Abstract: An invention is disclosed which promotes even wear within a multiple-motor drivetrain. In one embodiment of the invention, a vehicle drivetrain includes two motors. The total torque to be provided by the motors is partitioned between the motors such that the total efficiency of the drivetrain is maximum. Such partitioning usually involves providing more torque from one motor than from the other. The motor selected to provide the greater torque does so until a predetermined number of differential torque-hours are accumulated between the two motors. The other motor is then selected to provide the greater torque, again until a predetermined number of differential torque-hours are accumulated. Excessive wear of one portion of the driveline is thus prevented.

Abstract: The accelerator command signal from an accelerator pedal sensor of an electric vehicle is mapped to a generally lower value in view of a reduced state of charge of the traction battery of the vehicle. The mapping requires the driver of the vehicle to depress the accelerator pedal farther to provide an equivalent accelerator command to the controller which controls the traction motor of the vehicle. The driver is thus given intuitive indication that the powertrain of his vehicle has reduced propulsive capability.

Abstract: The present invention features a system and method for preventing overheating of a motor and/or power amplifier of a material handling vehicle by controlling the performance of the vehicle as a function of motor and/or power amplifier temperature. Temperature sensors are connected to the motor and power amplifier for determining their operating temperatures. A controller is connected to each temperature sensor and to the motor for controlling acceleration of the motor as a function of either or both temperatures, so that both the motor and the power amplifier will not overheat. In controlling acceleration of the motor, the invention provides a mechanism for changing acceleration by discrete steps or continuously according to a performance curve which may be linear or otherwise.

Abstract: The present invention features a material handling vehicle identification system. The material handling vehicle has a universal system processor for controlling the vehicle speed, acceleration, direction and motion of a plurality of different vehicles. A semiconductor memory device is permanently affixed to the chassis of the vehicle during the manufacturing process. This memory device contains a unique identification tag. The identification tag is remotely disposed from, but operatively connected to the system processor. The identification tag includes data for uniquely identifying the material handling vehicle. The system processor can control the performance of the vehicle as a function of the data in the identification tag, whereby the system processor becomes customized to operate consistant only with the vehicle in which it is installed.