Abstract: A control system and method for controlling vehicle launch includes receiving a request to enable a launch control feature of a traction control system of the vehicle, the launch control feature being configured to improve torque transfer from an engine of the vehicle to a driveline of the vehicle; and in response to receiving the enable request for the launch control feature, generating a torque reserve at the engine by (i) increasing airflow into the engine to a level greater than a level for achieving a torque request for the engine and (ii) deactivating a predetermined set of cylinders of the engine by disabling their respective fuel injectors; detecting an intent of the driver to launch the vehicle; and in response to detecting the intent of the driver to launch the vehicle, releasing the torque reserve to increase a torque output of the engine based on the engine torque request.

Abstract: A control system and method for controlling vehicle launch includes receiving a request to enable a launch control feature of a traction control system of the vehicle, the launch control feature being configured to improve torque transfer from an engine of the vehicle to a driveline of the vehicle; and in response to receiving the enable request for the launch control feature, generating a torque reserve at the engine by (i) increasing airflow into the engine to a level greater than a level for achieving a torque request for the engine and (ii) deactivating a predetermined set of cylinders of the engine by disabling their respective fuel injectors; detecting an intent of the driver to launch the vehicle; and in response to detecting the intent of the driver to launch the vehicle, releasing the torque reserve to increase a torque output of the engine based on the engine torque request.

Abstract: A thermal management system for a vehicle having an electric traction motor for moving the vehicle and a battery pack configured to provide power for driving the motor. The thermal management system includes a motor cooling system operable to cool the motor, and a second thermal load cooling system configured to remove heat from a second thermal load. The second thermal load cooling system is selectively thermally connectable to the motor to remove heat therefrom. A control system is provided and is configured to detect a motor cooling system failure situation and can operate the second thermal load cooling system to thermally connect the second thermal load cooling system to the motor to cool the electric traction motor in response to detection of the motor cooling system failure situation.

Abstract: A thermal management system is provided for a vehicle having an electric traction motor and a battery pack. The thermal management system includes a battery pack heater configured to transfer heat to the battery pack, a second thermal load heater configured to transfer heat to a second thermal load, and a control system. The second thermal load heater is selectively thermally connectable to the battery pack to transfer heat from the second thermal load heater to the battery pack. When the vehicle is connected to an external energy source and the battery pack is at sufficiently low temperature, the control system is configured to control the temperature of the battery pack by activating the second thermal load heater and thermally connecting the second thermal load heater to the battery pack in response to a failure of the battery pack heater.

Abstract: A process for charging a battery pack of a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a cooling system that automatically turns on to cool the battery pack when its temperature reaches a high threshold temperature. The process involves determining an operating heating rise of the battery pack in the event the vehicle is driven at a predetermined operating condition. The process determines a target temperature for the battery pack at the end of charging which is set to prevent the cooling system from turning on if the vehicle is driven under the predetermined operating condition. The battery pack is then charged and the cooling system is operated during charging to prevent the battery pack from reaching the target temperature. By preventing the subsequent operation of the cooling system, the driving range provided by the battery pack may be extended.