Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for charging a vehicle. A vehicle and charging station can be designed such that an electric or hybrid vehicle can operate in a fashion similar to a conventional vehicle by being opportunity charged throughout a known route.

Abstract: A method of determining the state of charge of a battery during charging may include providing a charging current having a first magnitude to the battery for charging, and changing a magnitude of the charging current from the first magnitude to a second magnitude. The second magnitude may be equal to the magnitude of current discharged from the battery during the charging. The method may also include determining a voltage across the battery after the changing, and determining a state of charge of the battery as a function of the determined voltage from a battery characterization curve.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for connecting an electric or hybrid electric vehicle to a charging station. Automated charging and docking processes may be provided. In some embodiments, a vehicle arrival and position may be detected. The vehicle may be charged with a charging arm and some automated vehicle positioning may occur. The vehicle may be charged and released. Fault detection may occur.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for charging a vehicle. A vehicle and charging station can be designed such that an electric or hybrid vehicle can operate in a fashion similar to a conventional vehicle by being opportunity charged throughout a known route.

Abstract: A method of controlling an electric vehicle having an HVAC system configured to condition a passenger cabin of the electric vehicle, and one or more batteries configured to provide energy to the HVAC system, may include controlling an output of the HVAC system based on one or more of a charging state of the one or more batteries, a state of charge of the one or more batteries, and an ambient temperature outside of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides for a high occupancy or heavy-duty vehicle with a battery propulsion power source, which may include lithium titanate batteries. The vehicle may be all-battery or may be a hybrid, and may have a composite body. The vehicle battery system may be housed within the floor of the vehicle and may have different groupings and arrangements.

Abstract: A method of operating an electric vehicle may include determining an angle of inclination of the electric vehicle, and selecting rates of regenerative braking corresponding to multiple brake pedal positions based on the determined angle of inclination.

Abstract: A method for charging an electric vehicle at a charging station may include electrically connecting the electric vehicle to the charging station, and determining a desired amount of energy to be provided to the electric vehicle at the charging station. The method may also include determining a layover time of the electric vehicle using a control system associated with the charging station. The layover time may be an amount of time the electric vehicle is expected to be positioned at the charging station. The method may also include calculating a charge current using the control system, wherein the charge current is a value of electric current that is needed to provide the desired amount of energy to the electric vehicle in a time period substantially equal to the layover time. The method may further include charging the electric vehicle using the calculated charge current.

Abstract: An electric bus may include a charging interface positioned on an external surface of the electric bus. One or more heating pads may be removably attached to the charging interface and configured to heat the charging interface. The heating pads may include a rigid plate forming an exposed surface of the charging interface. The plate may be positioned such that a first side of the plate forms a charging head contact surface when the charging head engages with the charging interface. A heating device may be attached to a second side of the plate opposite the first side. The heating device may include a heating element configured to heat the plate by resistive heating.

Abstract: A method of charging an electric vehicle at a charging station may include driving the vehicle towards the charging station, and using a plurality of RFID tags and one or more RFID readers to determine a relative position of the charging interface of the vehicle with respect to the charge head assembly of the charging station. The method may also include engaging the charge head assembly with the charging head, and charging the vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a steering system for an electric vehicle. The steering system may include a hydraulic pump configured to direct hydraulic fluid to a steering gearbox of the electric vehicle, and an electric motor having a shaft that is coupled to the hydraulic pump. The electric motor may be configured to drive fluid flow through the pump. The steering system may also include a sensor configured to measure a value indicative of a torque applied by the electric motor, and a control unit configured to control operation of the electric motor based on an input from the sensor.

Abstract: A gasket for placement between a glass pane and a vehicle body may include a glass pane-receiving channel and a body-receiving channel. The glass pane-receiving channel and the body-receiving channel may be formed on opposite sides of a gasket body. The gasket may also include a plurality of bulb seals defined in the gasket body. The plurality of bulb seals may include a first bulb seal and a second bulb seal positioned in the glass pane-receiving channel, and a third bulb seal and a fourth bulb seal positioned in the body-receiving channel.

Abstract: A method of operating an electric vehicle charging station. The charging station may include a console housing components configured to receive current from an electric grid and convert the current to a form adapted to be received by the electric vehicle. The method may include transferring heat from the components in the console to air flowing through the console to form heated air, and directing the heated air from the console into a duct fluidly coupled to the console. The method may further include exhausting the heated air from the duct to a location remote from the console.

Abstract: The invention provides for a high occupancy or heavy-duty vehicle with a battery propulsion power source, which may include lithium titanate batteries. The vehicle may be all-battery or may be a hybrid, and may have a composite body. The vehicle battery system may be housed within the floor of the vehicle and may have different groupings and arrangements.

Abstract: A vehicle charging system comprises a plurality of retractable conductor bars in a housing of a vehicle. The plurality of conductor bars includes a positive conductor bar and a negative conductor bar. Individual conductor bars of the plurality are electrically isolated from one another. The vehicle charging system further comprises a charging system having a receiver mounted on a support structure. The receiver comprises a plurality of electrical contact members in electrical communication with a power source. The receiver is configured to bring individual conductor bars of the plurality in contact with the electrical contact members for charging an energy storage device of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electric vehicle includes an electric motor configured to provide traction and a control system. The control system may be configured to receive a signal indicative of a requested torque and determine an acceleration limit based on the requested torque. The electric vehicle may also include an inverter operatively coupled to the control system and the electric motor. The inverter may be configured to control the electric motor based at least on (a) a signal indicative of the requested torque, and (b) a signal indicative of the acceleration limit.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method of charging an energy storage system for an electric vehicle. The method includes determining the estimated consumption for a specific route of the electric vehicle at different times and setting a target end point for the energy storage system based upon a minimum state of charge level for the energy storage system. The method further includes determining charge set points for the energy storage system based upon the target end point and the determined estimated consumption and determining the actual end point of the energy storage system after operation of the electric vehicle on the given route. The method also includes comparing the actual end point to the target end point and determining the difference in state of charge for the energy storage system between the actual end point and the target end point.

Abstract: A method of controlling a transmission of a vehicle powered by an electric motor may include initiating a gear engagement in the transmission. The method may also include activating a torque jog in the electric motor to assist with the gear engagement. The torque jog may include a fluctuation in the torque output of the electric motor.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for charging a vehicle. A vehicle and charging station can be designed such that an electric or hybrid vehicle can operate in a fashion similar to a conventional vehicle by being opportunity charged throughout a known route.

Abstract: The invention provides for a high occupancy or heavy-duty vehicle with a battery propulsion power source, which may include lithium titanate batteries. The vehicle may be all-battery or may be a hybrid, and may have a composite body. The vehicle battery system may be housed within the floor of the vehicle and may have different groupings and arrangements.