Electric vehicle driving range optimization system with dynamic feedback

Abstract

A method is provided that aids the driver of an electric vehicle (EV) in optimizing their car's driving range. In response to the car's current driving range falling below a preset value, the system provides the driver with one or more recommendations as to how to increase range, recommendations such as lowering top speed, altering the temperature settings of the car's HVAC system, etc. Additionally, the system provides the driver with real time driving range feedback, thereby helping the driver to evaluate the various recommendations and determine which approach is best suited to the current conditions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 746,881, filed 23 Jun. 2015, Ser. No. 14 / 746,916, filed 23 Jun. 2015, Ser. No. 14 / 747,050, filed 23 Jun. 2015, and Ser. No. 14 / 747,271, filed 23 Jun. 2015, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for any and all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to an electric vehicle and, more particularly, to a system and method that aid range optimization in an electric vehicle.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]In response to the demands of consumers who are driven both by ever-escalating fuel prices and the dire consequences of global warming, the automobile industry is slowly starting to embrace the need for ultra-low emission, high efficiency cars. While some within the industry are attempting to achieve these goals by engineering more efficient internal combustion engines, others are incorporating hybrid o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a method for estimating the battery drain of an electric vehicle based on its speed and degree of incline. By averaging the vehicle speed over a short period of time and the degree of incline over a similar period, a rough estimate of the battery drain can be made. This allows for better prediction and management of the vehicle's battery life.

Problems solved by technology

While hybrid vehicles provide improved gas mileage and lower vehicle emissions than a conventional ICE-based vehicle, due to their inclusion of an internal combustion engine they still emit harmful pollution, albeit at reduced levels compared to conventional vehicles.

Additionally, due to the inclusion of both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor(s) with its accompanying battery pack, the drive train of a hybrid vehicle is typically much more complex than that of either a conventional ICE-based vehicle or an all-electric vehicle, resulting in increased cost and weight.

Unfortunately car sales for EVs have proven to be lower than one would expect, especially given the performance and reliability of these cars.

It appears that these sluggish sales are due, at least in part, to the concerns of some potential buyers regarding an EV's driving range.

Additionally, many drivers are unaware of, or do not fully understand, the impact of ambient temperature, driving style and vehicle usage on driving range.

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