Abstract: Embodiments include a vehicle power distribution system comprising a vehicle battery having a nominal voltage; a plurality of electric loads, each load being associated with a rated voltage; and an integrated circuit coupled to the vehicle battery and comprising a plurality of solid-state circuitry blocks respectively coupled to the electric loads, each block including a circuit protection system and configured to supply the rated voltage associated with the electric load coupled to the block. Embodiments also includes a vehicle power distribution module comprising an integrated circuit configured to receive a first voltage from a vehicle battery and to supply respective rated voltages to a plurality of electric loads, the integrated circuit comprising a plurality of solid-state circuitry blocks, and each circuitry block including a circuit protection system and being coupled to a respective one of the electric loads.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a processor in communication with a nomadic device and programmed to receive calendar information from the nomadic device, parse the calendar information for a calendar entry based on a predefined time window, and adjust, by the processor, a vehicle setting for a vehicle feature associated with one or more categorized items correlated with the calendar entry.

Abstract: A selectively deployable lower rear bumper for the back end of a school bus. The deployable bumper is mounted using a support frame including mounting holes for connection to the bus frame and a deployment frame is moveably connected to the support frame. A bumper bar is connected to the deployment frame and a deployment motivator is connected to the support frame and the deployment frame to move the bumper bar between a retracted position and an extended position. Various circuit interfaces are electrically connected to the bus circuit and the deployment motivator for automatic operation of the deployment motivator.

Abstract: An electronic module assembly for controlling the deployment of one or more airbags in an aircraft includes a power source, a crash sensor configured to produce a signal in response to a crash event and an accelerometer that is configured to produce a signal in response to a crash event. A processor starts a timer upon detection of the signal from the crash sensor. When the processor receives a signal from the crash sensor, the processor is configured to determine if a signal has also been received from the accelerometer and if signals from both the crash sensor and the accelerometer indicate a crash event then the processor reads a memory associated with an inflator. The processor reads a timing value selected for the inflator and fires the inflator when the timer has a value equal to the timing value selected for the inflator.

Abstract: Systems and method are provided for controlling a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method for selecting a driving mode for a vehicle includes receiving occupant preference information indicative of whether an occupant prefers that the vehicle operating in a driving mode (e.g., a sport mode), receiving a set of vehicle state parameters indicative of whether the operational state of the vehicle is conducive to the driving mode, and receiving a set of occupant state parameters indicative of the state of one or more occupants of the vehicle. The method further includes selecting a driving mode based on the occupant preference information, the set of vehicle state parameters, and the occupant state parameters, and then engaging vehicle tuning parameters for the vehicle based on the selected driving mode.

Abstract: A method for activating a passenger protection device of a vehicle. A relative velocity value, which represents a relative velocity between the vehicle and an object, and at least one correction value are read in. In a further step, a velocity reduction value, which represents a decrease of a velocity of the vehicle when the vehicle collides with the object, is ascertained using the relative velocity value and the correction value. Finally, an activation signal for activating the passenger protection device is generated using the velocity reduction value.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing aircraft airbag initiators in air bag systems includes: providing a diagnostic circuit per aircraft seat, the diagnostic circuit being in a normally off condition and enabled by a user activation; providing a power supply independent of aircraft power; providing a momentary switch; providing a visual indicator; receiving a signal indicating user activation of the momentary switch; and responsive to receiving the signal: completing a circuit, regulating a current into the diagnostic circuit to prevent a squib from firing during diagnostic evaluation; detecting a voltage; and providing feedback to the user.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus includes a seat for an occupant of a vehicle and an airbag device. The airbag device includes a front airbag configured to deploy in front of an upper body of the occupant in the seat. The front airbag is capable of deploying so as to receive the upper body that has been displaced forward from a seating position on the seat. The front airbag includes a pair of shoulder-receiving projections capable of receiving both shoulders of the upper body that has been displaced forward from the seating position by projecting rearward at both sides of the front airbag in a vehicle width direction of the vehicle in a deployed state.

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt system is provided. The vehicle seat belt system includes a seat belt comprising a tubular seat belt webbing defining a passageway and a plurality of pressure control valves and a seat belt buckle for connecting to the seat belt. The seat belt buckle has an air delivery port for delivering air to the passenger, and an air delivery device supplies air to the seat belt, wherein the valves allow the supplied air to exit the seat belt at a first air pressure and block air from exiting at a second pressure.

