Abstract: A pneumatic tire is provided with a carcass configured from at least one carcass ply. The carcass ply is formed by arranging, in the tire circumferential direction, rectangular sheet-shaped ply pieces, each having a radial direction length larger than a tire circumferential direction length. In each of the ply pieces, carcass cords are arranged parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction, and adjacent ply pieces at least partially overlap with each other in the tire circumferential direction, and in each of the ply pieces, the distance (Pe) between the carcass cords in at least one side edge portion in the circumferential direction of the ply piece, is larger than the distance (Pc) between the carcass cords in a central portion of the ply piece.

Abstract: A tire having a radial carcass reinforcement, composed of at least one layer of metal reinforcing elements, the said tire comprising a crown reinforcement, itself topped radially by a tread, the said tread being joined to two beads via two sidewalls. The metal reinforcing elements of at least one layer of the carcass reinforcement are cords exhibiting, in the “permeability” test, a flow rate of less than 20 cm3/min and at least one layer of the carcass reinforcement is provided, on at least one face, with textile threads exhibiting, in the “permeability” test, a flow rate of between 1 and 3 cm3/min.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire with five land parts formed by four circumferential main grooves wherein middle land parts each include a first sub groove and a second sub groove that are formed independently and arranged alternately in the tire circumferential direction on two sides of the middle land part in the tire width direction, the first sub groove being formed by the lug groove having one end thereof opening to one of the circumferential main grooves and the other end terminating in the middle land part, the second sub groove being formed by the lug groove having one end thereof opening to one of the circumferential main grooves and the other end terminating in the middle land part, and the middle land part further includes a concave part on a wall on an outer side of the middle land part in the tire width direction and spaced by each sub groove.

Abstract: A tire includes knobs that are small in relation to the size of the tire. The knobs are closely positioned together in groups and may be disposed in recesses to lower the tops of the knobs relative to the circumferential outer surface of the tire. The recesses may comprise a variety of shapes and designs. The knobs may have varying lengths, widths, heights and shapes. The knobs may also be grouped to form letters, numerals, symbols and graphic images. The size of the knobs and distance of spacing between adjacent knobs may be proportionally small in relation to the tire's width, diameter, circumference, or ridable surface area.

Abstract: Each pneumatic tire disposed on the rear wheel side has a total groove surface area ratio of 20% or more and 27% or less in ground-contacting width. Each pneumatic tire disposed on the front wheel side and the rear wheel side has a smaller groove surface area ratio on the vehicle outer side than on the vehicle inner side in the ground-contacting width. The difference in the groove surface area ratio is 7% or more and 15% or less. The total groove surface area ratio is greater on the front wheel side than on the rear wheel side, the difference in the total groove surface area ratio being 3% or more and 10% or less.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pneumatic tire 1, comprising at least one pair of parallel annular beads 3; at least one carcass ply wrapped 5 around said beads 3; a tread 7; and first and second sidewalls 9 disposed between said tread 7 and one of said at least one pair of beads 3. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the tread comprises tread blocks 11 and/or tread ribs 12, wherein the tread blocks 11 and/or tread ribs 12 comprise sipes 13 extending essentially in an axial direction A of the tire 1, the sipes 13 consisting of an upper portion 15 essentially aligned with the radial direction R of the tire and a lower portion 17 inclined in the direction of rotation D of the tire 1.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a tread, a pair of sidewalls extending from edges of the tread substantially in a radially inward direction, a pair of clinches extending from edges of the sidewalls substantially in the radially inward direction, a pair of beads positioned on axially inner sides of the clinches, and a carcass extending along an inner side of the tread and sidewalls such that the carcass is bridging the pair of beads. Each bead includes a fitting portion extending in a circumferential direction and formed to be fitted to a rim, the fitting portion has a bottom surface positioned on a radially inner side of the fitting portion and a side surface positioned on an axially outer side of the fitting portion, the bottom surface includes a heel on the axially outer side of the fitting portion, and the side surface includes a concave extending in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using a hitch connection system to attach a vehicle to a trailer. The hitch connection system includes at feast one camera and a controller. The camera is configured to collect snags data of a vehicle hitch and a trailer coupler. The controller is configured to generate an overhead view image based on the image data. The controller is farther configured to calculate a relative height between the vehicle hitch and the trailer coupler based on the image data and generate an alert when the relative height is less ton a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A suspension member for a motor vehicle including a control arm or transverse link having a ball joint seat for receiving a press-fit ball joint. The ball joint seat including a reinforcement section formed from the material of the suspension member in a region thereof provided for friction or press-fit contact with the ball joint. A method for producing the control arm or transverse link includes increasing the material thickness of the reinforcement section by deformation.

