Abstract: An example method includes operating an electric machine to produce a torque output and a non-torque output. The method maintains the torque output and intentionally increases the non-torque output to produce a desired condition in an electric vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods relating to the coloring of nickel-plated materials.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine in a hybrid electric vehicle according to the present disclosure includes, in response to a drive motor being unavailable, commanding an engine power equal to the lesser of a first and a second power. The first power is sufficient to satisfy a driver wheel torque request at the current engine speed, and the second power corresponds to a maximum engine torque available at a target engine speed, where the target engine speed is selected to attain a desired battery state of charge.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed that has multiple coolant paths selected by control of a valve. A valve system is configured to direct coolant from an engine to a heat exchanger according to a difference between a temperature associated with the engine and a temperature associated with the heat exchanger. The valve system is also configured to direct coolant from the engine to an electric heater and to, in response to a heat demanded from the heat exchanger being greater than a heat capability of the electric heater, request the engine to run. A method is disclosed for controlling a valve to change from an isolation position in which the valve isolates coolant circulating through an electric heater and the valve from coolant circulating through an engine to a non-isolation position in which the valve directs coolant from the engine to the electric heater.

Abstract: An information display system for a hybrid electric vehicle configured to display one or more reasons an engine is on is provided. The information display system also indicates how close the engine is to turning on due to an engine on reason by displaying a proximity indicator representing a value associated with the engine on reason and a threshold demarcating values which cause the engine to be on.

Abstract: A control system for a compressor is provided. The control system includes a controller and first and second control portions. The first control portion is configured to assess an actual temperature of an evaporator and a target temperature of the evaporator and to generate a first compressor speed command signal. The second control portion includes a pressure calibration value and is configured to receive a pressure reading of the climate system, to compare the pressure reading to the pressure calibration value and to generate a second compressor speed command signal. The controller device includes data and is configured to receive the first compressor speed command signal and the second compressor speed command signal and to transmit a control signal to the compressor for causing the compressor to operate at a commanded compressor speed based on the first compressor speed command signal, the second compressor speed command signal, and the data.

Abstract: An information display system for a hybrid electric vehicle configured to display one or more reasons an engine is on is provided. The information display system also indicates how close the engine is to turning on due to an engine on reason by displaying a proximity indicator representing a value associated with the engine on reason and a threshold demarcating values which cause the engine to be on.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes an internal combustion engine configured to provide power to traction wheels, and a controller. The controller is configured to, in response to the engine being off and a power request exceeding an engine-start threshold, delay an engine start when vehicle speed is below a predetermined value. Delaying an engine start may include providing an engine-start-threshold offset. The offset decreases as vehicle speed increases. The engine is started when the power request exceeds a sum of the engine-start threshold and the engine-start-threshold offset.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a powertrain in a vehicle includes controlling a speed of an engine in the vehicle using a first engine speed control when an accelerator pedal position is less than a first predetermined position and a battery discharge limit of a battery in the vehicle is at least a predetermined discharge limit. The speed of the engine is controlled using a second engine speed control different from the first engine speed control when the accelerator pedal position is less than the first predetermined position and the battery discharge limit is less than the predetermined discharge limit.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine in a hybrid vehicle in response to fuel and water dilution of engine lubricating oil. An engine oil dilution counter may be adjusted based on a number of engine hot starts and duration of engine operation above a threshold temperature. In addition, the counter may be adjusted if the engine is started to deplete stale fuel in the fuel tank.

Abstract: Systems and methods for starting an engine of a hybrid vehicle that includes two electric machines capable of starting an engine are presented. In one example, one of the two electric machines is selected to start the engine in response to degradation of one or more vehicle components and an engine start request.

Abstract: A method for controlling power consumption of a compressor of an automotive vehicle climate system may include identifying an energy source providing energy to power the compressor and selecting an operating parameter of the climate system based on the identified energy source to control power consumption of the compressor.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a powertrain in a vehicle includes controlling a speed of an engine in the vehicle using a first engine speed control when an accelerator pedal position is less than a first predetermined position and a battery discharge limit of a battery in the vehicle is at least a predetermined discharge limit. The speed of the engine is controlled using a second engine speed control different from the first engine speed control when the accelerator pedal position is less than the first predetermined position and the battery discharge limit is less than the predetermined discharge limit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for starting an engine of a hybrid vehicle that includes two electric machines capable of starting an engine are presented. In one example, one of the two electric machines is selected to start the engine in response to degradation of one or more vehicle components and an engine start request.

Abstract: An example method includes operating an electric machine to produce a torque output and a non-torque output. The method maintains the torque output and intentionally increases the non-torque output to produce a desired condition in an electric vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle may include at least one electric machine, a traction battery, and a voltage boost converter electrically connecting the at least one electric machine and traction battery. The vehicle may further include at least one controller programmed to, in response to a request for drive mode while in a passive neutral mode, enable the boost converter and drive an output voltage of the boost converter to a predetermined target. The controller may be further programmed to, in response to the output voltage achieving the predetermined target, enable the at least one electric machine and drive a current through the at least one electric machine to zero such that an output torque of the at least one electric machine is approximately zero; and in response to the current achieving approximately zero, increase the current through the at least one electric machine such that the output torque is greater than zero.

Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, controlling a vehicle in an Electric Vehicle (EV) mode that utilizes electric-only power to propel the vehicle. The controlling step may be based on a selection of a travel range reservation.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine and a non-selectable-gear transmission having an electric machine mechanically coupled to the engine. The vehicle may have one or more controllers programmed to, in response to a request for passive neutral mode, pull-down the engine and inhibit engine pull-up while disabling the electric machine such that the vehicle coasts with minimal rotational inertia and electrical losses. The one or more controllers may be further programmed to, in response to a subsequent request for drive mode during the passive neutral mode, permit engine pull-up while enabling the electric machine such that the vehicle resumes drive.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine and a non-selectable-gear transmission having an electric machine mechanically coupled to the engine. The vehicle may have one or more controllers programmed to, in response to a request for passive neutral mode, pull-down the engine and inhibit engine pull-up while disabling the electric machine such that the vehicle coasts with minimal rotational inertia and electrical losses. The one or more controllers may be further programmed to, in response to a subsequent request for drive mode during the passive neutral mode, permit engine pull-up while enabling the electric machine such that the vehicle resumes drive.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine in a hybrid electric vehicle according to the present disclosure includes, in response to a drive motor being unavailable, commanding an engine power equal to the lesser of a first and a second power. The first power is sufficient to satisfy a driver wheel torque request at the current engine speed, and the second power corresponds to a maximum engine torque available at a target engine speed, where the target engine speed is selected to attain a desired battery state of charge.