Abstract: During execution of an auto cruise function, in response to selection of a power mode, when an measured accelerator opening Acc is less than a preset opening Accref, a hybrid vehicle of the invention sets a power mode cancellation flag Fpmc to 1 and a power mode enabling flag Fpm to 0 (steps S540 and S550). This prohibits the use of an accelerator opening setting map in the power mode for execution of the auto cruise function. In the power mode, in response to an instruction for enabling the auto cruise function, the hybrid vehicle keeps the power mode enabling flag Fpm to the setting of 1 (step S560) as long as the measured accelerator opening Acc is not less than the preset opening Accref. This allows the use of the accelerator opening setting map in the power mode for execution of the auto cruise function.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a drive motor (15) that generates a drive torque to be transmitted to drive wheels (18), a power supply source (12, 17) that includes, at least, a generator (12), and supplies power to the drive motor (15), and a programmable controller (20).

Abstract: An integrated and hybrid energy provider and storage device system for enhancing the energy efficiency and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions particularly for systems that utilize energy in a discrete and discontinuous manner, such as plug-in hybrid vehicles is provided. The system provides automated means to generate power, distribute the preferably locally generated power to a multiplex array of energy storage devices in a dynamic manner. The system, when utilizing dynamic algorithms, preferably meets the complex demands of often conflicting energy storage device requirements and real-time demand loads in-conjunction with dynamic switching between energy storage devices to enhance the performance and effectiveness that is beneficial to both the aggregate energy efficiency and the individual owner demands of each energy storage device.

Abstract: A path-dependent control of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) includes segmenting a route into segments, generating a sequence of battery state-of-charge (SoC) set-points for the segments, and controlling the vehicle in accordance with the battery SoC set-points as the vehicle travels along the route.

Abstract: A path-dependent control of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) includes segmenting an original route into segments. A virtual route based on the remaining portion of the original route is generated once the HEV reaches a current segment of the original route. The virtual route includes a first segment corresponding to the current segment of the original route and a last segment representing at least two other segments of the remaining portion of the original route. Battery SoC set-points for the segments of the virtual route are generated. The vehicle is controlled according to the battery SoC set-point for the first segment of the virtual route as the vehicle travels along the current segment of the original route.

Abstract: A driving assistance apparatus mounted to a vehicle is provided. The driving assistance apparatus includes: an information acquisition component configured to acquire information on at least one of a route condition in a predetermined region of a future travel path of the vehicle, a present vehicle condition, and a past operation condition; a prediction component configured to predict, based on the information acquired by the information acquisition component, whether fuel efficiency of the vehicle is degraded in the future travel path; and a notification component configured to notify an operation for improvement of the fuel efficiency of the vehicle to an occupant of the vehicle in advance in cases where the fuel efficiency of the vehicle is predicted to be degraded in the future travel path.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle, an ECU executes drive control of an EHC. For the control, the ECU first executes low-voltage drive in which a drive voltage is reduced to 50 V when an energization request of the EHC is made. Then, based on a resistance value of the EHC, the ECU detects whether or not electric leakage is caused by dew formation of condensed water in the EHC. Consequently, if the electric leakage is detected, the energization of the EHC is inhibited. If electric leakage is not detected, the drive voltage Vd is increased to 200 V for normal drive to heat a catalyst by the EHC.

Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one electromotor for driving the vehicle, an actuator for controlling the supply of electric power to the electromotor, and a power system for providing electric power to the electromotor. The power system includes an energy storage, an energy meter for measuring the energy condition of the energy storage, a power generator for generating electric power, and a computer system. The energy storage supplies power to the electromotor. The power generator supplies energy to the energy storage. The computer system controls the power supplied by the power generator so that the energy storage is able to provide the electromotor with the power the electromotor needs for driving the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle electrical system of a motor vehicle, the vehicle electrical system having at least two onboard subsystems having different electrical voltages, and a coupling is provided which allows a flow of electrical energy between the onboard subsystems, the one onboard subsystem being connected to a generator and/or at least one electrical consumer, and the other onboard subsystem being connected to at least one electrical consumer. In the event of a fault, the voltage supplied by the generator is lowered to a value that poses no risk to persons, yet an energy flow from the onboard subsystem having the generator to the other onboard subsystem having the consumer taking place nevertheless.

