Abstract: An electric vehicle, and a system and method for charging the electric vehicle. The system includes a user locating system and a processor. The user locating system is configured to determine a location of the user. The processor is configured to charge the vehicle at a first charging rate and determine a location of a user of the vehicle with respect to the vehicle. The processor adjusts the charging of the vehicle from the first charging rate to a second charging rate when the location of the user is within a selected distance from the vehicle.

Abstract: An electric vehicle, and a system and method for charging the electric vehicle. The system includes a user locating system and a processor. The user locating system is configured to determine a location of the user. The processor is configured to charge the vehicle at a first charging rate and determine a location of a user of the vehicle with respect to the vehicle. The processor adjusts the charging of the vehicle from the first charging rate to a second charging rate when the location of the user is within a selected distance from the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for use in performing a real-time charge session swap between a primary electric vehicle located at a charging station of an electric vehicle charging facility and a secondary electric vehicle located at the electric vehicle charging facility, comprising the steps of: (a) receiving via a mobile wireless device a request for an electric vehicle charge session swap; (b) receiving one or more charge priority metrics from the secondary electric vehicle indicating a level of need for charging of the secondary electric vehicle; (c) providing an acceptance of the request for the electric vehicle charge session swap based on an evaluation of the charge priority metrics; and (d) notifying the secondary electric vehicle of the acceptance, thereby communicating the availability of the charging station for use by the secondary electric vehicle to carry out the electric vehicle charge session swap.

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 system of selecting charging modes for a rechargeable energy storage unit in an autonomous device includes a controller having a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions. The controller is configured to determine availability of at least one charging station and at least one parking lot through a survey of local charging infrastructure and local parking infrastructure, respectively, within a predefined radius of the autonomous device. The controller is configured to determine if it is cost-effective during an excursion to incur a charging fee at the charging station or incur a parking fee at the parking lot. If it is cost-effective to incur the charging fee, then the controller is configured to selectively employ at least one of a plurality of charging modes, including an open-ended charging mode and a defined departure charging mode.

Abstract: A system of selecting charging modes for a rechargeable energy storage unit in an autonomous device includes a controller having a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions. The controller is configured to determine availability of at least one charging station and at least one parking lot through a survey of local charging infrastructure and local parking infrastructure, respectively, within a predefined radius of the autonomous device. The controller is configured to determine if it is cost-effective during an excursion to incur a charging fee at the charging station or incur a parking fee at the parking lot. If it is cost-effective to incur the charging fee, then the controller is configured to selectively employ at least one of a plurality of charging modes, including an open-ended charging mode and a defined departure charging mode.

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 including an energy storage device and a powertrain system configured to effect regenerative braking is described. A method for controlling the vehicle includes determining an expected increase in a state of charge of the energy storage device achieved through opportunity charging by employing regenerative braking during an anticipated next trip of the vehicle. A preferred setpoint for the state of charge of the energy storage device is determined based upon the expected increase in the state of charge achieved through opportunity charging, and charging of the energy storage device is controlled during a remote charging event based upon the preferred setpoint for the state of charge of the energy storage device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling the providing of entertainment content for passengers of a vehicle. In one example, the vehicle includes an input device, a processor, and a display. The input device is configured to obtain an input as to a destination for a vehicle drive for the vehicle. The processor is coupled to the input device, and is configured to determine an expected duration of the vehicle drive to the destination and generate a content list of a plurality of content items for entertainment of one or more passengers of the vehicle, based on the expected duration of the vehicle drive and a running time for each of the plurality of content items. The display is coupled to the processor, and is configured to provide the content list in accordance with instructions provided by the processor.

Abstract: A vehicle including an energy storage device and a powertrain system configured to effect regenerative braking is described. A method for controlling the vehicle includes determining an expected increase in a state of charge of the energy storage device achieved through opportunity charging by employing regenerative braking during an anticipated next trip of the vehicle. A preferred setpoint for the state of charge of the energy storage device is determined based upon the expected increase in the state of charge achieved through opportunity charging, and charging of the energy storage device is controlled during a remote charging event based upon the preferred setpoint for the state of charge of the energy storage device.