Abstract: A method for initiating automated path planning into a protected lane for a vehicle includes determining a restriction status of the protected lane. The method further may include determining an occupancy status of the vehicle. The method further may include determining a towing status of the vehicle. The method further may include determining a toll status of the vehicle. The method further may include initiating automated path planning into the protected lane based at least in part on the restriction status of the protected lane, the occupancy status of the vehicle, the towing status of the vehicle, and the toll status of the vehicle.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system is provided that includes one or more sensors of a vehicle and a processor of the vehicle. The one or more sensors are configured to at least facilitate obtaining sensor data representative of an intent of a user of the vehicle for the vehicle to make a maneuver during an autonomous driving mode. The processor is coupled to the one or more sensors, and is configured to at least facilitate operating the vehicle in an autonomous manner in the autonomous driving mode via instructions provided by the processor; and performing the maneuver, in accordance with instructions provided by the processor, while the vehicle otherwise maintains in the autonomous driving mode.

Abstract: A method for initiating automated path planning into a protected lane for a vehicle includes determining a restriction status of the protected lane. The method further may include determining an occupancy status of the vehicle. The method further may include determining a towing status of the vehicle. The method further may include determining a toll status of the vehicle. The method further may include initiating automated path planning into the protected lane based at least in part on the restriction status of the protected lane, the occupancy status of the vehicle, the towing status of the vehicle, and the toll status of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for identifying a region of interest in an environment surrounding a vehicle may include receiving interest data using a first vehicle sensor. The interest data includes a first measurement. The method further may include determining an intended path of the vehicle. The method further may include identifying the region of interest in the environment surrounding the vehicle based at least in part on at least one of: the interest data and the intended path of the vehicle. The method further may include performing a second measurement of the region of interest using a second vehicle sensor.

Abstract: A method to incorporate lane level road congestion to enhance vehicle navigation includes: collecting vehicle data from a fleet of vehicles; identifying a lane level distribution of multiple vehicles operating on a road having multiple lanes including a host vehicle; comparing the lane level distribution against a non-congested lane of the road; and identifying if a lane level congestion is occurring in at least one of the multiple lanes.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle has a powertrain system that includes electric power propulsion system and a second propulsion system, a geographical position sensing system, a geographic map database, and a controller. The controller monitors a geographic location of the vehicle determine the geographic location of the vehicle in relation to a first predefined region and a first user-identified region. The powertrain system is controlled to generate propulsion power employing only the electric power propulsion system when the geographic location of the vehicle is within the first predefined region and when the geographic location of the vehicle is within the first user-identified region. The powertrain system is controlled to generate propulsion power employing the second propulsion system when the geographic location of the vehicle is outside the first predefined region and outside the first user-identified region.

Abstract: A method of controlling operation of a vehicle includes monitoring at least one of a location and a route of the vehicle when the vehicle is in a first operating state, receiving map data related to an area around at least one of the location and the route, and identifying, based on the map data, one or more map attributes indicative of one or more features of the area. The method also includes comparing the one or more map attributes to at least one reference attribute, and based on the one or more map attributes matching the at least one reference attribute, causing the vehicle to enter a second operating state when the vehicle is in the area.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle has a powertrain system that includes electric power propulsion system and a second propulsion system, a geographical position sensing system, a geographic map database, and a controller. The controller monitors a geographic location of the vehicle determine the geographic location of the vehicle in relation to a first predefined region and a first user-identified region. The powertrain system is controlled to generate propulsion power employing only the electric power propulsion system when the geographic location of the vehicle is within the first predefined region and when the geographic location of the vehicle is within the first user-identified region. The powertrain system is controlled to generate propulsion power employing the second propulsion system when the geographic location of the vehicle is outside the first predefined region and outside the first user-identified region.

Abstract: A method of controlling a change in net axle torque on a vehicle comprises receiving a request for a desired net axle torque that is different than a current net axle torque, determining whether a lash zone exists between the current net axle torque and the desired net axle torque, determining a progression of constant rates of change of the front axle torque and a progression of constant rates of change of the rear axle torque that will result in a constant rate of change of the net axle torque from the current net axle torque to the desired net axle torque, and commanding the progression of constant rates of change of the front axle torque and the progression of constant rates of change of the rear axle torque if the lash zone exists between the current net axle torque and the desired net axle torque.