Abstract: A vehicular occupant restraining device, that includes: an inside air bag arranged on an inner side, in a vehicle width direction, of a side frame in a side section, the inside air bag receiving a gas supply from a second inflator, the inside air bag deploying by inflation in the side section earlier and at a higher pressure than a side air bag, and the inside air bag pressing a seated occupant to an inner side in the vehicle width direction. The inside air bag is configured so as to deploy by inflation in a region more to a vehicle upper side than a second-from-bottom rib of six ribs provided in a torso of an AM50 type international standard side collision dummy, in a state in which the dummy is seated in the vehicular seat.

Abstract: A roof airbag apparatus may include: a gas injector configured to inject gas; a tether guide disposed along the longitudinal direction of a roof; a chamber part connected to the tether guide, and deployed by gas received from the gas injector; and a chamber moving part installed in the chamber part, and moving the chamber part while being pressed by the gas transferred to the chamber part.

Abstract: An airbag assembly includes a base, an airbag supported by the base and defining an inflation chamber, an external tether, and an internal tether. The airbag includes a panel and an extension extending transverse to the panel. The panel includes an internal surface facing the inflation chamber and an external surface facing away from the inflation chamber. The external tether extends from the extension to the external surface of the panel. The internal tether extends from the base to the internal surface of the panel. During a vehicle impact, the momentum of the occupant may move the occupant towards the extension. The extension may absorb energy from the occupant and reduce or prevent the head of the occupant from sliding across the panel and/or rotating.

Abstract: A heat-resistance increasing fabric sheet for an airbag is used in an airbag that is deployed and inflated by inflation gas discharged from a gas outlet portion of an inflator. The heat-resistance increasing fabric sheet is configured to increase the heat resistance of a member subjected to an increase in heat resistance. The heat-resistance increasing fabric sheet includes a base fabric sheet, a heat-resistant layer, and a top coat layer. The base fabric sheet is made of cotton fibers and arranged between the member subjected to an increase in heat resistance and the gas outlet portion. The heat-resistant layer is made of aluminum foil laminated on a surface of the base fabric sheet that faces the gas outlet portion. The top coat layer is made of a plastic film laminated on a surface of the heat-resistant layer that faces the gas outlet portion.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat back and a headrest adjustably coupled to the seat back. The headrest defines a first guide passage and a second guide passage, each extending through the headrest. The seat assembly includes a retractor and a belt. The belt extends continuously from a first end to a second end. The first end is engaged with the retractor. The belt has a looped portion from the first guide passage to the second guide passage. The belt extends from the looped portion through the first guide passage to the first end, and extends from the looped portion through the second guide passage to the second end.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor that has a simple structure, easy to manufacture and operates accurately is provided, and a seat belt apparatus provided with the seat belt retractor is also provided. The seat belt retractor includes energy absorbing mechanisms that absorb and alleviate the energy of a vehicle occupant by limiting a load applied to a seat belt. The energy absorbing mechanisms is coaxially incorporated in a spool, whose one end portion is retained by the spool and the other end can be locked by the lock mechanism, and obtains a rotational force when being twisted.

Abstract: A seat assembly comprises a seat. The seatbelt securing system further comprises a seatbelt coupled to the seat. The seatbelt comprises a first strap and a second strap. The seatbelt further comprises a latch configured to selectively secure the first strap relative to the second strap. The latch further comprises a latch sensor configured to provide a secured indication in response to detection that the latch properly secures the first strap of the seatbelt to the second strap of the seatbelt and provide an unsecured indication in response to detection that the latch does not properly secure the first strap of the seatbelt to the second strap of the seatbelt. The latch further comprises a latch indicator to provide a warning in response to the unsecured indication.

Abstract: A vehicle access and control system includes an activation system, a vehicle control system, a communication system provided in the vehicle, a computer system mounted in the vehicle, and a vehicle access control system including a processor, a non-volatile memory, and a set of instructions stored on the non-volatile memory. The set of instructions, when executed by the processor, causing the processor to receive a user specific identification input, access a user profile associated with the user specific identification input, determine, from the user profile, system permissions associated with the user specific identification input, and manage access to one or more of the activation system, vehicle control system, communication system, and the computer system based on the system permissions.

