with current relatively larger than that in the high-capacity assembled battery, and the high-capacity assembled battery has energy capacity relatively larger than that of the high-power assembled battery. In running of the vehicle using output from the motor with the engine stopped, the high-capacity assembled battery supplies more electric power to the motor than that in the high-power assembled battery. The high-power assembled battery is placed in a vehicle-inside space accommodating a passenger or baggage, and the high-capacity assembled battery is placed in a vehicle-outside space located on an outer face of a vehicle body.

Abstract: A vehicle battery pack housing structure includes a vehicle body panel and first, second and third panel components that define an outward-opening battery housing space. The first panel component is rigidly attached to the vehicle body panel and includes a first side wall and a base wall. The second panel component is rigidly attached to the first panel component and includes a second side wall and a first periphery wall portion. The third panel component is rigidly attached to the second panel component. The third panel component includes a second periphery wall portion that cooperates with the first periphery wall portion to form a periphery wall portion when the third panel component is rigidly attached to the second panel component.

Abstract: A rear protection structure is provided for a vehicle which is equipped with an engine and a rear wheel-driving motor each as a traveling-driving power source of the vehicle and in which the rear wheel-driving motor is arranged between left and right rear wheels and of the vehicle, and a fuel tank for the engine and the rear wheel-driving motor are arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A rear suspension supporting the rear wheel-driving motor has a suspension member with an octothorpe-like shape, and the rear wheel-driving motor and high-voltage lines connected to the rear wheel-driving motor are arranged within a space enclosed by the suspension member.

Abstract: A charging control apparatus mounted on a vehicle connected to an external charging device through a charging connector, for performing control related to charging, includes a voltage sensor for detecting a voltage applied to the charging connector, and a control device for estimating, based on variation in voltage detected by the voltage sensor during a predetermined period of time after the charging connector is connected to the vehicle, variation in voltage applied to the charging connector after a lapse of the predetermined period of time, and determining that a failure has occurred in the external charging device if a degree of separation between the variation in voltage detected by the voltage sensor after the lapse of the predetermined period of time and the estimated variation in voltage is larger than a predetermined value.