Abstract: A system and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an engine, a traction motor, and an automatic step-ratio transmission having a plurality of selectable discrete gear ratios, a torque converter, and sharing a common cooling fluid or oil with the traction motor, include a controller configured to shift the automatic step-ratio transmission to neutral in response to vehicle speed being below a threshold with the engine idling while temperatures of at least two of: the traction battery, the electric machine, and the transmission are above associated thresholds to reduce heat generation by the torque converter due to oil shear with the torque converter stalled. The controller may shift the transmission to drive in response to release of a brake pedal. A neutral shift may also be performed in response to high-voltage accessory loads or on-board generator loads exceeding a threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle may include an engine, a traction battery, an electric motor, an electric cooling system, and a controller. The electric motor selectively converts torque from the engine to electric power and converts electric power from the traction battery to drive torque for the vehicle. The electric cooling system, responsive to a temperature of the traction battery exceeding a first threshold, cools the traction battery using the electric power. The controller, responsive to the temperature exceeding a second threshold less than the first threshold and accessory loads exceeding a third threshold, operates one or both of the engine and traction battery to maintain the temperature below the first threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an engine, a traction motor, and an automatic step-ratio transmission having a plurality of selectable discrete gear ratios, a torque converter, and sharing a common cooling fluid or oil with the traction motor, include a controller configured to shift the automatic step-ratio transmission to neutral in response to vehicle speed being below a threshold with the engine idling while temperatures of at least two of: the traction battery, the electric machine, and the transmission are above associated thresholds to reduce heat generation by the torque converter due to oil shear with the torque converter stalled. The controller may shift the transmission to drive in response to release of a brake pedal. A neutral shift may also be performed in response to high-voltage accessory loads or on-board generator loads exceeding a threshold.

Abstract: A power converter for an electric vehicle include a connection interface for coupling an external battery to a first bus. The power converter includes a first set of switching devices configured to transfer power between a charge port and the first bus, and a second set of switching devices configured to transfer power between the first bus and a second bus coupled to a traction battery. The power converter includes a controller programmed to control a voltage level of the first bus to different nominal operating voltages based in different operating modes.

Abstract: A vehicle may include an engine, a traction battery, an electric motor, an electric cooling system, and a controller. The electric motor selectively converts torque from the engine to electric power and converts electric power from the traction battery to drive torque for the vehicle. The electric cooling system, responsive to a temperature of the traction battery exceeding a first threshold, cools the traction battery using the electric power. The controller, responsive to the temperature exceeding a second threshold less than the first threshold and accessory loads exceeding a third threshold, operates one or both of the engine and traction battery to maintain the temperature below the first threshold.

Abstract: A power converter for an electric vehicle include a connection interface for coupling an external battery to a first bus. The power converter includes a first set of switching devices configured to transfer power between a charge port and the first bus, and a second set of switching devices configured to transfer power between the first bus and a second bus coupled to a traction battery. The power converter includes a controller programmed to control a voltage level of the first bus to different nominal operating voltages based in different operating modes.

Abstract: A connector to a soft lock receptacle includes a controller and a memory electrically coupled to the controller. During a user coupling the connector to the receptacle, the controller generates and stores a stored record in the memory. During the user attempting uncoupling the connector, the controller generates a re-obtained record. Responsive to the re-obtained record matching the stored record, the controller unlocks the connector.

Abstract: A connector to a soft lock receptacle includes a controller and a memory electrically coupled to the controller. During a user coupling the connector to the receptacle, the controller generates and stores a stored record in the memory. During the user attempting uncoupling the connector, the controller generates a re-obtained record. Responsive to the re-obtained record matching the stored record, the controller unlocks the connector.