Expanding electric vehicle mode during downhill grade conditions
US10618512B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 4, 2017 |
| Grant date | Apr 14, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 1, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S903/946
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
System and methods are provided for improving fuel economy of a hybrid vehicle. A hybrid vehicle may include an EV driving mode, where the motor alone powers the hybrid vehicle. However, use of such a driving mode may be limited to conditions involving low drive force and power requests due to motor and battery power specifications. In some circumstances, the conditions during which the motor can be used to power the hybrid vehicle can be expanded. Such conditions may include instances where the driver only seeks light accelerations for a short period of time. Such an expanded EV mode may be triggered when the hybrid vehicle is travelling a downhill grade.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.