Systems and methods of providing a configurable powertrain in a vehicle are disclosed. The powertrain is capable of operating in a plurality of powertrain configurations and includes one or more reversible generators, a battery system, a motor/generator (M/G), and one or more drive axles. The generators generate and supply electrical power to the battery system, the M/G, an external power source, or a combination thereof. The battery system selectively supplies electrical power to the generators, the M/G, the external power source, or a combination thereof. The one or more generators also selectively supply cooling to the battery system, a cab of the vehicle, a trailer or external enclosure or structure of the vehicle, or a combination thereof. The powertrain configurations of the vehicle include operating the components of the powertrain in various combinations based on demands of the vehicle and/or external power sources or structures.

A method for preconditioning various subsystems of an electrified vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, scheduling preconditioning of a battery pack, an interior cabin, a transmission and an engine of the electrified vehicle prior to a next expected usage time based at least on a weather forecast.

An electric vehicle such as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and a battery-only electric vehicle (BEV) includes a traction battery. A torque command is generated for a motor such that a traction battery electrically connected therewith outputs a discharge current having an alternating current (AC) component to cause a temperature of the traction battery to increase.

A hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, a filter, an electrical storage device, a rotating electric machine, and a controller. The filter is configured to trap particulate matter in exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine. The rotating electric machine is configured to generate electric power using power from the internal combustion engine so as to charge the electrical storage device, and drive the internal combustion engine using electric power from the electrical storage device. The controller is configured to control the internal combustion engine and the rotating electric machine, so as to warm up the electrical storage device when regeneration control needs to be performed and when the temperature of the electrical storage device is lower than a reference value. The regeneration control is control for raising the temperature of the filter to a predetermined temperature so as to burn the particulate matter. The controller may be configured to execute the regeneration control when the temperature of the electrical storage device exceeds the reference value.

A controller of a thermal management system for a vehicle controls a first switching valve and a second switching valve to set a battery warming-up state in which a heat medium circulates between a battery-temperature adjustment heat exchanger and a heat-medium heating heat exchanger, and the heat medium does not circulate between a coolant-coolant heat exchanger and a heat-medium heating heat exchanger when both a battery and an engine need to be warmed up. In contrast, the controller controls the first switching valve and the second switching valve to set an engine warming-up state in which the heat medium circulates through between the coolant-coolant heat exchanger and the heat-medium heating heat exchanger while the heat medium does not circulate between a battery-temperature adjustment heat exchanger and the heat-medium heating heat exchanger when a temperature of the battery exceeds a target battery warming-up temperature in the battery warming-up state.

Systems and methods of providing a configurable powertrain in a vehicle are disclosed. The powertrain is capable of operating in a plurality of powertrain configurations and includes one or more reversible generators, a battery system, a motor/generator (M/G), and one or more drive axles. The generators generate and supply electrical power to the battery system, the M/G, an external power source, or a combination thereof. The battery system selectively supplies electrical power to the generators, the M/G, the external power source, or a combination thereof. The one or more generators also selectively supply cooling to the battery system, a cab of the vehicle, a trailer or external enclosure or structure of the vehicle, or a combination thereof. The powertrain configurations of the vehicle include operating the components of the powertrain in various combinations based on demands of the vehicle and/or external power sources or structures.

A hybrid system including a hybrid control module for operating the hybrid system to as to have its energy storage device meet a predetermined service life metric is disclosed. The hybrid control module stores experimental information indicative of the impact of certain usage parameters on the service life of the energy storage device, monitors the actual usage parameters observed during operation of the hybrid system, and dynamically determines a maximum operating temperature for the energy storage device in order to increase or decrease its utilization by the hybrid system.

Aspects of the subject technology relate to systems, methods, and computer-readable media for controlling operation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) based on changing weather conditions. A weather state that is changing in an environment during operation of an AV can be identified based on data gathered by the AV operating in the environment. An extent that the weather state has changed in the environment can be determined from the data gathered by the AV. Operation of the AV can be controlled based on both characteristics of the weather state that is changing and the extent that the weather state has changed.

The present invention is an on-board electric-vehicle-range-extender system made up of an internal combustion engine (ICE) that drives an electrical generator that is electrically coupled with the vehicle's EV battery pack. A thermal-energy management module is made up of at least one fluid path and at least one heat exchanger. In one example the heat exchanger recovers waste heat from the ICE cooling process and directs the heat to a heat exchanger in the EV battery pack for thermoregulation of the EV battery pack, or to an inhabited space in the vehicle, or to a heat exchanger exposed to the ambient environment. Thermoregulation may occur in advance of a scheduled charge particularly in advance of high-speed DC charging, or to keep the battery pack at an optimum operating temperature during use. Heating batteries to an optimal temperature ahead of a scheduled heavy use may reduce battery degradation.

A plug-in hybrid electric drive system is disclosed which is designed to optimize vehicle efficiency by integrating an electric drive with an internal combustion (IC) engine. The electric drive system propels the vehicle from a standstill to a predetermined midrange speed, such as 50 mph, utilizing a battery bank and a multi-speed transmission. Beyond this speed, the IC engine engages through a separate transmission to power the vehicle at higher speeds. The system enables full regenerative braking at all speeds and eliminates the need for a hydraulic torque converter, enhancing overall drivability. An electronic controller manages both drive systems, allowing seamless transitions and optional battery charging via the IC engine when needed. Additionally, the system can use waste heat from the IC engine's exhaust to maintain optimal battery temperature, ensuring reliable electric operation in cold conditions. This hybrid configuration enhances vehicle performance by efficiently managing power sources for different driving conditions.