Abstract: An antitheft security system for a motor vehicle includes a license plate locking mechanism and a control module. The license plate locking mechanism functions to secure a license plate to the motor vehicle. The control module includes a controller configured to interrupt power from a power source of the motor vehicle in response to disconnection of the license plate from the motor vehicle. A related antitheft method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for authenticating a vehicle equipped with a passive keyless entry and start system. The method includes sending a request for unlock or ignition start from the key fob to a vehicle's network access device (NAD), sending a first challenge signal from the NAD to the key fob, determining if the key fob is within range of the NAD, sending a second challenge signal from the NAD to the mobile device, determining if the mobile device is within range of the NAD, and sending a warning to the mobile device when the key fob or mobile device is not within range of the NAD.

Abstract: A system and method for wirelessly generating a roster of drivers and passengers in transportation vehicles. A driver's or passenger's smartphone can communicate using short-range communications with the vehicle, or a smartphone in the vehicle, so that the ID associated with the phone can be linked to a vehicle ID, date and time stamped, and stored in a log or database. Any unauthorized person can be refused admittance (by not permitting the vehicle to start or otherwise being denied the right to be a driver or passenger). A downloaded application is used for this purpose. The invention also can include a secure, remote database as well as a mobile device such as a smartphone running the application, a wireless receiver/transmitter in the vehicle, and a wireless communication network such as a cellular network.

Abstract: A device and a method for detecting tampering of a vehicle and notifying an owner of the vehicle are disclosed. The device is placed at a rearview mirror of the vehicle. The device comprises at least one Infrared Light Emitting Diode (LED) to detect presence of a vehicle key in the vehicle. The device comprises a motion sensor to detect motion or movement of the vehicle. The device comprises a camera to detect presence of an occupant in the vehicle and to capture an image of the occupant in the vehicle. When the motion sensor detects motion of the vehicle or the camera captures movement of the occupant in the vehicle when the vehicle key is not in the vehicle, the device transmits a notification to an owner of the vehicle. The notification includes an audible alarm or vibration. Further, the device transmits the notification to a home speaker placed in a house of the owner of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a wiper device (1) comprising: a driving arm (7) configured to transmit a wiping movement and having a longitudinal end (8), a windscreen wiper (3), a fixing device (5) disposed between the longitudinal end (8) of the arm (7) and the windscreen wiper (3), wherein the wiper (3) is equipped with at least one electrical element (23), characterized in that the longitudinal end (8) of the arm (7) is equipped with a sending coil (27) and in that the wiper (3) is equipped at the level of the fixing device (5) with a receiving coil (29), the cooperation of the sending coil (27) with the receiving coil (29) enabling supply of power to said electrical element (23) by magnetic induction.

Abstract: Clip (15) for a wiper blade (10), which clip is configured to be interposed between an end-piece (22) of the blade (10) and an aerodynamic spoiler (20) of a longitudinal cover member of the blade (10), characterized in that the said clip (15) comprises first means (25) able to collaborate by friction and/or anchorage with the end-piece (22) and second means (27) able to collaborate by friction and/or anchorage with the spoiler (20).

Abstract: An end cap for a wiper assembly includes a body adapted to be disposed over a portion of a plurality of splines of the wiper assembly. The body includes a separator adapted to cooperate with the splines of the wiper assembly to separate and retain the splines laterally from movement for a wiping element of the wiper assembly disposed between the splines.

Abstract: A washing apparatus is provided for a sensor enclosure. That washing apparatus includes a wiper assembly and a control module. The control module is configured to displace a wiper blade of the wiper assembly between a stowed position free of the sensor enclosure and a deployed position engaging the sensor enclosure.

