Methods and systems are described for controlling output of a fuel cell that generates electrical power for an electric machine that propels a vehicle. In one example, a driver demand power reduction is anticipated and output of the fuel cell is adjusted before the driver demand power is reduced so that a greater amount of electric charge may be stored in an electric energy storage device.

A work vehicle is configured to perform an activity in a work area. The work vehicle includes a chassis, a plurality of ground engaging members coupled to the chassis for movement of the chassis in the work area, a generator configured to generate energy from performance of the activity of the work vehicle in the work area, an energy storage device connected to the generator to store energy generated by the generator and configured to be charged to an initial charge, and a controller configured to establish an initial charge setting corresponding to the initial charge of the energy storage device based on at least one anticipated activity input of the work vehicle.

An electric propulsion unit for generating propulsion force in an electric moving body includes an electric motor for driving a propulsion force generation member, an operation unit, and a control device. The operation unit is displaceable in normal and reverse directions from a neutral position. The control device controls the electric motor to achieve a target output torque set based on an operation amount of the operation unit. The control device sets the target output torque to a positive value when the operation unit is operated in the normal direction during forward rotation of the electric motor, sets the target output torque to a negative value when the operation unit is operated in the normal direction during reverse rotation of the electric motor, and sets the target output torque to a negative value when the operation unit is operated in the reverse direction during forward rotation of the electric motor.

A method of protecting the high voltage DC bus of a hybrid vehicle as well as to a hybrid vehicle and controller configured to implement the method. The method involves detecting a plurality of requests to start the vehicle and, in response to at least the first request, precharging and energizing the high voltage DC bus without starting the engine. When one or more further requests are detected the engine is started and the high voltage DC bus is energized if each of the further requests is detected within a respective predetermined time interval from the preceding request. Starting the engine provides an audible feedback to the driver that the vehicle is ready for operation, thereby preventing overheating of the precharging circuit.

A method for assisting the positioning of an electric vehicle, provided with energy storage structure, with respect to a recharging station the electric vehicle and the recharging station being arranged in order to form between them a temporary electromechanical coupling allowing a transfer of electrical energy from the recharging station to the storage structure. This method includes, at the level of the recharging station, a phase of detecting a positioning of the electric vehicle that is suitable for a temporary coupling, and at the level of the vehicle, a phase of transmitting a charging command to the station, processing the charging command by the station being conditional on the detection of the positioning and controlling the forming of a temporary coupling, then a transfer of energy.

A battery module with removable cells and a battery management system or charging station system that determines the number of cells to use for a given trip. Thus, the system receives trip information (starting point, destination, stops, etc.) and determines the number of cells required for the trip, optionally based on traffic conditions, weather, prior driving habits, cell state of charge (SOC), cell state of health (SOH), and the like. The system can recommend which cells to leave in the vehicle, which cells to remove from the vehicle, which cells to place in the vehicle, which cells to charge, and the like, via a visual indicator. Importantly, a number of cells actually required for the trip can be suggested, without extra cells, such that extra weight in terms of unused cells may be removed from the vehicle, thereby increasing trip efficiency.

A server (management apparatus) includes: a communication unit (first acquisition unit) that acquires a request regarding adjustment of electric power supply-and-demand in a power grid; and a processor (controller) that performs, based on the request, control to notify, a user of an electrically powered vehicle, of a replacement cost required for battery replacement at a battery station (battery replacement apparatus). When charging with electric power of the power grid is requested and a battery (first battery) of the electrically powered vehicle has an SOC lower than the SOC of a battery (second battery) having a maximum SOC to be used for charging, among a plurality of batteries (second batteries), the processor performs control to notify the user of the replacement cost lower than a normal replacement cost.

A system for facilitating communication between a vehicle and a user includes a vehicle having a rechargeable battery and a communication and control subsystem. The communication and control subsystem is communicatively coupled to the battery to gather and transmit vehicle information, which may include battery information and a vehicle identifier. The system also includes a charging station having a charging station identifier and an electrical coupling between the charging station, a power source, and the vehicle. The electrical coupling is operable to charge the battery and includes a communicative coupling. The control subsystem is operable to receive communications from the user via the communicative coupling.

An apparatus comprising an interface, a memory and a processor. The interface may be configured to receive sensor data samples during operation of a vehicle. The memory may be configured to store the sensor data samples over a number of points in time. The processor may be configured to analyze the sensor data samples stored in the memory to detect a pattern. The processor may be configured to manage an application of brakes of the vehicle in response to the pattern.

This disclosure describes vehicle systems and methods for providing active driver feedback during electrified vehicle operation. An exemplary method provides haptic feedback of a driving behavior through a smart device worn by a driver of the electrified vehicle during a braking or acceleration event of an electrified vehicle.