Abstract: A vehicle alert method includes, among other things, in response to an alert event, altering at least one characteristic of power delivered within an electrified vehicle powertrain to provide an alert. A vehicle alert assembly includes, among other things, a power characteristic control system that, in response to an alert event, alters at least one characteristic of power delivered within an electrified vehicle powertrain to provide alert.

Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, controlling a torque output of an electric machine of an electrified vehicle during a vehicle creep condition, the torque output calculated based at least on a road grade estimate and a vehicle mass estimate.

Abstract: A vehicle camera protection and cleaning system is disclosed in which at least one wiper is positioned on an underside surface of a camera cover to clean a lens of a vehicle camera. In one embodiment, the system includes an inner ring fixedly attached to an underside surface of the cover, and a plurality of aperture members pivotally connected to the inner ring on one end and pivotally connected on another end to an outer gear that is movable relative to the inner gear, where at least one of the plurality of aperture members comprises a wiper configured to clean a lens of the camera when the aperture members are moved over the lens. In other embodiments, the wiper may be positioned on an underside surface of a cover of the camera that either rotates in a circular manner or translates over the lens of the camera.

Abstract: An efficiency gauge from a vehicle information display may incorporate vehicle range information in addition to an efficiency indicator. The range information may be displayed as an area on the efficiency gauge indicating a safe operating region for average driving in order for the vehicle to reach a target destination entered by a driver before an on-board energy source is depleted. By maintaining a vehicle's average trip efficiency within the safe operating region through driving behavior, the display may convey that the vehicle will be able to make it to the target destination. Over the course of a trip, the safe operating region may be constantly updated to reflect the current state of the battery and the remaining distance to the target destination. If no target information is received, a default target distance value based on an initial distance to empty estimation may be used.

Abstract: Systems and methods of operating an engine, the engine including an injector configured to directly inject fuel into an engine cylinder. One example method comprises, during an engine cold start, performing compression direct fuel injection, and retarding a timing of the compression injection as a fuel alcohol content of the fuel increases.