Abstract: A lighted conveyor assembly for a vehicle wash system for moving a vehicle through a vehicle wash process including a vehicle treatment area and including a pair of guide rails for engaging the wheels of the vehicle to keep it on the conveyor. The guide rails including a protective sheath disposed thereon for preventing damage to the wheels of the vehicle. The protective sheath is made of a translucent material and contains a light source, which may be an LED strip light, and is configured to emit light that can be seen by a vehicle occupant in the vehicle treatment area. The light source may display a variety of patterns or effects, including specific colors or patterns to indicate that associated features of the car wash process are active. The light source may also be seen from outside of the treatment area to provide a positive impression for potential customers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a construction machine, said construction machine comprising a brake assembly for braking the machine, as well as an operator platform. The operator platform comprises at least one operator seat with a total of at least two operating positions for a machine operator at opposite ends of the operator platform, and an actuation device for foot actuation of the brake assembly. According to essential aspects of the present invention, the actuation device for the brake assembly comprises a brake beam which extends transversely to the working direction of the construction machine and which can be operated by foot from said two operating positions, and the actuation device further comprises an actuator for the brake beam, which is arranged below the brake beam.

Abstract: A wheel speed sensor driving mechanism includes a motorcycle front wheel hub axle tube having chamfered driving blocks equiangularly spaced around an inner perimeter thereof, a follower unit concentrically mounted in the motorcycle front wheel hub axle tube and having chamfered ribs equiangularly arranged around the periphery of one end of the worm wheel and a mounting groove defined between each two adjacent ribs for receiving the chamfered driving blocks. Further, the number of the ribs of the follower unit is divisible by the number of the driving blocks of the motorcycle front wheel hub axle tube.

Abstract: An electric brake control apparatus includes: a clamping force acquisition unit configured to acquire a clamping force generated by moving a piston toward a pad through rotation of a motor; a lower-limit clamping force acquisition unit configured to acquire a minimum value of the clamping force required to maintain a stopped state of the rotor; an upper-limit clamping force acquisition unit configured to acquire a maximum value of the clamping force to move the piston away from the pad through a power of a power supply while maintaining the stopped state of the rotor, based on a state of a power supply; and a clamping force control unit configured to control the motor such that the clamping force is confined between the minimum value and the maximum value.

Abstract: A method for operating an electronic brake system in a vehicle having at least two tires on an axle, wherein the vehicle has a center of gravity (SP) with a height (hSP), is disclosed. According to the method, the height (hSP) of the center of gravity (SP) is calculated and used as a parameter by the electronic brake system. An electronic control unit, an electronic brake system, and a vehicle including the same for carrying out the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle including providing a system having a plurality of brakes and a curve detecting mechanism. Each brake of the plurality of brakes is configured to slow rotation of a respective wheel. The method further includes detecting a curve in a forward travel path of the vehicle using the curve detecting mechanism. At least two brakes but fewer than all of the plurality of brakes are pre-filled in response to the detection of a curve.

Abstract: A method for operating an automated parking brake in a motor vehicle, having a hydraulic actuator for producing a hydraulic force component and an electromechanical actuator for producing an electromechanical force component, includes superimposing the hydraulic force component and the electromechanical force component to obtain a total clamping force for a parking brake operation, and maintaining the total clamping force by self-locking of the parking brake. The method further comprises during the parking brake operation, setting at least one defined hydraulic pressure level using the hydraulic actuator, and locking-in a defined hydraulic pressure level with a valve when the at least one defined hydraulic pressure level is reached.

Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a motion status of a vehicle, a control device, plurality of data acquisition sensors, and one or more alerting device activation circuits. The communication system is customizable with the plurality of data acquisition sensors and one or more alerting device activation circuits based upon the needs of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system includes a wheel cylinder, a master cylinder, a brake pedal operable to transmit a user input force to the master cylinder, a primary braking unit including a first electronically controlled pressure generating unit distinct from the master cylinder and operable to generate a braking force at the wheel cylinder in a first mode of operation, a secondary braking unit including a second electronically controlled pressure generating unit distinct from the master cylinder and operable to generate a braking force at the wheel cylinder in a second mode of operation and a pedal feel simulator operable to provide feedback to the brake pedal according to a fixed characteristic of the pedal feel simulator defining a predetermined force-stroke relationship relating a travel distance of the brake pedal to the user input force.

Abstract: An electric automobile braking device includes a master cylinder that has no vacuum booster and a hydraulic booster device that can increase a brake fluid pressure generated by the master cylinder. Switching is possible between a normal braking mode in which hydraulic braking and regenerative braking are used in combination when a percentage charge of a battery is less than a threshold value and a regenerative braking restriction mode in which hydraulic braking is permitted and regenerative braking is restricted when the percentage charge is a threshold value or greater. In the regenerative braking restriction mode, when a depressing force of a brake pedal by a driver exceeds a first depressing force over a predetermined period of time, an operation of the hydraulic booster device is suppressed.

