Vehicle battery charging

Abstract

A computer is programmed to determine a first fuel amount to cause an engine to charge the battery to a second threshold upon determining that a battery charge level of a vehicle battery is below a first threshold; and to actuate a vehicle component based on the first fuel amount. The computer may send a message specifying the second fuel amount, the second fuel amount being the sum of a preset fuel amount and the first fuel amount. The computer may provide instructions to cause the engine to charge the battery to the second threshold upon determining that an ambient temperature is below a temperature threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicles, and in particular to vehicle battery charging. Background Art

[0002] After the vehicles are manufactured at the vehicle manufacturing plant, the vehicles are transported to their final destination (which can be a dealer, a purchaser, etc.). The vehicles may be transported by semi-truck, rail, etc. While the vehicle is being transported, the engine of the vehicle is not running, and therefore the battery of the vehicle is not being charged. If the battery charge level is too low before shipping, the battery may be depleted while the vehicle is in transit. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to the present invention, there is provided a computer programmed to:

[0004] Upon determining that a battery charge level of a battery of the vehicle is below a first threshold, determining a first amount of fuel to cause the engine to charge the battery to a second threshold; and

[0005] A vehicle component is actuated based on the first fuel amount.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation of the vehicle component comprises sending a message specifying a second fuel amount, the second fuel amount being the sum of the preset fuel amount and the first fuel amount.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is further programmed to provide instructions for the engine to charge the battery to a second threshold when it is determined that the battery charge level is below the first threshold and the ambient temperature is below the temperature threshold.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the system is further programmed to identify a refueling location at which fuel is obtained according to a first fuel quantity.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle components include a propulsion system, a steering system, and a braking system, and the computer is further programmed to navigate the vehicle to the identified refueling location.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle component includes an engine, and the computer is programmed to provide instructions for the engine to charge the battery to a second threshold when it is determined that the battery charge level is below a first threshold and the ambient temperature is below a temperature threshold.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the instruction to cause the engine to charge the battery to the second threshold includes a specified time to start charging.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the designated time is at night.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the designated time is a duration after sunset.

[0015] According to the present invention, there is provided a method comprising:

[0016] Upon determining that a battery charge level of a battery of the vehicle is below a first threshold, determining a first amount of fuel to cause the engine to charge the battery to a second threshold; and

[0017] A vehicle component is actuated based on the first fuel amount.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, actuating the vehicle component comprises sending a message specifying a second fuel amount, the second fuel amount being a sum of the preset fuel amount and the first fuel amount.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises providing instructions for causing the engine to charge the battery to a second threshold when it is determined that the battery charge level is lower than the first threshold and the ambient temperature is lower than the temperature threshold.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes identifying a refueling location, and obtaining fuel according to the first fuel amount at the refueling location.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle components include a propulsion system, a steering system, and a braking system, and the method further comprises navigating the vehicle to a refueling location.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle component includes an engine, and the method further includes providing instructions for causing the engine to charge the battery to a second threshold upon determining that the battery charge level is below a first threshold and the ambient temperature is below a temperature threshold.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the instruction to cause the engine to charge the battery to the second threshold includes a specified time to start charging.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the designated time is at night.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the designated time is a duration after sunset. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary vehicle;

[0028] Figure 2 is a process flow diagram of an example process for refueling a vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The vehicle described below has the advantage of being able to ensure that the batteries in the vehicle have a sufficient charge before the vehicle is transported. In addition, the vehicle does not add more fuel than the transport vehicle allows. The vehicle includes a computer that interacts with the refueling device of the vehicle manufacturer and controls the charging of the batteries through the vehicle engine. The vehicle controls the refueling and charging in a manner that can extend the battery life.

[0030] The computer is programmed to, upon determining that a battery charge level of a vehicle battery is below a first threshold, determine a first fuel amount for the engine to charge the battery to a second threshold and actuate a vehicle component based on the first fuel amount.

[0031] The second threshold may be greater than the first threshold.

[0032] The actuation of the vehicle component may include sending a message specifying a second fuel amount that is a sum of the preset fuel amount and the first fuel amount. The computer may be programmed to provide instructions for the engine to charge the battery to a second threshold upon determining that the battery charge level is below the first threshold and the ambient temperature is below the temperature threshold.