Abstract: A method for improving the safety and comfort of a vehicle driving over a railroad track, cattle guard, or the like. The method may include receiving, by a computer system, one or more inputs corresponding to one or more forward looking sensors. The computer system may also receive data characterizing a motion of the vehicle. The computer system may estimate, based on the one or more inputs and the data, a motion of a vehicle with respect to a railroad track, cattle guard, or the like extending across a road ahead of the vehicle. Accordingly, the computer system may change a suspension setting, steering setting, or the like of the vehicle to more safely or comfortably drive over the railroad track, cattle guard, or the like.

Abstract: A damping force control apparatus controlling a damping force control value for a damper whose damping force is set by the damping force control value includes: a relative velocity estimation device estimating a relative velocity of a vehicle wheel with respect to a vehicle body; and a damping force calculation device determining the damping force control value to control vibration of the vehicle body based on control input variables of the vehicle body and an estimated relative velocity, wherein the relative velocity estimation device includes an estimated damping force calculation section, a delay correction section, and a relative velocity calculation section, and the delay correction section corrects the estimated damping force and varies delay correction terms to reduce divergence between an actual measured relative velocity and the estimated relative velocity in different damping coefficients of the damper.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body panel coupled to a vehicle frame and having an outer surface and an inner surface, a thermal structure disposed proximate the inner surface of the body panel, wherein the thermal structure includes at least one of a heat-emitting portion and a heat-absorbing portion, wherein the thermal structure is in communication with the outer surface of the body panel to define an ambient temperature portion and a differential temperature portion, and wherein the differential portion is in communication with the thermal structure and cooperates with the thermal structure to generate a predetermined pattern. A controller having at least one of a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor is in communication with the outer surface of the body panel, wherein the controller operates the thermal structure according to data delivered to the controller from at least one of the humidity and temperature sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for improving air quality in a vehicle are provided. The method for improving air quality in a vehicle, includes: acquiring state information about the vehicle and/or environmental information of the vehicle; determining whether ventilation of the vehicle is to be performed according to the state information and/or the environmental information; deriving a time period for ventilation of the vehicle according to the state information and/or the environmental information if it is determined that the ventilation of the vehicle is to be performed; and performing the ventilation of the vehicle in open mode automatically for the derived time period so as to improve the air quality in the vehicle. The apparatus and the method can improve the air quality in the vehicle before a user enters the vehicle, and thus provides the user with more comfort.

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus for a vehicle includes an air-conditioning duct that includes an air supply path through which air to be supplied into an interior of the vehicle passes, a first tank to which a cool medium and a warm medium for adjusting the temperature of a first intermediate medium are supplied, a first heat exchanger that is provided in the air-conditioning duct and through which the first intermediate medium circulates from the first tank, and a controller that controls the first intermediate medium to a temperature needed to set the interior to a desired temperature.

Abstract: A method for operating an air conditioning system of a vehicle includes actuating an operating element of an air vent of the air condition system for a defined first time period, the actuating for the first time period causing activation of a control slider function for adjusting the outflow volume, actuating the operating element for a defined second time period, which is shorter than the first time period, the actuating for the second time period causing a popup menu which optically displays a numerical value of an actual outflow volume of the air vent being displayed on an onboard monitor of the vehicle, and adjusting the outflow volume with a further operating element in the popup menu and simultaneously optically displaying a numerical value of the adjusted outflow volume.

