Abstract: A vehicle includes a drive unit configured to generate a drive torque in driving relationship to wheels of the vehicle, and a gas pedal constructed in the form of an active accelerator pedal which is adjustable over a pedal travel. A control device activates the drive unit in response to a desired torque given by a driver through actuation of the accelerator pedal. Operatively connected to the control device is an actuator which applies a resistance force upon the accelerator pedal, thereby generating a pressure point for the accelerator pedal, with the resistance force increasing in a locally limited pedal travel interval up to a maximum force which can be overridden by the driver. An evaluation unit of the control unit generates a deactivation signal within the pedal travel interval, when the accelerator pedal reaches a predefined limit hold time.

Abstract: In a method of determining a current position of an output element connected to an electric stepper motor, a current position of a rotor of the stepper motor is determined by a rotor position sensor. The determination of the current position of the rotor is refined as a function of information about a currently active phase of the stepper motor, and the current position of the output element is calculated in response to the refined determination of the current position of the rotor.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a drive unit configured to generate a drive torque in driving relationship to wheels of the vehicle, and a gas pedal constructed in the form of an active accelerator pedal which is adjustable over a pedal travel. A control device activates the drive unit in response to a desired torque given by a driver through actuation of the accelerator pedal. Operatively connected to the control device is an actuator which applies a resistance force upon the accelerator pedal, thereby generating a pressure point for the accelerator pedal, with the resistance force increasing in a locally limited pedal travel interval up to a maximum force which can be overridden by the driver. An evaluation unit of the control unit generates a deactivation signal within the pedal travel interval, when the accelerator pedal reaches a predefined limit hold time.

Abstract: In a method of determining a current position of an output element connected to an electric stepper motor, a current position of a rotor of the stepper motor is determined by a rotor position sensor. The determination of the current position of the rotor is refined as a function of information about a currently active phase of the stepper motor, and the current position of the output element is calculated in response to the refined determination of the current position of the rotor.