[0033] The computer may also be programmed to identify a refueling location at which fuel is obtained according to the first fuel quantity. The vehicle components may include a propeller, a steering system, and a braking system, and the computer may also be programmed to navigate the vehicle to the identified refueling location.

[0034] The vehicle component may include an engine, and the computer may be programmed to provide instructions to cause the engine to charge the battery to a second threshold upon determining that the battery charge level is below a first threshold and the ambient temperature is below a temperature threshold. The instructions to cause the engine to charge the battery to the second threshold may include a specified time to begin charging. The specified time may be evening. The specified time may be a duration after sunset.

[0035] A method includes, upon determining that a battery charge level of a vehicle battery is below a first threshold, determining a first fuel amount for an engine to charge the battery to a second threshold, and actuating a vehicle component based on the first fuel amount.

[0036] The second threshold may be greater than the first threshold.

[0037] Actuating the vehicle component may include sending a message specifying a second fuel amount that is a sum of the preset fuel amount and the first fuel amount. The method may include, upon determining that the battery charge level is below a first threshold and the ambient temperature is below a temperature threshold, providing instructions for the engine to charge the battery to a second threshold.

[0038] The method may include identifying a refueling location to obtain fuel according to the first fuel amount.The vehicle components may include a propulsion system, a steering system, and a braking system, and the method may also include navigating the vehicle to the refueling location.

[0039] The vehicle component may include an engine, and the method may further include: upon determining that the battery charge level is below a first threshold and the ambient temperature is below a temperature threshold, providing instructions to cause the engine to charge the battery to a second threshold. The instructions to cause the engine to charge the battery to the second threshold may include a specified time to begin charging. The specified time may be evening. The specified time may be a duration after sunset.

[0040] The vehicle 30 may be an autonomous vehicle. The computer 32 may be configured to operate the vehicle 30 completely or to a lesser extent independently of the intervention of a human driver. The computer 32 may be programmed to operate the propeller 34, the brake system 36, the steering system 38, and / or other vehicle systems. For purposes of this disclosure, autonomous operation means that the computer 32 controls the propeller 34, the brake system 36, and the steering system 38; semi-autonomous operation means that the computer 32 controls one or two of the propeller 34, the brake system 36, and the steering system 38, and the human driver controls the rest; and non-autonomous operation means that the human driver controls the propeller 34, the brake system 36, and the steering system 38.

[0041] The computer 32 is a microprocessor-based computer. The computer 32 includes a processor, a memory, etc. The memory of the computer 32 includes a memory for storing instructions executable by the processor and for electronically storing data and / or databases.

[0042] The computer 32 may send signals via a communication network 40 (e.g., a controller area network (CAN) bus, Ethernet, WiFi (wireless network), a local interconnect network (LIN), an on-board diagnostic connector (OBD-II), and / or any other wired or wireless communication network). The computer 32 may communicate with the propulsion system 34 (including the engine 42 and the battery 44); the steering system 38; the braking system 36; the sensors 46; and the transceiver 48.

[0043] The propeller 34 of the vehicle 30 generates energy and converts the energy into motion of the vehicle 30. The propeller 34 can be a known vehicle propulsion subsystem, such as a conventional powertrain including an internal combustion engine 42, which is connected to a transmission that transmits rotational motion to the wheels; or a hybrid powertrain including elements of a conventional powertrain and an electric powertrain (e.g., an electric motor). The propeller 34 may include an electronic control unit (ECU) that communicates with a controller and / or a human driver and receives input from the controller and / or the human driver. The human driver can control the propeller 34 through, for example, an accelerator pedal and / or a gear lever.

[0044] The engine 42 may be an internal combustion engine or a hybrid engine. In an internal combustion engine or a hybrid engine, the engine 42 includes a plurality of cylinders (not shown). The cylinders operate as combustion chambers in which a chemical reaction of a fuel is converted into kinetic energy of a piston (not shown) of the cylinder. The piston of the cylinder is connected to a transmission so that the linear motion of the piston drives the rotational motion of the transmission. The piston may be connected directly or indirectly (e.g., via a torque converter). The cylinders of the engine 42 are ignited in a predetermined sequence.