Abstract: The present invention features a system and method for displaying a power status of a hybrid vehicle, which can provide more extensive and detailed information such as a power status of a motor and an engine, a battery charge/discharge status, an operational status of an engine brake, etc. during running of the hybrid vehicle. In embodiments of the present invention, the power ratio of the motor and the engine is displayed using a bar graph including a bar and a separator. In further embodiments, the status information of the motor and the engine, such as a battery charge/discharge status by a motor, an operational status of an engine brake, etc., is displayed in different colors, thereby allowing a driver to visually and easily recognize the displayed information.

Abstract: A vehicle electronic control system includes a first electronic control unit that completes execution of a first control process in a predetermined time, and a second electronic control unit connected to the first electronic control unit that executes a second control process inseparable from the first control process. The first electronic control unit transmits a synchronization signal at periods sufficiently less than the predetermined time. The second electronic control unit starts execution of the second control process with reference to the synchronization signal received.

Abstract: A kinetic energy recovery and electric drive system for automotive vehicles comprises an electric pancake motor-generator (11, 211) having its stator housing (14, 214) coupled, combined or integrated with the gearbox housing (18, 218) of a gearbox (216) or final drive mechanism (16) and its rotor shaft (12, 212) oriented vertically and perpendicular to the drive-shaft (21, 234) or drive axle (20) of the vehicle. In certain embodiments the pancake motor rotor (10, 110, 210) may be fitted or integral with a perpendicular peripheral stiffening flange (113A, 113B, 213) in which is located a plurality of equally spaced permanent magnets (32, 132) of alternating polarity that electromagnetically engage with electromagnets (128A, 128B) of the pancake motor-generator stator.

Abstract: A vehicle is a hybrid vehicle including an engine driven by fuel, and the vehicle includes a motor-generator driven by electric power and a charge plug to which a connector is removably connected, the charge plug being capable of at least one of being supplied with electric power from the connector and supplying electric power to the connector. An engine is arranged to be offset toward one side surface and the charge plug is provided in the other side surface.

Abstract: Managing energy capacity in an electric vehicle based on a driver profile. This is achieved by various means, including interactively determining a travel plan with a user, calculating a total travel distance for the travel plan, determining how far the electric vehicle can travel based on its current energy level, and creating an energy replenishment plan based on the travel plan, the total travel distance, how far the vehicle can currently travel, and the driver profile.

Abstract: In a vehicle control for a vehicle that includes: an internal combustion engine; a vehicle-driving rotary electric machine that generates drive force on a drive wheel; and an electricity storage device that supplies electric power to the vehicle-driving rotary electric machine, the internal combustion engine includes an exhaust passageway, a catalyst provided in the exhaust passageway, and a heater device that heats the catalyst by using electric power from the electricity storage device. The vehicle control includes determining whether an execution condition that a state of the drive wheel is changing between a slipping state and a gripped state is satisfied; and executing a control for causing the electric power generated by the vehicle-driving rotary electric machine to be consumed by the heater device if the execution condition is satisfied.

Abstract: An ECU executes a program including the steps of: setting a target boost voltage to a maximum value when a request for changing a sub power supply is made; temporarily increasing discharge electric power of a main power supply and then restricting discharge electric power of the sub power supply before switching; shutting off a gate of a converter on the sub power supply side; performing processing for shutting off an SMR corresponding to the sub power supply before switching; connecting an SMR corresponding to a sub power supply after switching when an absolute value of a current is equal to or lower than a predetermined value; canceling shut-off of the gate of the converter on the sub power supply side; canceling temporary increase in discharge electric power of the main power supply and restriction of discharge electric power of the sub power supply; and canceling the setting of the maximum value as the target boost voltage.

Abstract: A vehicle is a hybrid vehicle including an engine driven by fuel, and the vehicle includes a motor-generator driven by electric power and a charge plug to which a connector is removably connected, the charge plug being capable of at least one of being supplied with electric power from the connector and supplying electric power to the connector. An engine is arranged to be offset toward one side surface and the charge plug is provided in the other side surface.