Abstract: A braking method is used for a vehicle that has at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel. A hydraulically actuatable brake is provided at the front wheel and the rear wheel, and an automatic parking brake is provided at the rear wheel. The braking method enables an optimal brake pressure to be built up as rapidly as possible. In a first step of an initiation phase of the braking method, the front wheel is braked by the hydraulically actuatable brakes and the rear wheel is braked exclusively by the automatic parking brake.

Abstract: A compressed air supply system for supplying compressed air to a pneumatic system is disclosed. The compressed air supply system comprises a compressed air input port, a compressed air output port and a vent port, a pneumatic main pipe arranged between the compressed air input port and the compressed air output port, a pneumatic vent pipe arranged between the compressed air output port and the vent port and connected to the pneumatic main pipe, a purge valve arranged in the pneumatic vent pipe for venting the compressed air supply system, a regeneration valve for controlling a regeneration flow of compressed air through an air dryer arranged in the main pipe, a governor valve for generating a pressure signal, and a first and a second pneumatic control pipe.

Abstract: A brake system for vehicles, comprising hydraulically actuatable wheel brakes, a first electrohydraulic brake control device, having an associated pressure-medium. The first brake control device comprises a first pressure-providing device for supplying the wheel brakes. An inlet valve and an outlet valve for setting wheel-specific brake pressures, and a wheel-specific output pressure connection connected to the pressure-medium reservoir by the outlet valves. A second electrohydraulic brake control device, comprises a second pressure-providing device with a first pump having a suction side and a pressure side for supplying a first wheel brake of the wheel brakes. The second brake control device is connected downstream of the first brake control device and the suction side of the first pump is connected to a first of the output pressure connections of the first brake control device. A check valve is connected in parallel with the outlet valve of the first output pressure connection.

Abstract: A brake booster for a brake master cylinder including a drive motor connected via a linkage to a pressure piston for the brake master cylinder, the linkage having a rotatable spindle nut having an internal thread and a nonrotatable, axially displaceable spindle rod having an external thread, the threads interengaging to convert a rotational motion of the drive motor into a translational motion of the spindle rod in order to displace the pressure piston. The spindle nut has an external tooth set that is in engagement with an internal tooth set of a annular drive gear of the linkage. The spindle nut is axially displaceable with respect to the annular drive gear. Except for a first tooth flank of a tooth, which extends in a first axial portion in its longitudinal extent toward an oppositely located tooth flank, tooth flanks of the internal and external tooth sets extend axially.

Abstract: An air dryer assembly with manifold system provides increased drying capacity for pressurized air systems, such as vehicle braking systems. A manifold connected to the supply ports of two adjacent air dryers allows parallel flow of air through the separate air dryers. An identical manifold connects to the delivery ports of the two air dryers to combine the clean, dry air from the delivery ports. Similar manifolds connect the control and purge ports of the dryers to allow simultaneous regeneration of the desiccant canisters. An assembly combining two air dryers, two pretreatment units, and manifolds connecting the supply, delivery, control, and purge ports of two air dryers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pneumatic brake actuator has a housing and a divider that divides the housing into a spring chamber containing a spring and a pressure chamber. The divider has an opening that receives an end of an actuator tube. A bearing that is positioned within the opening in the divider is joined to both the divider and the actuator tube. A caging bolt has a first end positioned within the actuator tube and extends from the first end through openings in the bearing and housing to a second end positioned outside of the housing. The connection between the bearing, divider and actuator tube contains the spring within the housing in the event that the housing and/or divider fails. The divider can be a piston or a diaphragm and pressure plate. The bearing can be joined to either of the divider and actuator tube with threads and/or by welding.

Abstract: A method includes controlling an electrified vehicle by automatically engaging a braking device if the electrified vehicle is in park and an engine start or stop request has been received. Controlling the electrified vehicle includes preventing a brake lamp from illuminating during engagement of the braking device.