[0045] The battery 44 in a hybrid powertrain may provide power for driving the vehicle 30, or the battery 44 in an internal combustion powertrain may provide power primarily when the engine 42 is not running, such as to start the vehicle 30. The battery 44 may be of any suitable type for vehicle electrification, such as a lithium-ion battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a lead-acid battery, or a supercapacitor used in, for example, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a battery electric vehicle (BEV), or a conventional internal combustion engine vehicle.

[0046] The steering system 38 is typically a known vehicle steering subsystem and controls the steering of the wheels. The steering system 38 can be a rack and pinion system with electric power steering, a steer-by-wire system, a combination of the two as known, or any other suitable system. The steering system 38 may include an electronic control unit (ECU) or the like that communicates with and receives input from the computer 32 and / or a human driver. The human driver can control the steering system 38 through, for example, a steering wheel.

[0047] Braking system 36 is generally a known vehicle braking subsystem and resists the motion of vehicle 30 to slow and / or stop vehicle 30. Braking system 36 may include friction brakes (e.g., disc brakes, drum brakes, band brakes, etc.); regenerative brakes; any other suitable type of brake; or a combination. Braking system 36 may include an electronic control unit (ECU) or the like that communicates with computer 32 and / or a human driver and receives input therefrom. A human driver may control braking system 36, for example, by means of a brake pedal.

[0048] Sensors 46 may provide data about the operation of vehicle 30, such as wheel speed, wheel orientation, and engine and transmission data (e.g., temperature, fuel consumption, etc.). Sensors 46 may detect the location and / or orientation of vehicle 30. For example, sensors 46 may include global positioning system (GPS) sensors; accelerometers (e.g., piezoelectric or micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS)); gyroscopes (e.g., rate gyroscopes, ring laser gyroscopes, or fiber optic gyroscopes); inertial measurement units (IMUs); and magnetometers. Sensors 46 may detect the outside world. For example, sensors 46 may include radar sensors, scanning laser rangefinders, light detection and ranging (LIDAR) devices, and image processing sensors such as cameras.

[0049] The sensor 46 may include a thermometer 50 to measure the ambient temperature (i.e., the temperature of the surrounding air of the external environment). The thermometer 50 may be of any suitable type, such as a magnetic thermometer, a bimetallic strip thermometer, etc. The thermometer 50 may be disposed at any location where the thermometer 50 may reach thermal equilibrium with the external environment.

[0050] The transceiver 48 may be adapted to communicate via any suitable wireless communication protocol (eg, The signal may be wirelessly transmitted using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), WiFi (wireless network), IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11a / b / g, other RF (radio frequency) communications, etc. The transceiver 48 may be adapted to communicate with a remote server (i.e., a server that is different and spaced apart from the vehicle 30). The remote server may be located outside the vehicle 30. For example, the remote server may be associated with other vehicles (e.g., V2V (vehicle to vehicle) communications), infrastructure components (e.g., V2I (vehicle to infrastructure) communications), emergency responders, mobile devices associated with the owner of the vehicle 30, a refueling location 52, etc. The transceiver 48 may be one device or may include separate transmitters and receivers.

[0051] The refueling location 52 is a location that includes a fuel source for the vehicle 30 and includes a computing device that can communicate with the vehicle 30 through the transceiver 48 (e.g., based on known geographic coordinates). The refueling location 52 has a fixed position and can refuel the vehicle 30 when the vehicle 30 occupies a fixed position relative to the refueling location 52. The refueling location 52 can include a fuel tank, a pump for pumping fuel from the fuel tank, and a nozzle that receives fuel from the pump and is shaped to deliver the fuel to the vehicle 30. The refueling location 52 can be manually operated, fully automated, or partially manually operated and partially automated. The computing device of the refueling location 52 can communicate with the vehicle 30 through the transceiver 48; for example, the refueling location 52 can receive a message specifying a fuel amount from the vehicle 30 and then provide the fuel amount to the vehicle 30. The fuel can be any fuel that the engine 42 can use to run, such as gasoline, diesel, hydrogen fuel, etc. The refueling location 52 can be located in a vehicle manufacturing plant and can refuel the vehicle 30 before the vehicle 30 is transported to, for example, a dealer or a consumer.

[0052] Figure 2 is a process flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process 200 for refueling a vehicle 30. The memory of the computer 32 stores a program for performing the steps of the process 200. The process 200 may begin when the vehicle 30 is activated at a vehicle manufacturing plant.