Abstract: An air exhaust device for a vehicle body panel, which can prevent the inflow of noise, dust and exhaust gas while providing a ventilation function for discharging indoor air to the outside and can enhance a stiffness around an aperture, may include a main body plate, a filtering member, and an air exhaust passage. The main body plate is coupled to the vehicle body panel to block the aperture. The filtering member is disposed in a reception part of the main body plate to block foreign substances introduced from the outside and to allow air passing through. The air exhaust passage extends from the reception part to the outside of the vehicle body panel to discharge the air passing through the filtering member to the outside.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle comprises a passenger compartment with an interior space. An HVAC system conditions fresh air from outside the vehicle, wherein the HVAC system includes a main blower for delivering conditioned air to the interior space. An air extractor valve is fluidically coupled between the interior space and the outside, wherein the air extractor valve opens in response to a higher pressure in the interior space than an outside pressure. The air extractor valve substantially blocks air flow from the outside to the interior space. A supplemental blower is integrated with the air extractor valve for directing an exhaust flow from the interior to the outside, wherein the supplemental blower is activated as a function of the main blower. Alternatively, the supplemental blower is activated in response to a door being opened, enhancing the ability of the extractor to reduce door closing effort.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration unit controls temperature within a transport refrigeration unit using a remote sensor or sensors. The transport refrigeration unit monitors cargo temperature with remote sensor(s) and air temperature to adjust air delivery speed or cooling capacity. Selected operation parameters are determined with consideration of both energy conservation and/or cargo quality. The transport refrigeration unit controls temperature using a first selected mode of operation or a second mode of operation.

Abstract: A simplified truck cap handle and lock assembly is provided. Unlike truck cap handle and lock assemblies known in the art, the assembly is comprised of a codeable lock that is disposed in a position that is not perpendicular to the glass access window of the cap. The lock of the present invention is rotated 90° from the perpendicular. Further, the lock is codeable because it is preferably keyed to match other locks and ignition key switch of the vehicle with which the assembly is used. The invention provides a unique locking structure having a number of components that form the assembly. The assembly is easy to use and easy to install in an aftermarket application. Further, the assembly can be easily converted to an electronic actuated version without any retooling of the component parts of the assembly. The assembly provides the user with tactile feedback as to its operation.

Abstract: A guide block has a guide projection wall and a guide upper wall. The guide projection wall deviates from an end of a side-held portion in the folded-back state toward the start point of folding-back while moving toward a winding shaft along the longitudinal direction of a guide rail. The guide upper wall deviates in the direction orthogonal to a plane in which a shading sheet is unrolled and toward the shading sheet and abuts on the side-held portion being unfolded while moving toward the winding shaft along the longitudinal direction of the guide rail.

Abstract: An attachable canopy for a riding lawnmower for providing a shading mechanism for a user seated on such a lawnmower includes a harness formed from a wrap around elongated strap that has a first end that is connectable to a second end, a frame which includes two elongated rods whose proximal ends are connected to opposite sides of the harness, and a canopy which is connected to the distal ends of the rods. The harness is adjustable so as to be attachable to either the seat or seat back of a riding lawnmower. In this regard, the rods which form the frame may selectively swivel at least ninety degrees so as to remain in a perpendicular orientation relative to the seat with the canopy held over the seat regardless of which structure the harness is attached to.

Abstract: A truck bed storage system includes a pair of mounting rails each having a channel, a front cover, and a rear cover. The front cover is supported by a pair of front cover hinges attached to the pair of mounting rails. The rear cover is supported by a pair of six-bar hinges attached to the pair of mounting rails. The pair of six-bar hinges each includes a pair of tabs that engage each of the channels.

Abstract: A hybrid door for an automobile, which can reduce the weight of an automobile while maintaining high strength and dent includes an outside panel configured to have a sandwich structure in which a resin layer is integrated between at least one pair of thin steel plates and disposed outside an automobile interior, and an inside panel bonded to the outside panel and disposed within the automobile interior.

Abstract: Water management for vehicles with an open top cargo bed are described. A plurality of vehicle components can form a portion of the open-top cargo bed. The plurality of vehicle components can define a gap. A seal plug can be received in the gap. The seal plug can sealingly engage the first and/or second lateral side of the gap. The seal plug can be configured to direct water away from the vehicle. For instance, the seal plug can include a deflection surface. The deflection surface can be angled downwardly and away from the gap. The seal plug can include a water drainage channel. The water drainage channel can include a first end opening to an upper surface of the seal plug and the second end opening to the deflection surface and/or other surface that slopes downwardly and away from the gap.

