Spark ignition engine operation at higher RPM so as to reduce alcohol requirements in high efficiency alcohol enhanced gasoline engines is disclosed. Control of engine upspeeding (use of a higher ratio of engine RPM to wheel RPM) so as to achieve an alcohol reduction objective while limiting any decrease in efficiency is described. High RPM alcohol enhanced gasoline engine operation in plug-in series hybrid powertrains for heavy duty trucks and other vehicles is also described.

In exemplary embodiments, methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for controlling operation of a vehicle in a fuel economy mode. In one embodiment, a vehicle is includes a battery, a generator, and a control system for controlling operation of the vehicle in a fuel economy mode, the control system including: (i) one or more current sensors configured to measure a battery current of the battery; and (ii) a processor coupled to the one or more current sensors and configured to at least facilitate controlling operation of the battery and the generator in the fuel economy mode utilizing a dynamic voltage threshold that is adjusted based on a comparison of the battery current with a baseload current threshold.

A hybrid electric vehicle having a controllable switch that enables a DC link to be operated independent from an energy storage system (ESS) is provided. The ESS is selectively couplable to the DC link via the controllable switch. A processor is configured to control the switch to open and close under certain conditions. When the switch is opened, the processor is configured to instruct an engine controller to cause an engine which is coupled to a generator to boost engine output. The generator is coupled to a generator inverter which is also coupled to the DC link. A motor inverter is also coupled to the DC link and is configured to provide AC power to the motor.

A control device for a hybrid vehicle, wherein when starting an engine using a first battery, if the residual capacity of the first battery is not enough to start the engine because of the reduced-voltage of the first battery, the engine is started by driving an ACG starter supplied with electricity from a second battery having a voltage rated value different from that of the first battery.

An apparatus for controlling a towing mode of an electric vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a first sensor that measures a speed of the electric vehicle and a second sensor that measures a gradient of a road on which the electric vehicle is driven. A controller detects a reference output of the electric vehicle based on the speed and the gradient of the road and detects a towing weight of the electric vehicle based on an excess rate of a current output with respect to the reference output. The towing mode of the electric vehicle is then executed based on the detected towing weight.

A hybrid electric vehicle having a controllable switch that enables a DC link to be operated independent from an energy storage system (ESS) is provided. The ESS is selectively couplable to the DC link via the controllable switch. A processor is configured to control the switch to open and close under certain conditions. When the switch is opened, the processor is configured to instruct an engine controller to cause an engine which is coupled to a generator to boost engine output. The generator is coupled to a generator inverter which is also coupled to the DC link. A motor inverter is also coupled to the DC link and is configured to provide AC power to the motor.

Vehicles including a plurality of front and rear ground engaging members, a front driveline operatively coupled to a first power source, a rear driveline operatively coupled to a second power source, at least one controller operatively coupled to the first drive system and the second drive system are disclosed. The vehicles may further include a torque request input adapted to be actuatable by an operator of the vehicle. The torque request input may provide an indication of a requested torque to the at least one controller. The at least one controller may, based on the requested torque, command a first output of the first drive system to the at least one front ground engaging member and a second output of the second drive system to the at least one rear ground engaging member. Vehicle drive control systems are also disclosed. Methods of controlling torque and battery management are also disclosed.

A hybrid electric vehicle having a powertrain including an engine and an electric machine, and controllers configured to derate powertrain output torque below a nominal maximum to a fault-torque limit, in response to a vehicle fault or issue. The vehicle and controllers are also configured to transiently increase powertrain torque output above the fault-torque limit in response to a torque demand that exceeds the limit, and which is needed to enable a predicted vehicle maneuver. The controller also establishes a predicted duration for the predicted interim vehicle maneuver and for override of the fault-torque limit and delivery of the additional torque from the torque-demand signal and other signals. The predicted duration includes a time span to maneuver through roadway obstacles and traffic, but does not exceed a limited operation time or a limited power output established by the controller from the vehicle issue or fault identified by the fault signal.

A vehicle includes an electric motor and an engine selectively coupled to the electric motor. The vehicle has an electric motor controller configured to, in response to (i) an absence of receiving a motor command signal within a predetermined time, (ii) a battery voltage being below a first threshold and (iii) a motor speed exceeding a second threshold, restrict operation of the electric motor to a limited operating mode and control the electric motor to generate a charging torque for a battery.

System and methods are provided for improving launch performance of a hybrid vehicle. During a stall condition prior to launch, the engine of the hybrid vehicle can produce engine torque beyond a standard stall torque limit. Negative motor torque that offsets the increase in engine torque in accordance with the standard stall torque limit is produced by the motor. This results in loading the automatic transmission of the hybrid vehicle with additional torque that would otherwise not be possible. During a launch condition following the stall condition, the motor torque is dropped to 0 Nm, and the brakes are released, allowing the hybrid vehicle to accelerate. The full torque generated by the engine is provided to the automatic transmission and used to drive one or more wheels of the hybrid vehicle.