The disclosure is directed at an apparatus and method for optimizing fuel efficiency of a hybrid vehicle. Driving session data keyed to a specific driver driving a specific route is collected and used to train an optimization algorithm, which is executed on the vehicle to operate a motor-generator so as to optimize the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. An example electric converter dolly is disclosed as a platform for implementing this technique as part of a tractor-trailer vehicle configuration, which may provide certain advantages over implementation on a standalone hybrid vehicle.

The disclosure is directed at an apparatus and method for optimizing fuel efficiency of a hybrid vehicle. Driving session data keyed to a specific driver driving a specific route is collected and used to train an optimization algorithm, which is executed on the vehicle to operate a motor-generator so as to optimize the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. An example electric converter dolly is disclosed as a platform for implementing this technique as part of a tractor-trailer vehicle configuration, which may provide certain advantages over implementation on a standalone hybrid vehicle.

A system and method of capacitance management in an agricultural vehicle and connected implement, wherein the vehicle and implement have a plurality of electric drives connected to a common connection and connectable to a direct current supply, and each electric drive has an associated Y capacitor between each direct current supply connection and the common connection, wherein the method includes receiving and summing capacitance values for each of the electric drives and comparing with a stored threshold value. If the threshold value is exceeded, a sequence of selective disconnections of individual electric drives is performed until the sum of the received capacitance values is less than or equal to the threshold value. The method may be performed manually, or automatically based on a sequence defined in a priority list until the sum of the received capacitance values is less than or equal to the threshold value.

A control system for a trailer or dolly, wherein the trailer or dolly comprises a perception sensor which is directed in a first travelling direction of the trailer or dolly and a coupling member for coupling with a vehicle further ahead in the first travelling direction, wherein the control system is configured to provide and/or use data from the sensor for a first control mode when the trailer or dolly is not coupled to the vehicle via the coupling member and to provide and/or use data from the sensor for a second control mode different from the first control mode when the trailer or dolly is coupled to the vehicle via the coupling member.

The present disclosure relates to a method for selecting and identifying a powered dolly vehicle for forming a vehicle combination with a primary vehicle and one or more trailers. The method includes receiving a request from a primary vehicle to select a powered dolly vehicle among a group of powered dolly vehicles based at least in part on a mission-characteristic for a vehicle combination; evaluating the operational characteristic of each one of the powered dolly vehicles based on the mission-characteristic; selecting a powered dolly vehicle among the group of powered dolly vehicles based at least in part on the evaluation; locating the selected powered dolly vehicle in the geographical area based at least in part on the identification information; and communicating the location of the selected powered dolly vehicle to the primary vehicle or operating the powered dolly vehicle to primary vehicle.

The present disclosure relates to a method for selecting and identifying a powered dolly vehicle for forming a vehicle combination with a primary vehicle and one or more trailers. The method includes receiving a request from a primary vehicle to select a powered dolly vehicle among a group of powered dolly vehicles based at least in part on a mission-characteristic for a vehicle combination; evaluating the operational characteristic of each one of the powered dolly vehicles based on the mission-characteristic; selecting a powered dolly vehicle among the group of powered dolly vehicles based at least in part on the evaluation; locating the selected powered dolly vehicle in the geographical area based at least in part on the identification information; and communicating the location of the selected powered dolly vehicle to the primary vehicle or operating the powered dolly vehicle to primary vehicle.

A through the road (TTR) hybridization strategy is proposed to facilitate introduction of hybrid electric vehicle technology in a significant portion of current and expected trucking fleets. In some cases, the technologies can be retrofitted onto an existing vehicle (e.g., a trailer, a tractor-trailer configuration, etc.). In some cases, the technologies can be built into new vehicles. In some cases, one vehicle may be built or retrofitted to operate in tandem with another and provide the hybridization benefits contemplated herein. By supplementing motive forces delivered through a primary drivetrain and fuel-fed engine with supplemental torque delivered at one or more electrically-powered drive axles, improvements in overall fuel efficiency and performance may be delivered, typically without significant redesign of existing components and systems that have been proven in the trucking industry.

A through the road (TTR) hybridization strategy is proposed to facilitate introduction of hybrid electric vehicle technology in a significant portion of current and expected trucking fleets. In some cases, the technologies can be retrofitted onto an existing vehicle (e.g., a trailer, a tractor-trailer configuration, etc.). In some cases, the technologies can be built into new vehicles. In some cases, one vehicle may be built or retrofitted to operate in tandem with another and provide the hybridization benefits contemplated herein. By supplementing motive forces delivered through a primary drivetrain and fuel-fed engine with supplemental torque delivered at one or more electrically-powered drive axles, improvements in overall fuel efficiency and performance may be delivered, typically without significant redesign of existing components and systems that have been proven in the trucking industry.

The disclosure is directed at a method and apparatus for an active convertor dolly for use in a tractor-trailer configuration. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a system to connect a tractor to a trailer. The apparatus further includes a charge generating system for translating the mechanical motions or actions of the dolly into electricity or electrical energy so that this energy can be used to charge a battery or to power other functionality for either the dolly or the tractor-trailer. The active dolly may also operate to assist in shunting the tractor-trailer.

The disclosure is directed at a method and apparatus for an active convertor dolly for use in a tractor-trailer configuration. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a system to connect a tractor to a trailer. The apparatus further includes a charge generating system for translating the mechanical motions or actions of the dolly into electricity or electrical energy so that this energy can be used to charge a battery or to power other functionality for either the dolly or the tractor-trailer. The active dolly may also operate to assist in shunting the tractor-trailer.