Abstract: A protective device for a vehicle includes a flexible cover duplicating the contours of the car, and a container, in which the flexible cover is arranged. The container can be fastened in the rear part of the vehicle with the aid of at least one fastening element. The flexible cover is polymeric, with a light-reflecting material or coating applied to one side and a light-absorbing material or coating applied to the other side. The container can be fastened on the vehicle boot or on the rear part of the vehicle roof or on the vehicle bumper. In another alternative, the container of the protective device can be fastened on the internal side of the vehicle boot lid with the aid of at least one fastening element. The protective device provides reliable and durable protection for the car from overheating in summer and from super cooling in winter.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vehicle covering structure having a plurality of tarps to cover an outer body of a vehicle frame and a pair of drag bars to provide a sweeping mechanism for clearing the plurality of tarps. Further, the vehicle covering structure comprises a holding means located on a plurality of edges of each tarp to hold the plurality of tarps. The structure being made of a waterproof material selected from a group of tarpaulin, nylon, poly vinyl chloride canvas, polyester canvas and a combination thereof, to protect the outer surface of the vehicle from hail and other falling objects.

Abstract: A power transmission system for a vehicle includes: an engine; input shafts, at least one of which configured to selectively engage with the engine, each of the input shafts being provided with a shift driving gear thereon; output shafts, each of the output shafts being provided with a shift driven gear configured to mesh with a corresponding shift driving gear; a motor power shaft configured to rotate together with one of the output shafts; and a first motor generator configured to rotate together with the motor power shaft, wherein when the motor power shaft is rotated together with one of the output shafts, the first motor generator is configured to generate electric power utilizing at least parts of power generated by the engine while the vehicle in a running state or a parking state. A vehicle including the power transmission system is also provided.

Abstract: A power transmission system for a vehicle includes: an engine; input shafts, each of the input shafts being provided with a shift driving gear thereon; output shafts, each of the output shafts being provided with a shift driven gear configured to mesh with a corresponding shift driving gear; a generator gear fixed on one of the output shafts; a reverse output gear configured to rotate together with or to disengage from a shift driving gear; an output idler gear configured to engage with one of the output shafts so as to rotate together with the output shaft or disengage from the output shaft so as to rotate with the output shaft at different speeds; a motor power shaft configured to rotate together with the generator gear; and a first motor generator configured to rotate together with the motor power shaft. A vehicle including the power transmission system is also provided.

Abstract: A grille shutter actuation system for a vehicle includes a grille shutter, a linear actuator having a cylinder with first and second orifices and a piston. The piston is connected to the grille shutter for moving same. Fluid is pumped into one of the orifices through first or second hoses for moving the piston. A bi-directional motor is connected to the pump, and a controller controls a direction of rotation of a motor shaft in response to an input. A control module provides the input to the controller which determines whether fluid is pumped into the first or second orifice dependent upon the direction of rotation of the shaft. The input is determined by the control module based on information from the controller and/or a sensor associated with the grille shutter. The pump and motor may be remotely mounted within an engine compartment, for example, a distance from the linear actuator(s).

Abstract: An exhaust pipe extends rearward of a vehicle body from an engine located forward of the rear wheels and is supported on the vehicle body frame. An exhaust muffler is coupled to a rear end of the exhaust pipe that is arranged between a pair of right and left rear wheels. A catalytic converter (catalytic device) is installed in the middle of the exhaust pipe and the exhaust pipe is deviated to one side in a horizontal direction of the vehicle body with respect to the engine and the exhaust muffler in order to position the catalytic convertor between the vehicle body frame and the rear wheels.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a vehicle prime mover based on the engagement status of one or more safety restraints of the vehicle. In various implementations the method comprises monitoring, via a RPM controller of the vehicle, an operational status of vehicle, monitoring, via the RPM controller, the engagement status at least one passenger safety restraint of the vehicle, and limiting, via the RPM controller, a rotational speed, e.g., revolutions per minute (RPM) of one or more prime mover of the vehicle when the vehicle is in a On operational status and the at least one safety restraint is in a disengaged status.

Abstract: Universal combination meters, methods for customizing a universal combination meter, and electronic dashboards are disclosed. A universal combination meter may include a processing device and a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium. The non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium may include one or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processing device to monitor one or more data transmissions between a manufacturing computer and a vehicle, determine at least one of a model and a body type of the vehicle from information in the data transmissions, retrieve at least one of an image, vehicle-specific features, and vehicle-specific information from a repository, and load the at least one of the image, the vehicle-specific features, and the vehicle-specific information for displaying. The at least one of the image, vehicle-specific features, and vehicle-specific information correspond to the at least one of the model and the body type of the vehicle.

