Hybrid vehicle control methods

摘要

Vehicle mass is estimated in a hybrid motor vehicle. Upon determination of a significant change in vehicle mass, adjustments are made to control of the regenerative braking systems and to energy storage levels to improve fuel efficiency. Upon determination of an increase in vehicle mass, the amount of braking force applied to the vehicle by the regenerative braking system in response to brake pedal movement is increased in order to capture more braking energy before friction braking is used.

主权项

1. A method for controlling regenerative braking in a hybrid motor vehicle with a regenerative braking system, comprising:
determining the overall mass of the vehicle including passengers and cargo, determining changes in the mass of the vehicle due to changes in passengers or cargo; in the event of a change in the mass of the vehicle, adjusting the amount of braking force to be applied to the vehicle by the regenerative braking system in response to a given amount of brake pedal movement; wherein greater braking force is applied in response to brake pedal movement if the mass of the vehicle has been determined to have increased, and less braking force is applied in response to brake pedal movement if the mass of the vehicle has been determined to have decreased.