Abstract: An electric power accumulating means (30) includes a DC bus connected to an electric power accumulator (19) and supplies a direct current, a smoothing capacitor provided to the DC bus, and a voltage detector (23) that detects a voltage of the DC bus. The generator (12) generates an induced voltage E by being rotationally driven by an engine (11) when starting the engine (11). Degaussing of a permanent magnet of the generator is determined by performing a comparison between the induced voltage E detected by the voltage detector (23) and a previously set reference induced voltage RE.

Abstract: On a display, a running power determined in accordance with an accelerator position or the like is displayed. When the hybrid vehicle is controlled in a CS mode, the running power is displayed together with eco-acceleration power greater than a first engine starting power. When the hybrid vehicle is controlled in a CD mode, the running power is displayed together with a second engine starting power in place of the eco-acceleration power. The engine is stopped when the running power is smaller than the first engine starting threshold value in the CS mode. The engine is driven when the running power is equal to or greater than the first engine starting threshold value in the CS mode. The engine is stopped when the running power is smaller than a second engine starting threshold value in the CD mode. The engine is driven when the running power is equal to or greater than the second engine starting threshold value in the CD mode.

Abstract: A vehicle has a powertrain including an engine and at least one electric machine. A method for maximizing range capability of the vehicle while operating in an electric vehicle operating state includes determining an incipient electric vehicle operating state of the powertrain, setting a preferred charge/discharge rate of an electric energy storage device to a maximum charging rate, and controlling the powertrain to an operating state including an engine state that is ON to effect charging the electrical energy storage device based on the maximum charging rate.

Abstract: A multi-axle hybrid drive system for a vehicle which comprises a first unit (4) with an internal combustion engine (5), a separator clutch and a semi-automatic gearshift transmission (6) that is associated with a first, mechanically driven axle (7) of the vehicle. At least one further unit (10), with either wheel-hub motors (8) or with a conventional electric axle drive in combination with an electric machine, such that, in each case, a unit (10) is associated with a respective electrically driven axle (9) of the vehicle. During a gearshift, the vehicle (1) can be driven by the unit (10) associated with the electrically driven axle (9) such that the traction force interruption, occurring in the semi-automatic gearshift transmission (6) during a gearshift, is compensated.

Abstract: An exemplary system and method for use in cold environments in order to heat a high voltage vehicle battery, such as the type commonly found in hybrid vehicles. Some high voltage vehicle batteries—like those based on lithium-ion chemistries—perform better when their battery temperature is in a certain temperature range. In an exemplary embodiment, a battery heating system includes a switch, a battery heater and a high voltage vehicle battery, and initially uses electrical power from an external power source to heat the battery and then uses electrical power from an internal power source to heat the battery. The switch determines which power source is used to heat the battery, and may be dictated by whether the battery heating system is plugged into the external power source and/or a vehicle propulsion system is active, to cite several possibilities.

Abstract: A battery unit heating apparatus installed in a vehicle which drive by power from at least one of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor which is driven by a battery unit as a power supply, includes: an induction unit for drawing in air for heating the battery unit; and an induction control unit for controlling the induction unit, when a temperature of the battery unit is lower than a first predetermined value, so as to generate a drawing force larger than a drawing force resulting when the vehicle is set to the other mode of two modes having different drive ratios of the internal combustion engine to the electric motor while the vehicle is running in such a state that the vehicle is set to one of the two modes in which the electric motor is employed more positively than the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for controlling a battery pulse heating mode of a traction battery of a hybrid vehicle. The method includes detecting a traction battery temperature (T) upon start-up of the hybrid vehicle. The method then includes determining a dependency of fuel consumption (V) during a battery pulse heating mode on the distance (W) travelled for at least one predefined road type at the detected traction battery temperature (T). The method continues by displaying the determined dependency on a display device (50), using an input device (60) to select whether a battery pulse heating mode should be carried out; and controlling the battery pulse heating mode as a function of the selection.

