Methods and systems are provided for preparing an energy receiving apparatus of a vehicle for receiving an increase in a level of energy storage prior to a vehicle reaching an energy replenishment station for receiving the increase. In one example, a method comprises via a controller, requesting a confirmation as to whether a vehicle operator intends to stop at a particular energy replenishment station, and when confirmation is received, commanding one or more actions to prepare the energy receiving apparatus for accepting the energy level increase. In this way, a time-frame for accepting the energy level increase may be reduced as compared to situations where the one or more actions are not undertaken.

Methods and systems are provided for preparing an energy receiving apparatus of a vehicle for receiving an increase in a level of energy storage prior to a vehicle reaching an energy replenishment station for receiving the increase. In one example, a method comprises preparing an energy receiving apparatus for receiving an increase in a level of energy storage while the vehicle is traveling to the energy replenishment station, in response to a vehicle operator confirming at the controller an intent to stop at the energy replenishment station to increase the level of energy storage at the energy receiving apparatus. In this way, a time-frame for increasing the energy level increase may be reduced as compared to situations where such preparations are not undertaken.

An en route fluid transmitting apparatus for transmitting a fluid from a transmitting entity to a probe of a receiving vehicle includes a funnel, a hose and a thrust producing device. Thrust producing device includes a main body that is rigidly attached to the funnel, and at least two rotors that are connected to the main body for producing thrust. The thrust producing device is adapted to move the funnel freely in any direction to a predetermined position relative to the probe where the funnel engages with the probe.

An environmentally friendly fuel distribution station includes an upper canopy, said upper canopy including a fuel tank and an outer shell enclosing said fuel tank, and a fuel distribution interface suspended from said upper canopy, said fuel distribution interface selectively distributing fuel from said fuel tank during a fueling operation.

An environmentally friendly fuel distribution station includes an upper canopy, said upper canopy including a fuel tank and an outer shell enclosing said fuel tank, and a fuel distribution interface suspended from said upper canopy, said fuel distribution interface selectively distributing fuel from said fuel tank during a fueling operation.

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle, system, and method for on-board catalytic upgrading of hydrocarbon fuels. In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle may include, amongst other things, an internal combustion engine configured to provide motive force to the vehicle, an unreformed fuel subsystem, a reformed fuel subsystem, and a fuel system control architecture. The unreformed fuel subsystem may be structurally configured to transfer unreformed hydrocarbon fuel from the on-board point-of-sale fuel tank to the internal combustion engine. The reformed fuel subsystem may be structurally configured to reform hydrocarbon fuel from the on-board point-of-sale fuel tank and transfer reformed fuel to the internal combustion engine along a reformed fuel supply pathway separated from the unreformed fuel supply pathway. The fuel system control architecture may include a reformate flow control device and a cetane rating controller. The cetane rating controller and the reformate flow control device may cooperate to deliver an upgraded hydrocarbon fuel to a combustion zone of the internal combustion engine.

A method for operating an autonomous transportation vehicle fleet with autonomously driven transportation vehicles which identifies a service requirement of at least one transportation vehicle of the transportation vehicle fleet; identifies a service action to be carried out on the transportation vehicle based on the service requirement identified for the transportation vehicle; identifies a suitable service station for performing the service action; autonomously drives the transportation vehicle to the identified service station; and autonomously performs the service action on the transportation vehicle in the service station. A service station for the transportation vehicles of an autonomous transportation vehicle fleet having a second communication module for communication with the transportation vehicles and/or a server of a fleet operator; a second control unit for identifying a service action to be carried out on a transportation vehicle; and at least one service module for autonomously performing a service action on the transportation vehicle.

A method for operating an autonomous transportation vehicle fleet with autonomously driven transportation vehicles which identifies a service requirement of at least one transportation vehicle of the transportation vehicle fleet; identifies a service action to be carried out on the transportation vehicle based on the service requirement identified for the transportation vehicle; identifies a suitable service station for performing the service action; autonomously drives the transportation vehicle to the identified service station; and autonomously performs the service action on the transportation vehicle in the service station. A service station for the transportation vehicles of an autonomous transportation vehicle fleet having a second communication module for communication with the transportation vehicles and/or a server of a fleet operator; a second control unit for identifying a service action to be carried out on a transportation vehicle; and at least one service module for autonomously performing a service action on the transportation vehicle.

Vehicles can be equipped to operate in both autonomous and occupant piloted mode. Refueling stations can be equipped to refuel autonomous vehicles without occupant assistance. Refueling stations can be equipped with wireless networks that communicate with vehicles to permit autonomous vehicles to self-schedule refueling at fueling stations serving a mixture of autonomous, semi-autonomous and occupant piloted vehicles.

Vehicles can be equipped to operate in both autonomous and occupant piloted mode. Refueling stations can be equipped to refuel autonomous vehicles without occupant assistance. Refueling stations can be equipped with wireless networks that communicate with vehicles to permit autonomous vehicles to self-schedule refueling at fueling stations serving a mixture of autonomous, semi-autonomous and occupant piloted vehicles.