A control device for electric motor vehicle is configured to decelerate by a regenerative braking force of the motor when an accelerator operation amount decreases or becomes zero. The control device detects the accelerator operation amount, calculates a motor torque command value, and controls the motor on the basis of the motor torque command value calculated. The control device detects a speed parameter proportional to a traveling speed and calculates a feedback torque for stopping the vehicle on the basis of the speed parameter detected. The control device also estimates a disturbance torque acting on the motor and converges, as the speed parameter is reduced, the motor torque command value to the disturbance torque on the basis of the feedback torque when the accelerator operation amount decreases or becomes zero and the electric motor vehicle stops shortly. The control device adjusts the feedback torque according to the disturbance torque.

A control device for electric motor vehicle is configured to decelerate by a regenerative braking force of the motor when an accelerator operation amount decreases or becomes zero. The control device detects the accelerator operation amount, calculates a motor torque command value, and controls the motor on the basis of the motor torque command value calculated. The control device detects a speed parameter proportional to a traveling speed and calculates a feedback torque for stopping the vehicle on the basis of the speed parameter detected. The control device also estimates a disturbance torque acting on the motor and converges, as the speed parameter is reduced, the motor torque command value to the disturbance torque on the basis of the feedback torque when the accelerator operation amount decreases or becomes zero and the electric motor vehicle stops shortly. The control device adjusts the feedback torque according to the disturbance torque.

When there is an abnormality in communication between control units, an engine ECU performs power fixing control for keeping engine power constant, and stops the engine if the engine speed falls outside a predetermined range during execution of the power fixing control. When there is an abnormality in communication between the control units, a hybrid ECU performs rotational speed fixing control for keeping the engine speed within the predetermined range by controlling a first MG. When there is a request for stop of the engine during execution of the rotational speed fixing control, the hybrid ECU brings an inverter into a gate shutoff state, and controls a converter to increase system voltage, so as to reduce the magnitude of counter-electromotive torque.

When there is an abnormality in communication between control units, an engine ECU performs power fixing control for keeping engine power constant, and stops the engine if the engine speed falls outside a predetermined range during execution of the power fixing control. When there is an abnormality in communication between the control units, a hybrid ECU performs rotational speed fixing control for keeping the engine speed within the predetermined range by controlling a first MG. When there is a request for stop of the engine during execution of the rotational speed fixing control, the hybrid ECU brings an inverter into a gate shutoff state, and controls a converter to increase system voltage, so as to reduce the magnitude of counter-electromotive torque.

A method for controlling the distribution of power to a traction motor in a plug-in electric vehicle having a plurality of on-board sources of electric power. Power is distributed at a normal power control relationship in response to an operator control input during operation in a normal mode. Power is depleted at a first rate during operation of the vehicle in the normal mode. Power is distributed at a derate power control relationship in response to the operator control input during operation in a derate mode. Power is depleted at a second rate that is less than the first rate during operation in the derate mode to conserve the power of the one or more on-board sources. Operation in the derate mode can be initiated in response to information from sensors identifying a vehicle condition indicating a battery charge limitation.

A method for controlling the distribution of power to a traction motor in a plug-in electric vehicle having a plurality of on-board sources of electric power. Power is distributed at a normal power control relationship in response to an operator control input during operation in a normal mode. Power is depleted at a first rate during operation of the vehicle in the normal mode. Power is distributed at a derate power control relationship in response to the operator control input during operation in a derate mode. Power is depleted at a second rate that is less than the first rate during operation in the derate mode to conserve the power of the one or more on-board sources. Operation in the derate mode can be initiated in response to information from sensors identifying a vehicle condition indicating a battery charge limitation.

A system and method for encouraging a user of a recreational vehicle to wear safety equipment is described. The helmet contains a microprocessor and sensors to determine if the helmet is worn. The helmet communicates with the vehicle and the vehicle either disables operation or allows limited operation if the helmet is not worn. On motorized vehicles, the motor operation is restricted. On human powered vehicles mechanical resistance may limit operation.

A system and method for encouraging a user of a recreational vehicle to wear safety equipment is described. The helmet contains a microprocessor and sensors to determine if the helmet is worn. The helmet communicates with the vehicle and the vehicle either disables operation or allows limited operation if the helmet is not worn. On motorized vehicles, the motor operation is restricted. On human powered vehicles mechanical resistance may limit operation.

A locomotive assembly including a legacy locomotive controller and an intercept locomotive controller and a method of controlling a locomotive are disclosed. The locomotive assembly includes a power bus, a locomotive, and an intercept locomotive controller. The locomotive includes a primary power unit coupled to the power bus and a legacy locomotive controller programmed to transmit a control command to the primary power unit. The intercept locomotive controller is electrically coupled between the locomotive controller and the primary power unit and is programmed to intercept an initial locomotive control signal transmitted from the legacy locomotive controller to the primary power unit indicating an amount of locomotive power, modify the initial locomotive control signal, and transmit the modified control signal to the primary power unit.

A locomotive assembly including a legacy locomotive controller and an intercept locomotive controller and a method of controlling a locomotive are disclosed. The locomotive assembly includes a power bus, a locomotive, and an intercept locomotive controller. The locomotive includes a primary power unit coupled to the power bus and a legacy locomotive controller programmed to transmit a control command to the primary power unit. The intercept locomotive controller is electrically coupled between the locomotive controller and the primary power unit and is programmed to intercept an initial locomotive control signal transmitted from the legacy locomotive controller to the primary power unit indicating an amount of locomotive power, modify the initial locomotive control signal, and transmit the modified control signal to the primary power unit.