[0053] Process 200 begins in block 205, where computer 32 receives a battery charge level of battery 44. Battery 44 may report its charge level to computer 32 via communication network 40. The battery charge level is how much energy is left in battery 44. The battery charge level may be expressed in units of energy (e.g., joules) or as a proportion of the capacity of battery 44.

[0054] Next, in decision block 210, computer 32 determines whether the battery charge level is above a first threshold. (The adjectives "first" and "second" are used herein as identifiers and are not intended to indicate importance or order.) The first threshold is a preset value stored in the memory of computer 32 and is expressed in the same units as the battery charge level. The first threshold may be selected based on ensuring that the battery life of battery 44 is not excessively reduced while taking into account the variability of the charge level during transportation of vehicle 30. The first threshold may be, for example, 90%. If the battery 44 charge level is below the threshold, process 200 proceeds to block 235.

[0055] If the battery charge level is above the threshold, then next, in box 215, the computer 32 identifies the refueling location 52. The location of the refueling location 52 can be stored in the memory of the computer 32, such as geographic coordinates (such as GPS coordinates or local coordinates relative to the vehicle manufacturing plant). Alternatively, the computer 32 can receive a message including the location from the refueling location 52, such as through the transceiver 48. As another alternative, the computer 32 can receive an image from the sensor 46 and perform a known object recognition algorithm on the image to identify the guidance features of the vehicle manufacturing plant that lead to the refueling location 52. The guidance features can be pre-stored in the memory of the computer 32 as a baseline image of the computer 32 for comparison with the image received from the sensor 46. The guidance features can be, for example, lines on the floor of the vehicle manufacturing plant that form a path to the refueling location 52. The line can have a color reflectivity that contrasts with other features of the vehicle manufacturing plant, etc., so that it can be more easily identified by the object recognition algorithm of the computer 32. The operator of the vehicle manufacturing plant can place the vehicle 30 at the location where the sensor 46 of the vehicle 30 can see the beginning of the path of the guidance features when activating the vehicle 30.

[0056] Next, in box 220, the computer 32 navigates the vehicle 30 to the refueling location 52. The computer 32 instructs the propulsion system 34, the steering system 38, and the braking system 36 according to the autonomous driving technique to drive the vehicle 30 relative to the refueling location 52 to a position close to the refueling location 52 to refuel the vehicle 30. For example, the computer 32 can use the autonomous driving technique to follow the guidance features of the refueling location 52.

[0057] Next, in box 225, the computer 32 requests a preset amount of fuel from the refueling location 52. The computer 32 may instruct the transceiver 48 to send a message to the refueling location 52 requesting the preset amount of fuel. The preset amount of fuel may be stored in a memory of the computer 32, or the preset amount of fuel may be a default amount of fuel stored in a memory of the refueling location 52. The preset amount of fuel may be selected as a minimum amount for the vehicle 30 to operate upon arrival after transportation, and / or may be selected to be equal to or below a legal or recommended regulation for vehicle transportation.

[0058] Next, in box 230, the vehicle 30 leaves the vehicle manufacturing plant. The computer 32 instructs the propulsion 34, the steering system 38, and the braking system 36 to drive the vehicle 30 to a designated location outside the plant according to the autonomous driving technology. The designated location can be stored in the memory of the computer 32 or sent to the computer 32 via the transceiver 48. After box 230, the process 200 ends.

[0059] If the battery charge level is below the threshold, then after the decision box 210, in box 235, the computer 32 determines a first fuel amount that enables the engine 42 to charge the battery 44 to a second threshold. The second threshold is expressed in the same units as the battery charge level and can be greater than the first threshold. The second threshold can be selected based on ensuring that the battery life of the battery 44 is not excessively reduced during transportation of the vehicle 30. The second threshold can be, for example, 98%. The first fuel amount is determined based on the battery charge level of the battery 44. The value of the first fuel amount can be stored in a lookup table with corresponding values ​​of the battery charge level in the memory of the computer 32. The value of the first fuel amount corresponding to the value of the battery charge level can be selected by testing the amount of fuel required by the engine 42 to charge the battery 44 at a given charge level.