Abstract: Cold engine mounts are known to be stiffer than desirable causing vibration from the engine to be more easily transmitted to the engine frame and cabin occupants. A system and method whereby the engine mounts are preheated before engine start is disclosed. In a prior art disclosure, the onboard battery pack is used to preheat. As cold start is the most demanding battery condition, it may be unwise to draw battery current. PHEVs are commonly coupled to an external electrical power supply for overnight charging. If such external power source is available, an indication of imminent engine start can allow engine mount preheat. Such preheat not only prevents much of the engine's vibration to be transmitted to the engine compartment, it also allows operation of fuel economy saving modes such as variable displacement when some of the engine's cylinders are turned off, a condition which exacerbates engine vibration.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a motor, a first battery, a smoothing condenser, a discharge circuit, a controller, and a collision detector. The controller allows the discharge circuit to perform high-speed discharge on at least a second condition out of a first condition and the second condition. The controller allows the discharge circuit to perform low-speed discharge on a third condition other than the first and the second conditions. The high-speed discharge includes discharging the charged charges of the smoothing condenser at a higher speed than a speed of the low-speed discharge. The first condition is a condition on which the controller senses the detection of the collision of the object by the collision detector. The second condition is a condition on which the controller senses an occurrence of abnormality that keeps the controller from sensing the detection of the collision of the object by the collision detector.

Abstract: A large electric vehicle with a detachable high voltage isolation structure is provided. Due to the detachable high voltage isolation structure, the drawbacks of repairing the high voltage components of the large electric vehicle will be overcome. All of the high voltage components are integrated into the detachable high voltage isolation structure. Consequently, the maintenance worker can repair the large electric vehicle in a safe environment.

Abstract: A vehicle control device includes motors that respectively drive front and rear, left and right wheels independently, wheel speed sensors that detect rotation speeds of the respective wheels, motor rotation speed sensors that detect rotation speeds of the motors corresponding to the respective wheels, a slip determination module that sets, as a base rotation speed, a lowest rotation speed, and performs slip determination on each wheel on the basis of the base rotation speed and the rotation speeds of the motors, a rotation speed control module that performs torque down, and calculates requested torques of the motors from redistributed torques, and a redistribution control module that redistributes a torque down amount of the slipping wheel to a non-slipping wheel to calculate the redistributed torques.

Abstract: In the case where a virtual vehicle speed selection means selects one of a first virtual vehicle speed and a second virtual vehicle speed so as to perform switching from the other one to said one of the first virtual vehicle speed and the second virtual vehicle speed, the rotation speed of an electric motor is decelerated to a threshold value with which travel of the vehicle stabilizes and the deceleration of the electric motor is stopped when the rotation speed of the electric motor becomes lower than the threshold value, and then traction of the vehicle is controlled based on the selected virtual vehicle speed.

Abstract: A slip determination system for a vehicle, which is capable of improving the determination accuracy by avoiding erroneous determination of excessive slip of wheels when a state of the wheels, driven/braked by motors, is switched. In the slip determination system according to the present invention, when first and second motor rotational speeds NMOT1 and NMOT2, which are rotational speeds of rear motors which brake/drive rear wheels WRL and WRR, reach a reference rotational speed NMREF set based on wheel rotational speeds NWFL, NWFR, NWRL, and NWRR, it is determined that excessive slip has occurred in the rear wheels WRL and WRR. When the sign of a target torque TROBJ of the rear motors is inverted, the reference rotational speed NMREF is changed to a value more difficult to be reached by the first and second motor rotational speeds NMOT1 and NMOT2, or the excessive slip determination is inhibited.

Abstract: A drive system includes an engine, an alternator coupled to the engine, the alternator being configured to power at least one auxiliary load, a traction motor system operatively coupled to drive wheels of the vehicle, the traction motor system being configured for receiving primary electrical power from the alternator and for propelling the vehicle in response to the primary electrical power, and a motor electrically connected to the traction motor system and mechanically coupled to the engine. The motor is configured to receive electrical power from the traction motor system in a dynamic braking mode of operation of the traction motor system and to communicate power to the engine during the dynamic braking mode.

Abstract: Provided is an electric construction machine adapted to prevent an electric current, after flowing in via a junction at which power transmission systems join together, from flowing into at least one connector to which an external power supply is not connected. Power transmission systems 71A, 71B, 71C connected to connectors 59A, 59B, 59C are all caused to join with a common system 73 at a junction before being connected to a control unit 35. The power transmission systems 71A, 71B, and 71C include switches 74Aa, 74Ab, 74Ba, 74Bb, 74Ca, 74Cb.