Abstract: A control apparatus includes a diesel engine having a throttle valve and a fuel injection valve, an electric driving machine that assists in drive of the engine, and a controller configured to stop the engine automatically when a first condition for automatically stopping the engine is established during an operation of the engine. At this time, the controller is configured to operate the throttle valve to a closing side in response to establishment of a second condition that is established prior to establishment of the first condition, and stop supply of fuel by the fuel injection valve in response to subsequent establishment of the first condition.

Abstract: A vehicle drive includes a gear set, a first motor/generator coupled to the gear set, a second motor/generator at least selectively rotationally engaged with the gear set, an engine at least selectively coupled to the gear set and selectively coupled to the second motor/generator, and a clutch configured to selectively engage the second motor/generator to the engine. The first motor/generator and the second motor/generator are electrically coupled without an energy storage device configured to at least one of (a) provide electrical energy to the first motor/generator or the second motor/generator to power the first motor/generator or the second motor/generator and (b) be charged by electrical energy from the first motor/generator or the second motor/generator.

Abstract: A system includes a power source to generate power to propel the vehicle, and a speed sensor to detect a current speed. The system also includes a camera to detect image data corresponding to a current roadway, and a GPS sensor to detect location data corresponding to a current location of the vehicle. The system also includes an ECU. The ECU is designed to determine a target vehicle speed based on at least one of the image data or the location data. The ECU is also designed to calculate an energy-efficient acceleration pattern to accelerate the vehicle from the current speed to the target vehicle speed based on a goal to minimize energy usage of the power source. The ECU is also designed to control the power source to accelerate the vehicle from the current speed to the target vehicle speed using the energy-efficient acceleration pattern.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling an engine idle-stop based on upcoming traffic and road conditions. In one example, a method may include receiving data including traffic information and road characteristics immediately ahead of a vehicle from one or more remote sources, and adjusting one or more vehicle thresholds based on the received data. A duration of a prospective engine idle-stop may be estimated based on the received data and an engine idle-stop may be initiated based on the duration of the prospective engine idle-stop and the adjusted one or more vehicle threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide control the amount of battery SOC of a hybrid vehicle prior to reaching a downgrade section of roadway in order to offset the amount of energy that the hybrid vehicle will recuperate when traveling the downgrade. Navigation systems and methods are used to identify upcoming road conditions, such as downgrades. In this way, the battery SOC of the hybrid vehicle can maintain the capacity to allow a motor of the hybrid vehicle to assist in decelerating the hybrid vehicle during the downgrade if need be. Additionally, a situation where the battery is fully charged before reaching the end of the downgrade is avoided, which if not, could result in overcharging the battery, or having to switch to an engine-only mode of travel, where a driver must supplement engine braking with friction braking.

Abstract: An engine (2) of a hybrid vehicle (1) is configured to operate along a prescribed operation line in an operation property diagram of the engine. In addition to a first operation line (A) that optimizes fuel economy, a second operation line (B) that minimizes undesired emission of particulate matter is defined. The two operation lines substantially coincide with each other in a certain region of the diagram. A control unit (7) of the vehicle switches the operating condition between the first operation line and the second operation line when the first operation line and the second operation line substantially coincide with each other.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle including a gradient acquiring portion which acquires a gradient of a road surface on which the vehicle is running, and a control portion which determines whether the vehicle runs on a first driving by means of power from the motor by releasing the engagement and disengagement portion, or on a second driving by means of power from at least the internal combustion engine by applying the engagement and disengagement portion. The control portion restricts a switch from the second driving to the first driving when the gradient of the downward slope is equal to or greater than a threshold value. The control portion holds the second driving when the switch from the second driving to the first driving is restricted, even though the control portion obtains a request for a switch to the first driving while the vehicle runs the downward slope on the second driving.

Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an electrical machine for driving the hybrid vehicle is provided, where the internal combustion engine is supplied with fuel from a fuel tank, a fuel filling level of the fuel tank being determined using a fuel filling level sensor, wherein the electrical machine is supplied with electrical energy from an energy store, and the vehicle is configured to be driven in a purely electric mode, with the internal combustion engine switched off, using the electrical machine. In certain embodiments, the method includes establishing that the fuel filling level sensor indicates that a lower filling level has been reached or undershot, and, in response to this establishing, switching off the internal combustion engine and driving the vehicle in the purely electric mode, with the internal combustion engine switched off, using the electrical machine.