[0060] Next, in box 240 , the computer 32 identifies the refueling location 52 as described above with respect to box 215 .

[0061] Next, in box 245 , the computer 32 navigates the vehicle 30 to the refueling location 52 as described above with respect to box 220 .

[0062] Next, in box 250, the computer 32 requests a second amount of fuel from the refueling location 52. The computer 32 may instruct the transceiver 48 to send a message to the refueling location 52 requesting the second amount of fuel. The second amount of fuel may be the sum of the first amount of fuel and the preset amount of fuel. The message to the refueling location 52 may include the second amount of fuel, or the message may include the first amount of fuel, where the refueling location 52 adds the preset amount of fuel stored by the refueling location 52 by default to the first amount of fuel. In other words, the computer 32 actuates the vehicle component according to the first amount of fuel.

[0063] Next, in box 255, the vehicle 30 leaves the vehicle manufacturing plant as described above with respect to box 230. The designated location may be different for vehicles 30 having a battery charge level above or below the first threshold.

[0064] Next, in block 260 , the computer 32 receives the ambient temperature. The thermometer 50 detects the ambient temperature and sends a signal to the computer 32 via the communication network 40 .

[0065] Next, in decision block 265, the computer 32 determines whether the ambient temperature is above a temperature threshold. The temperature threshold may be stored in a memory of the computer 32. The temperature threshold may be selected to be a temperature that the external environment regularly reaches and at which charging of the battery 44 does not excessively reduce the life of the battery 44 (e.g., 50° F). If the ambient temperature is below the temperature threshold, the process 200 proceeds to block 275.

[0066] If the ambient temperature is above the temperature threshold, then next, in decision block 270, the computer 32 determines whether a specified time has been reached. The specified time is a time of day. The specified time may be a preset time stored in the memory of the computer 32. The specified time may be selected as a time of day that may be cool, such as evening. The specified time may be a duration after sunset, such as six hours. The duration may be selected to maximize the likelihood that the ambient temperature will be cool. The computer 32 may determine the time at which sunset occurs by a light sensor (not shown) or by calendar data received by the transceiver 48 or stored in memory. If the specified time has not yet been reached, the process 200 returns to block 260 to retest whether the ambient temperature is cool enough.

[0067] After decision box 265 if the ambient temperature is below the temperature threshold, or after decision box 270 if the specified time has been reached, in box 275, the computer 32 instructs the engine 42 to charge the battery 44 to a second threshold. The engine 42 will do so using approximately the first amount of fuel to leave approximately the preset amount of fuel. In other words, the computer 32 actuates the vehicle components based on the first amount of fuel. After box 275, the process 200 ends.

[0068] Generally, the described computing systems and / or devices may employ any of a number of computer operating systems, including but not limited to versions and / or variations of: Ford Applications, AppLink / smart device connection middleware, Microsoft Operating system, Microsoft Operating systems, Unix operating systems (such as those released by Oracle Corporation of Redwood Shores, California) operating systems), AIX UNIX operating system distributed by International Business Machines Corporation of Armonk, New York, Linux operating system, Mac OSX and iOS operating systems distributed by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, California, BlackBerry OS distributed by Blackberry Ltd. of Waterloo, Canada, Android operating system developed by Google Inc. and the Open Handset Alliance, or the Vehicle Infotainment Platform. Examples of computing devices include, but are not limited to, an onboard vehicle computer, a computer workstation, a server, a desktop, notebook, laptop or handheld computer, or some other computing system and / or device.

[0069] Computing devices typically include computer-executable instructions, where the instructions can be executed by one or more computing devices such as those listed above. Computer-executable instructions can be compiled or interpreted from a computer program created using a variety of programming languages ​​and / or technologies, including but not limited to Java, alone or in combination. TM , C, C++, Matlab, Simulink, Stateflow,, Visual Basic, Java Script, Perl, HTML, etc. Some of these applications can be compiled and executed on virtual machines such as Java virtual machines, Dalvik virtual machines, etc. Typically, a processor (such as a microprocessor) receives instructions from a memory, a computer-readable medium, etc. and executes these instructions, thereby executing one or more processes including one or more of the processes described herein. Various computer-readable media can be used to store and transmit such instructions and other data. Files in a computing device are typically a collection of data stored on a computer-readable medium, such as a storage medium, a random access memory, etc.