Abstract: An electric drive vehicle includes a vehicle main body 10, a battery 12, a power generating unit 11 that charges to the battery 12, an operating condition setting switch 40 capable of setting an operating condition of the power generating unit 11, a power-generating-unit side ECU 113 that operates the power generating unit 11 on the basis of the operating condition, a navigation system 30 that acquires a vehicle traveling condition, and a vehicle-side ECU 50 that estimates the amount of charge consumed in the battery 12 during traveling under the vehicle traveling condition. The vehicle-side ECU 50 turns on an alarm lump 46 when an estimated time necessary for charging the battery to make up the amount of charge estimated is longer than a desired time it takes to charge the battery to make up the amount of charge estimated.

Abstract: A method for rapidly determining an initial diffusion voltage (Vdiff)initial as a starting point in calculating a diffusion voltage in an electro-chemical cell (e.g., a battery used in an automotive vehicle) includes obtaining a time difference toff between a time when the cell was last turned-OFF and a time when the cell was next turned-ON, selecting a starting diffusion voltage (Vdiff)start based on toff, determining a trial diffusion voltage Vdiff based on a diffusion circuit model and (Vdiff)start, calculating an error voltage Verror=(Vdiff)?|VOFF?VON| where VOFF and VON are cell voltages at turn-OFF and turn-ON respectively, repeating the foregoing determining and calculating steps using for each iteration (Vdiff)start=(Vdiff)previous+Verror until Verror is less than or equal to a first predetermined tolerance amount ?, storing in a memory a value of Vdiff corresponding to the condition Verror??, and setting (Vdiff)initial equal to the just stored value of Vdiff.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has two drive units that can be operated jointly or individually to generate drive torque. The motor vehicle also has a device for predefining a driver's request. The device for predefining the driver's request is embodied so that a force level (K) with an increased restoring force is present within an adjustment range of the device. A control unit processes the driver's request and generates a control signal for actuating the drive units. The control unit operates so that, starting from a driving mode in which only one drive unit for generating a positive drive torque is active, switching over occurs from one drive unit to the other or the other drive unit also is activated when the force level is exceeded. At least one feature that characterizes the force level (K) can be varied based peripheral conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining an optimal operation point with respect to SOC in a hybrid electric vehicle, in which, as a conversion factor (fuel equivalent factor) that can quantitatively compare the amount of fuel consumed by an engine with electrical energy consumed by a motor, a factor for obtaining a desired final SOC with respect to an initial SOC is determined, and an optimal operation state based on a current SOC of the hybrid electric vehicle is determined using the factor, thus improving fuel efficiency of the hybrid electric vehicle.

Abstract: To provide an engine controller of a hybrid vehicle that can perform a forced driving operation of an engine by performing the same inspection procedure as that of a vehicle using only an engine as a drive source even in the hybrid vehicle. The engine controller includes an operation control unit (ECM) that performs forced driving control of the engine to maintain an operation in a predetermined state suitable for an inspection if a determination that the inspection of the engine by a forced driving operation is requested is made, and an operation state determination unit (EVCM) that determines whether the cold start condition is satisfied or unsatisfied based on information containing at least with or without change from the disconnected state to the connected state of the battery. If the cold start condition is satisfied, the forced driving control of the engine is performed by the operation control unit.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for managing power in a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain having multiple components, including at least two of a group comprising an engine, a motor, a generator and a high voltage battery. Power losses in the individual components are computed. An engine operating speed and torque for a given vehicle speed and total power command is determined so that total power losses for powertrain components are minimized.

Abstract: Minimum energy routes for a motor vehicle are determined. The minimum energy routes can be calculated using an energy map. Energy management information is determined and provided along the minimum energy route.

Abstract: An energy map for a motor vehicle and a method of making the energy map are disclosed. The energy map includes energy information related to energy consumption and energy recharging of various power sources along various roadway segments. A probe vehicle is used to measure energy consumption and energy recharging for various power sources.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display plane and a control unit. The display plane configured to display a first display portion that shows a locomotion region in the first locomotion mode in a display region based on the output request and a future locomotion distance of the vehicle and a second display portion that shows a locomotion region in the second locomotion mode next to the first display portion in the display region. The control unit configured to control an image displayed in the display plane. The control unit changes a border between the first display portion and the second display portion based on the future locomotion distance in accordance with an estimation result of displacement of a switching point between the first locomotion mode and the second locomotion mode.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle has an internal combustion engine and a coolable electrical system having at least one connectable electrical machine, power electronics and energy store. The electrical machine can be operated as a motor or a generator. The acceleration profiles of the vehicle, power profiles of the electrical system and temperature profiles of the electrical system are recorded and stored during the respective lap that is being driven and, furthermore, the profile of the performance of the electrical system is optimized with respect to the thermal load capacity of the electrical system in the respective next lap. This allows an optimum power profile of the electrical machine during real operation when a circuit is driven around repeatedly.

Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle system includes: a propulsion motor capable of driving a vehicle; a fuel cell which generates electric power by supplying a reactant gas to give an electrochemical reaction; an energy storage device which is charged by a generated output of the fuel cell and regenerative electric power of the propulsion motor; an output control device which controls an output current of the fuel cell; and a control device which calculates the regenerative electric power which can be generated by a regenerative operation of the propulsion motor as well as a chargeable power which can be charged to the energy storage device, controls the output control device so that the output current of the fuel cell is restricted when the chargeable power is less than the regenerative electric power, and controls the output control device so that restriction on the output current of the fuel cell is canceled when the chargeable power is equal to or greater than the regenerative electric power.

Abstract: A method for regenerating a particulate filter configured to treat engine exhaust gas in a vehicle equipped with an on-board navigation and an extra-vehicle communications system includes monitoring present operation of the vehicle, projecting vehicle operating conditions based upon information from the on-board navigation and the extra-vehicle communications system, monitoring a storage capacity of the particulate filter, executing a control scheme to regenerate the particulate filter when the storage capacity of the particulate filter exceeds an upper threshold, executing the control scheme to regenerate the particulate filter when the storage capacity of the particulate filter is less than the upper threshold and in response to an operator request to regenerate the particulate filter, and executing the engine control scheme to regenerate the particulate filter when the storage capacity of the particulate filter is less than the upper threshold and the projected vehicle operating conditions indicate an oppo

Abstract: There is provided a battery unit cooling apparatus installed in a vehicle which can run on power from an electric motor driven by a battery unit as a power supply, comprising a cooling air generating unit for generating cooling air to cool the battery unit and an air volume control unit for controlling, when decelerating the vehicle which is set to operate in a high recovery efficiency mode of two modes which differ in recovery efficiency with which regenerative energy obtained from the electric motor when the vehicle is decelerated is recovered to the battery, the cooling air generating unit so as to generate a larger volume of cooling air than a volume of cooling air generated when the vehicle is set to operate in a low recovery efficiency mode. Consequently, sufficient cooling air can be supplied to the battery unit when the vehicle is decelerated which is set to operate in the high regenerative energy recovery efficiency.

Abstract: A chassis (1) for a motor vehicle has an electrical axle (2) with two electrical machines (4) for respectively driving two wheels (6). The chassis (1) also has a step-down gear mechanism (10, 11) arranged between the respective electrical machine and the associated wheel. Each step-down gear mechanism is connected to the respective wheel by a cardan shaft. The respective rotation axes (5, 5) of the two electrical machines are arranged parallel and next to one another. The chassis enables each wheel to be mounted in a non-rigid manner and permits the overall length of the electrical machines to be varied on account of the arrangement of the rotation axes of the electrical machines.

Abstract: A battery ECU detects a state of charge and a temperature of a power storage unit, and transmits the state of charge and the temperature to an HV-ECU. The HV-ECU calculates the charge/discharge allowable power of the power storage unit based on the state of charge and the temperature of the power storage unit, and sets control-specific charge/discharge allowable power by correcting the charge/discharge allowable power so as to limit the charge/discharge allowable power to be changed at a predetermined first change speed. The HV-ECU then determines the power target value in accordance with the request from the driver within the range of the control-specific charge/discharge allowable power.

Abstract: A hybrid drive system includes an input member connected to an engine; an output member connected to a wheel; a first rotating electric machine; a second rotating electric machine; a differential gearing; a controller that controls the first rotating electric machine and the second rotating electric machine; and an electric power supplier that supplies the first rotating electric machine and the second rotating electric machine with electric power.

