Abstract: A vehicle charging system is disclosed. The vehicle charging system includes a powerline communication module of a vehicle that is configured to transmit a power request signal via a communication network and a powerline communication evaluation module that is configured to determine one or more communication characteristics of the communication network. The vehicle charging system also includes an adjustment module that is configured to reduce a charging rate provided by a charging station based on the one or more communication characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a system and method of selecting range for an electric device having a rechargeable energy storage unit. The system includes a controller having a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions. A charging unit is configured to charge the rechargeable energy storage unit when plugged to the charging unit. An operator is requested to enter a selected range for the electric device. The controller is configured to determine if the selected range is less than a predetermined maximum range. If the selected range is less than the predetermined maximum range, the selected range is converted to a selected energy consumption based on a driving model of the operator. A target voltage is determined based on the selected energy consumption and predetermined parameters of the charging unit. The rechargeable energy storage unit is charged to the target voltage, via the charging unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a system and method of selecting range for an electric device having a rechargeable energy storage unit. The system includes a controller having a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions. A charging unit is configured to charge the rechargeable energy storage unit when plugged to the charging unit. An operator is requested to enter a selected range for the electric device. The controller is configured to determine if the selected range is less than a predetermined maximum range. If the selected range is less than the predetermined maximum range, the selected range is converted to a selected energy consumption based on a driving model of the operator. A target voltage is determined based on the selected energy consumption and predetermined parameters of the charging unit. The rechargeable energy storage unit is charged to the target voltage, via the charging unit.

Abstract: A vehicle charging system is disclosed. The vehicle charging system includes a powerline communication module of a vehicle that is configured to transmit a power request signal via a communication network and a powerline communication evaluation module that is configured to determine one or more communication characteristics of the communication network. The vehicle charging system also includes an adjustment module that is configured to reduce a charging rate provided by a charging station based on the one or more communication characteristics.

Abstract: A fuel cap for a filler neck on a fuel tank includes a cap body having threads for engaging the filler neck when the fuel cap is installed on the filler neck and a cap handle rotatably mounted on the cap body. A clutch acts between the cap handle and the cap body to permit the cap handle to rotate freely on the cap body when the clutch is disengaged. When the clutch is engaged, rotation of the cap handle will rotate the cap body so that the user can remove the fuel cap from the filler neck to refuel the vehicle. A pressure-sensing diaphragm disengages the clutch when the pressure differential between the fuel vapor pressure and the atmospheric pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold and engages the clutch when the pressure differential between the fuel vapor pressure and the atmospheric pressure is less than the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A control module for an engine of a vehicle includes a mode determination module that determines whether the vehicle is in a fuel-saving mode based on an acceleration of the vehicle. A diurnal control valve (DCV) control module selectively closes a DCV a predetermined time after at least one of determining that the vehicle is in the fuel-saving mode and determining that the engine is stopped.

Abstract: A fuel cap for a filler neck on a fuel tank includes a cap body having threads for engaging the filler neck when the fuel cap is installed on the filler neck and a cap handle rotatably mounted on the cap body. A clutch acts between the cap handle and the cap body to permit the cap handle to rotate freely on the cap body when the clutch is disengaged. When the clutch is engaged, rotation of the cap handle will rotate the cap body so that the user can remove the fuel cap from the filler neck to refuel the vehicle. A pressure-sensing diaphragm disengages the clutch when the pressure differential between the fuel vapor pressure and the atmospheric pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold and engages the clutch when the pressure differential between the fuel vapor pressure and the atmospheric pressure is less than the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A control module for an engine of a vehicle includes a mode determination module that determines whether the vehicle is in a fuel-saving mode based on an acceleration of the vehicle. A diurnal control valve (DCV) control module selectively closes a DCV a predetermined time after at least one of determining that the vehicle is in the fuel-saving mode and determining that the engine is stopped.