[0070] Computer readable media (also referred to as processor readable media) include any non-transitory (e.g., tangible) media that participate in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by a processor of a computer). Such media can take many forms including, but not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other stable memories. Volatile media can include, for example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes main memory. Such instructions can be transmitted by one or more transmission media, including coaxial cables, copper wires, and optical fibers, including wires that contain a system bus connected to a processor of the ECU. Common forms of computer readable media include floppy disks, diskettes, hard disks, magnetic tapes, any other magnetic media, CD-ROMs (compact disc read-only memory), DVDs (digital video disks), any other optical media, punch cards, paper tapes, any other physical media with patterns of holes, RAM (Random Access Memory), PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), EPROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), flash electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (FLASH-EEPROM), any other memory chip or memory cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

[0071] The database described herein, data repository or other data storage may include various mechanisms for storing, accessing and retrieving various data, including a set of files in a hierarchical database, a file system, and an application database proprietary format, a relational database management system (RDBMS), etc. Each such data storage is typically included in a computing device that employs a computer operating system such as one of the above, and is accessed in any one or more various ways via a network. The file system may be accessed from the computer operating system, and the file system may include files stored in various formats. In addition to the language for creating, storing, editing and executing stored programs, RDBMS also typically employs a structured query language (SQL) such as the above-mentioned PL / SQL language.

[0072] In some examples, system elements may be implemented as computer-readable instructions (e.g., software) stored on one or more computing devices (e.g., servers, personal computers, etc.) on computer-readable media (e.g., disks, memories, etc.) associated therewith. A computer program product may include instructions stored on a computer-readable medium for performing the functions described herein.

[0073] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same elements. In addition, some or all of these elements may be changed. For the media, processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described herein, it should be understood that although the steps of these processes, etc. have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes may be implemented according to the described steps performed in an order different from the order described herein. It should also be understood that certain steps may be performed simultaneously, other steps may be added, or certain steps described herein may be omitted. In other words, the description of the process provided herein is for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims.

[0074] Therefore, it should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. After reading the above description, many embodiments and applications other than the provided embodiments will be apparent. The scope should not be determined with reference to the above description, but with reference to the full scope of the attached claims and the equivalents of these claims. It is expected and intended that future developments will appear in the technology discussed herein, and the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into future embodiments. In short, it should be understood that the present invention is capable of modification and variation and is limited only by the attached claims.

[0075] Unless otherwise expressly indicated herein, all terms used in the claims are intended to be given their plain and ordinary meanings as understood by those skilled in the art. In particular, unless a claim is expressly limited to the contrary herein, the use of singular articles such as "a", "an", "its", "the", etc. should be interpreted as indicating one or more of the referred elements. The use of "in response to" and "upon determination" indicates a causal relationship, not just a temporal relationship.

[0076] The disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

1. A method for a vehicle, comprising: upon determining that a battery charge level of a battery of the vehicle is below a first threshold, determining a first amount of fuel to cause the engine to charge the battery to a second threshold; Identify refueling locations; navigating the vehicle to the refueling location using a propulsion system, a steering system, and a braking system; requesting a preset amount of fuel from the refueling location in response to the battery charge level being greater than the first threshold; and requesting a second amount of fuel from the refueling location in response to the battery charge level being below the first threshold, The second fuel amount is the sum of a preset fuel amount and the first fuel amount. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold. 3 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising sending a message specifying the second fuel amount. 4 . The method of claim 3 , further comprising providing instructions for causing the engine to charge the battery to the second threshold upon determining that the battery charge level is below the first threshold and the ambient temperature is below a temperature threshold. 5 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising providing instructions for causing the engine to charge the battery to the second threshold upon determining that the battery charge level is below the first threshold and the ambient temperature is below a temperature threshold. 6 . The method of claim 5 , wherein the instruction to cause the engine to charge the battery to the second threshold includes a specified time to begin charging. The method of claim 6 , wherein the designated time is at night. The method of claim 7 , wherein the designated time is a duration after sunset.

9. A computer, comprising: processor; and A memory storing a computer program executable in the processor, wherein the processor executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 when executing the program.

10. A vehicle, comprising: Battery; engine; Vehicle parts; and The computer as claimed in claim 9.

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