Abstract: The present invention provides a battery management apparatus and method which connect a plurality of batteries having different energy densities to each other and control power supplied through the plurality of batteries to control the driving of the driving body.

Abstract: A charging system for a vehicle includes a first energy storage device, a first DC-DC converter coupled between a DC bus and the first energy storage device, and a controller. The controller is programmed to identify charging parameters of a charging source coupleable to the first energy storage device through the first DC-DC converter, apply an optimization algorithm to iteratively define a charging power allocation to charge the first energy storage device using the charging source, and selectively control the first DC-DC converter to recharge the first energy storage device in accordance with the charging power allocation. The charging power allocation optimizes at least one of a state of charge (SOC) and a state of health (SOH) of the first energy storage device.

Abstract: A driving apparatus for an electric vehicle is provided. The driving apparatus for the electric vehicle can charge the other batteries using a charging voltage of any one battery in a state in which an engine is not driven, control a voltage generated by an integrated starter generator (ISG), selectively charge a plurality of batteries having different charging voltages without using a separate converter, and reduce a weight and volume thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing leakage magnetic flux in wireless vehicle charging systems are disclosed. A wireless power receiver may be configured to couple to a wireless field generated by a wireless power transmitter. A portion of the wireless field may comprise the leakage magnetic flux. A leakage collector comprising a ferromagnetic material may be positioned at a distance from the wireless power receiver within the wireless field and may be configured to absorb or redirect at least a portion of the leakage magnetic flux away from an outer edge of an electric vehicle.

Abstract: A mobile inductive charging station for vehicles has an overlay, a primary coil connected to the overlay, and at least one recess on an upper side of the overlay. The recess is equipped with inner side faces and is adapted to receive at least one tire contact area of a vehicle tire. The overlay has a flat underside opposed to the upper side.

Abstract: A drive over estimating unit of an electric vehicle estimates whether or not wheels of the vehicle will drive over a power supplying coil, e.g., power supplying pad, from a stopped position estimation value, e.g., a deviation amount in a direction of positional shifting of the electric vehicle with respect to the power supplying pad, and a steering angle (?? (left) or +? (right)) when the vehicle starts to move after non-contact charging thereof is completed. A notification unit issues a notification when it is estimated that the wheels of the electric vehicle will drive over the power supplying coil, e.g., power supplying pad.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a mobile machine includes a mobile body and a plurality of power transmission resonators. The mobile body is capable of being tilted in a particular direction such that a distance between a particular part opposed to a travel surface and the travel surface is reduced. The plurality of power transmission resonators are arranged at portions of the particular part of the mobile body, heights of the portions with reference to the travel surface being approximately identical with each other in a state of the mobile body being tilted.

Abstract: A charging system includes a vehicle, a charging/discharging connector, a detector, and an informing portion. The vehicle is equipped with an electric power storage device, and also includes an inlet for charging the electric power storage device. The charging/discharging connector is a connector that is attached to and detached from the inlet and that is connected to the inlet in a fully fitted state, in which charging can be performed, and a half-fitted state, in which charging is not allowed. The detector includes an electronic control unit for detecting whether a connecting state of the charging/discharging connector is the fully fitted state or the half-fitted state. The informing portion includes an indicator for informing a user of abnormal connection of the charging/discharging connector on the basis of a detection result of the electronic control unit when connection of the charging/discharging connector is the half-fitted state.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods for detecting the presence of a plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) at a location based on interval measurements from whole house electrical meters. This methodology is applicable to multiple detection algorithms and has been validated using actual PEV customer data.

Abstract: A distributed energy management method and system 100 are disclosed for managing a charge rate of an array of EVSEs 140 that share a common power source. In the disclosed method and system, control of the power sharing is distributed at the individual EVSE level. For example, each EVSE includes a communication device 540 and a controller 530. The communication device is used to receive a signal relating to a present current capacity utilization of the shared circuit, such as an indication of availability or unavailability of current capacity on the shared circuit. The controller is configured to generate a variable update interval, and initiate adjustment of the charge rate of the EVSE according to the variable update interval based on the present current capacity utilization as indicated by the received signal.