Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for charging a vehicle battery based on whether a vehicle is in an enclosed area or an unenclosed area. An example method includes determining a vehicle battery state of charge (SOC). The method also includes, responsive to comparing the SOC to a threshold, determining, based on data from a vehicle sensor, whether the vehicle is in an enclosed or unenclosed area. And the method further includes responsively providing an alert to a computing device corresponding to the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for indicating an efficiency level of energy usage by an automotive vehicle to a passenger in the vehicle. The system includes a computer-readable storage medium, a controller, an interior-lighting system, and a display unit. The controller processes energy usage signals to obtain the given operating mode of the vehicle as well as indications of energy usage amounts that the passenger can control. The controller determines the efficiency level of energy usage by the vehicle based on the energy usage amounts and the given operating mode. The interior-lighting system illuminates at least a portion of the passenger compartment with ambient light having defined characteristics including a luminance and a color, the ambient light indicating the efficiency level. The display unit displays a graphical representation of the efficiency level.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for electrostatic air filtering in automotive vehicles, such as electric and hybrid electric vehicles. The system includes an electrical distribution system and an electrostatic filtering system having discharge electrodes and an accumulation electrode. The distribution system is in high-voltage electrical communication with the filtering system as well as an electric motor and a high-voltage energy storage device in the vehicle. In operation, the distribution system distributes high-voltage electric power to the filtering system. The filtering system receives the high-voltage electric power to generate a high-voltage electrostatic potential between the accumulation electrode and the discharge electrodes to remove particulates from air flowing through a region of the electrostatic filtering system.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for indicating an efficiency level of energy usage by an automotive vehicle to a passenger in the vehicle. The system includes a computer-readable storage medium, a controller, an interior-lighting system, and a display unit. The controller processes energy usage signals to obtain the given operating mode of the vehicle as well as indications of energy usage amounts that the passenger can control. The controller determines the efficiency level of energy usage by the vehicle based on the energy usage amounts and the given operating mode. The interior-lighting system illuminates at least a portion of the passenger compartment with ambient light having defined characteristics including a luminance and a color, the ambient light indicating the efficiency level. The display unit displays a graphical representation of the efficiency level.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for electrostatic air filtering in automotive vehicles, such as electric and hybrid electric vehicles. The system includes an electrical distribution system and an electrostatic filtering system having discharge electrodes and an accumulation electrode. The distribution system is in high-voltage electrical communication with the filtering system as well as an electric motor and a high-voltage energy storage device in the vehicle. In operation, the distribution system distributes high-voltage electric power to the filtering system. The filtering system receives the high-voltage electric power to generate a high-voltage electrostatic potential between the accumulation electrode and the discharge electrodes to remove particulates from air flowing through a region of the electrostatic filtering system.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain includes an electrical power source with an electric motor, a generator and a battery. A mechanical power source is an engine with a direct-start fuel injection feature. The direct-start feature provides engine starting torque at high vehicle speeds during a transition from a fully electric drive mode to a drive mode using both power sources.