Abstract: A vehicle power supply apparatus includes a battery that is the main power storage device, a power feed line through which power is supplied to an inverter that drives a motor generator, a boost converter provided between the battery and power feed line to convert voltage, batteries that are a plurality of subpower storage devices provided parallel to each other, and a boost converter provided between the plurality of subpower storage devices and power feed line to convert voltage. The boost converter is selectively connected to any one of the plurality of subpower storage devices to convert voltage.

Abstract: A method and a system for controlling a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has first and second propulsion devices. The vehicle determines a calculated decline in state of charge (SOC) for a charge depleting mode for a battery coupled to the first propulsion device. The vehicle is operated to achieve the calculated decline in SOC. The vehicle operates the second propulsion device for at least a predetermined time after the second propulsion device is turned on during the charge depleting mode.

Abstract: A method controls a friction clutch disposed between an internal combustion engine and a change speed transmission. The friction clutch is controlled in such a way that it transmits an average coupling torque of the internal combustion engine and does not transmit periodically occurring peak values of the coupling torque. In addition, a control unit is programmed to carry out the method.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for specifying a boost control strategy of a hybrid vehicle drive. The method includes predefining a driving track (R) with a multiplicity of track sections (G1-G4; K1-K4); determining a dependency of a lap time gain (?t) on a boost energy quantity (Eboost) used, proceeding from a vehicle-specific lap time without boost assistance from the electric motor (G1, G2) for a plurality of predetermined track sections (G1-G4); and defining a respective partial boost energy quantity (EBoost1, EBoost2, EBoost3, EBoost4) for each track section (G1-G4) based on the determined dependencies, with a sum of the partial boost energy quantities (EBoost1, EBoost2, EBoost3, EBoost4) corresponding to a predefined available total boost energy quantity (EBoostm).

Abstract: A coupled axle drive system for a vehicle has a first axle drive device for driving a first axle of the vehicle by a connected engine and a second axle drive device for driving a second axle of the vehicle. The second axle drive device has an electric machine for driving at least one wheel of the axle.

Abstract: A method for operation of a hybrid vehicle is provided. The hybrid vehicle has a first drive apparatus for driving the wheels on a first axle by an internal combustion engine, a second drive apparatus having two electrical machines for driving the wheels on a second axle, and at least one electrical energy store that can be discharged when an electrical machine is being operated as a motor and can be charged when an electrical machine is being operated as a generator. The method includes operating at least one driver-operated control for causing at least one of the electrical machines to output additional electrical drive torque to the axle that is not driven by the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle has a first drive apparatus for driving wheels on a first axle by an internal combustion engine and a second electrical drive apparatus with two electrical machines for driving wheels on a second axle. At least one electrical energy store can be discharged when the two electrical machines are operated as a motor and can be charged when the electrical machines are operated as a generator. The two electrical machines of the electrical drive apparatus are combined with a respectively associated gearbox in an electrical axle to drive the individually suspended wheels on the first axle via universally jointed shafts. Two electrical converters are associated respectively with the two electrical machines and are combined in one converter unit, such that a basic module has the mechanical link to a bodywork structure, the link to a cooling circuit and the electrical link to an electrical energy store.

Abstract: A system and method for determining and displaying an overall efficiency value of a vehicle. The vehicle may include an engine and an electric machine that operates to provide torque to propel the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle may have an electric power source that provides electric power to the electric machine. A controller may determine and transmit the overall efficiency value so that the information display displays the number of efficiency indicators. Also, the number of efficiency indicators displayed may be based on the overall efficiency value.

Abstract: A method is described for generating a tactile driver feedback regarding the operational readiness of a vehicle, in particular a hybrid vehicle, the feedback being generated as a function of the state of a drive train of the vehicle.

Abstract: To prevent damage of a cord set used to charge a plug-in electric vehicle when the vehicle is driven away while the cord set is attached, an interlock can be provided to disable the vehicle. Such interlock may be based on a protective door over the charging receptacle being open or detection that a cord set is plugged in. However, in the event that the vehicle is in an activated state, the interlock is prevented from disabling the vehicle according to an embodiment of the disclosure. That is, undesirable disabling of the vehicle is prevented when either there is no indication of a cord set being coupled to the vehicle or the vehicle is in an activated state.