Abstract: An exemplary method includes prompting a user to change an operating mode of an electrified vehicle from a first mode to a second mode that is different than the first mode. The first mode is a default mode. The second mode is a non-default mode.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine arranged to output torque and an electric machine arranged to apply a reaction torque against engine output torque to generate power for charging a traction battery. The vehicle also includes a controller programmed to issue a command to adjust the engine output torque and an output speed corresponding to a predetermined optimal brake specific fuel consumption while providing power to charge the fraction battery, satisfy an accessory power demand, and propel the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of estimating distance to empty (DTE) for a vehicle includes, in response to detecting an energy loss condition expected to be present during an initial portion of a drive cycle for a period of time needed for a current temperature or pressure associated with the vehicle to achieve a steady state, outputting a DTE. The DTE is based on an amount of drive energy available and an energy loss factor associated with the energy loss condition that accounts for conversion of some of the drive energy to heat as the current temperature or pressure increases to the steady state.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a traction battery, a generator coupled to the engine and battery, and a controller. The controller may be configured to, in response to a current flowing from a battery charge station to the battery being less than a maximum charge current, a selection of a fast charge mode, and a temperature of the engine being less than a predetermined temperature, operate the engine to generate a supplemental current to charge the battery.

Abstract: An exemplary braking method includes monitoring for an upcoming deceleration of an electrified vehicle, permitting an amount of regenerative braking if the upcoming deceleration is detected, and reducing the amount of regenerative braking if the upcoming deceleration is not detected.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes using a controller to automatically operate a vehicle in an electric mode when an actual speed of the vehicle is at or below a set threshold, and to automatically operate the vehicle in a hybrid mode when the actual speed is above the set threshold. The method further including adjusting the set threshold using a selector device such that the set threshold is changed without influencing the actual speed. Another exemplary method includes using a controller to automatically initiate a transition of a vehicle from an electric mode to a hybrid mode, or from the hybrid mode to the electric mode. The controller initiates the transition in response to a comparison of a state of charge of a battery of the vehicle to a threshold state of charge that is configured to be adjusted by an operator.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for depressurizing a fuel tank prior to refueling the fuel tank. One example method includes adjusting a latchable refueling valve to a latched open position to enable vapor flow from the fuel tank to a vapor canister at a first rate, and responsive to fuel tank pressure being higher than a first pressure threshold after a pre-determined duration at the latched open position, modifying the latchable refueling valve to an unlatched open position. The unlatched open position of the latchable refueling valve enables a second flow rate for fuel vapors, the second flow rate higher than the first flow rate at the latched open position.

Abstract: Systems are provided for a fuel system comprising an external refueling request switch accessible at or near a refueling door, thus enabling methods that may include initiating depressurization of a fuel tank responsive to an operator engaging the refueling request switch. The status of depressurization may be communicated to the operator via on one or more LED displays located either inside the refueling assembly or located at the refueling door. In this way, refueling requests may be initiated by a refueling operator, and by relaying the status of depressurization to the operator, any confusion on the part of the operator may be avoided.

Abstract: An example method includes operating an electric vehicle in an electric mode when a speed of the electric vehicle is at or below a threshold speed, and operating the electric vehicle in a hybrid mode when the speed of the electric vehicle is above the threshold speed. The threshold speed is an operator-adjustable threshold speed. Another example method includes operating an electric vehicle in an electric mode when a state of charge of a battery of the electric vehicle is at a threshold state of charge, and operating the electric vehicle in a hybrid mode when the state of charge of the battery is at or below the threshold state of charge.

Abstract: Systems are provided for a fuel system comprising an external refueling request switch accessible at or near a refueling door, thus enabling methods that may include initiating depressurization of a fuel tank responsive to an operator engaging the refueling request switch. The status of depressurization may be communicated to the operator via on one or more LED displays located either inside the refueling assembly or located at the refueling door. In this way, refueling requests may be initiated by a refueling operator, and by relaying the status of depressurization to the operator, any confusion on the part of the operator may be avoided.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for depressurizing a fuel tank prior to refueling. In one example, before refueling the fuel tank having a pressure above a first predetermined pressure, the pressure may be released through a first valve to the first predetermined pressure and the first valve may be closed. Further, a second valve may be opened to further reduce the pressure to a second predetermined pressure, and if flow through the second valve is less than desired, then the first valve may be opened until the second predetermined pressure is reached.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes prompting a user to change an operating mode of an electrified vehicle from a first mode to a second mode that is different than the first mode. The first mode is a default mode. The second mode is a non-default mode.

Abstract: A method of estimating distance to empty (DTE) for a vehicle includes, in response to detecting an energy loss condition expected to be present during an initial portion of a drive cycle for a period of time needed for a current temperature or pressure associated with the vehicle to achieve a steady state, outputting a DTE. The DTE is based on an amount of drive energy available and an energy loss factor associated with the energy loss condition that accounts for conversion of some of the drive energy to heat as the current temperature or pressure increases to the steady state.

Abstract: An example method includes operating an electric vehicle in an electric mode when a speed of the electric vehicle is at or below a threshold speed, and operating the electric vehicle in a hybrid mode when the speed of the electric vehicle is above the threshold speed. The threshold speed is an operator-adjustable threshold speed. Another example method includes operating an electric vehicle in an electric mode when a state of charge of a battery of the electric vehicle is at a threshold state of charge, and operating the electric vehicle in a hybrid mode when the state of charge of the battery is at or below the threshold state of charge.

Abstract: An example method includes intentionally precharging a powertrain of an electric vehicle for an first time period that is different than a second precharge time period. An example electric vehicle assembly includes a precharge contactor transitionable back and forth between an open state and a closed state, a first main contactor, a second main contactor, and a controller configured to selectively close the second main contactor after the precharge contactor has been closed for a first time period that is different than a second precharge time period.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for depressurizing a fuel tank prior to refueling. In one example, before refueling the fuel tank having a pressure above a first predetermined pressure, the pressure may be released through a first valve to the first predetermined pressure and the first valve may be closed. Further, a second valve may be opened to further reduce the pressure to a second predetermined pressure, and if flow through the second valve is less than desired, then the first valve may be opened until the second predetermined pressure is reached.