Abstract: A fuel cell assembly includes a fuel cell arrangement having first and second plates sandwiching a membrane electrode assembly. The arrangement defines first and second header regions that each include supply and return headers. The first plate defines coolant channels that extend between the header regions and connect to the return header in the first region. The second plate defines coolant channels that extend between the header regions and connect to the supply header in the first region.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns an operating method for an electric motor vehicle with at least one electrical machine as the traction motor and with an operating element for preselecting a coasting function, wherein, if the coasting function is preselected by the driver, under predetermined conditions the operating mode is automatically changed into a coasting mode, in which neither a drive torque nor a drag torque is exerted on the wheels of the vehicle. According to the disclosure, the predetermined conditions include the conditions that the gas pedal is in a neutral position and that the current speed of the vehicle is at or is greater than a preset value. Under the predetermined conditions the operating mode is automatically changed into the coasting mode by bringing the drive train of the vehicle into a state in which the at least one electrical machine is consuming no electrical energy.

Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a plurality of electric drive units coupled to one or more axles of the electric vehicle. The drive units have an associated power loss map that is approximated by a plurality of second-order polynomials. Torque is apportioned between the electric drive units to minimize total power losses based on coefficients of the second-order polynomials for each of the electric drive units and a driver torque demand.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a fuel cell stack in a cold start mode is provided. The apparatus comprises a fuel cell stack, a power converter, and a controller. The power converter may include a power switch and resistive heating element that is thermally coupled to the fuel cell stack. The controller is configured to activate the power converter, if a temperature is below a predetermined temperature value, to draw current from the fuel cell stack to cause the fuel cell stack to generate heat. Heat from the power converter is also applied to the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A fuel cell system including a fuel cell stack, a coolant loop and a thermal battery. The coolant loop is configured to flow a coolant liquid therethrough. The thermal battery includes a phase change material configured to absorb heat generated by the fuel cell stack or coolant liquid and to latently store the heat during a first mode of operation the fuel cell system.

Abstract: A situational awareness system is provided for a motor vehicle. That situational awareness system includes a rear view mirror having a right side section, a left side section and a center section. In addition, the situational awareness system includes: an imaging system including a right side camera, a left side camera and a center rear camera and a display system including a right side display, a left side display and a center rear display. Still further, the situational awareness system includes a control module configured to activate the imaging system and the display system to project images through the various sections of the rear view mirror.

Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a plurality of electric drive units coupled to one or more axles of the electric vehicle. The drive units have an associated power loss map that is approximated by a plurality of second-order polynomials. Torque is apportioned between the electric drive units to minimize total power losses based on coefficients of the second-order polynomials for each of the electric drive units and a driver torque demand.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns an operating method for an electric motor vehicle with at least one electrical machine as the traction motor and with an operating element for preselecting a coasting function, wherein, if the coasting function is preselected by the driver, under predetermined conditions the operating mode is automatically changed into a coasting mode, in which neither a drive torque nor a drag torque is exerted on the wheels of the vehicle. According to the disclosure, the predetermined conditions include the conditions that the gas pedal is in a neutral position and that the current speed of the vehicle is at or is greater than a preset value. Under the predetermined conditions the operating mode is automatically changed into the coasting mode by bringing the drive train of the vehicle into a state in which the at least one electrical machine is consuming no electrical energy.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly includes a fuel cell arrangement having first and second plates sandwiching a membrane electrode assembly. The arrangement defines first and second header regions that each include supply and return headers. The first plate defines coolant channels that extend between the header regions and connect to the return header in the first region. The second plate defines coolant channels that extend between the header regions and connect to the supply header in the first region.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is includes a fuel cell stack with a cooling line arrangement configured to pass coolant through the stack, a pump configured to move the coolant through the arrangement, and at least one controller. The controller is programmed to, in response to a start-up event for the stack at an ambient temperature less than a first threshold value, initiate operation of the stack and to prevent activation of the pump in order to promote static flow conditions within the arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a fuel cell stack in a cold start mode is provided. The apparatus comprises a fuel cell stack, a power converter, and a controller. The power converter may include a power switch and resistive heating element that is thermally coupled to the fuel cell stack. The controller is configured to activate the power converter, if a temperature is below a predetermined temperature value, to draw current from the fuel cell stack to cause the fuel cell stack to generate heat. Heat from the power converter is also applied to the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a motor that is configured to provide drive torque and to facilitate regenerative braking. The vehicle also includes a controller that is configured to receive input that is indicative of a vehicle speed and a battery state of charge (BSOC), and to disable the drive torque when the BSOC is less than a maximum discharge limit. The controller is also configured to activate regenerative braking when the BSOC is less than the maximum discharge limit and the vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A thermal system for an electric vehicle includes an electric heat source, a heat exchanger, a traction battery, a first thermal loop thermally coupled to the heat exchanger and the heat source, and a second thermal loop thermally coupled to the battery and configured to be selectively thermally coupled to the heat source. A vehicle includes an electric heat source, a heat exchanger system selectively thermally coupled with the heat source, and a traction battery system selectively thermally coupled to the heat source. A method of controlling a battery electric vehicle includes detecting a vehicle state input and operating an electric heater to heat a fluid. A valve arrangement is actuated to provide the fluid to one of a traction battery through a first fluid conduit, a heat exchanger through a second fluid conduit, and a battery and a heat exchanger through the first and second fluid conduits.

Abstract: A method for thermal management of an electric vehicle and the vehicle are provided. A controller is configured to regulate the temperature of a traction battery to within an operating temperature range when the vehicle is operating. The temperature of the battery is regulated to within a charging temperature range when the battery is connected to the charger and power source and the ambient temperature is outside an environmental temperature range. The battery is preconditioned to a battery drive temperature when the ambient temperature is outside the environmental temperature range and the battery is connected to the charger and power source. The cabin in the vehicle is preconditioned to a cabin temperature when the vehicle is connected to the charger and power source and the ambient temperature is outside the environmental temperature range.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a motor that is configured to provide drive torque and to facilitate regenerative braking. The vehicle also includes a controller that is configured to receive input that is indicative of a vehicle speed and a battery state of charge (BSOC), and to disable the drive torque when the BSOC is less than a maximum discharge limit. The controller is also configured to activate regenerative braking when the BSOC is less than the maximum discharge limit and the vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A method for thermal management of an electric vehicle and the vehicle are provided. A controller is configured to regulate the temperature of a traction battery to within an operating temperature range when the vehicle is operating. The temperature of the battery is regulated to within a charging temperature range when the battery is connected to the charger and power source and the ambient temperature is outside an environmental temperature range. The battery is preconditioned to a battery drive temperature when the ambient temperature is outside the environmental temperature range and the battery is connected to the charger and power source. The cabin in the vehicle is preconditioned to a cabin temperature when the vehicle is connected to the charger and power source and the ambient temperature is outside the environmental temperature range.