System and method for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (100) for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle (1), the system comprising: a conditioning module (110) which is designed to thermally precondition a drive energy storage unit (12) of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10) prior to a charging process; and a control module (120) which is designed to: - determine, prior to the start of a journey and based on at least one charging criterion, whether a fast charging process of the drive energy storage unit (12) is potentially imminent; - output, prior to the start of the journey and via a user interface (20), a user notification (NH) to a user of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10) relating to preconditioning of the drive energy storage unit (12), or initiate output of the user notification (NH), if it is determined that a fast charging process of the drive energy storage unit (12) is potentially imminent; and - control the conditioning module (120) in such a way that the preconditioning of the drive energy storage unit (12) begins prior to the start of the journey if a corresponding user input (NE) is received at the user interface (20) in response to the user notification (NH).

Description

[0001] System and method for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a system for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle, a hybrid or electric vehicle having such a system, a method for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle, and a storage medium for carrying out the method. In particular, the present disclosure relates to thermal management of a drive energy storage device of the hybrid or electric vehicle, such as the thermal management of a high-voltage storage device.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] Hybrid or electric vehicles are powered by an electric motor, with the necessary electrical energy stored, for example, in a high-voltage battery. The high-voltage battery can be charged at a home charging station or at a dedicated gas station. Short charging times are often advantageous for the user, allowing the hybrid or electric vehicle to be ready for use again quickly. A long service life of the high-voltage battery is also desirable.

[0005] Disclosure of the invention

[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle, a hybrid or electric vehicle having such a system, a method for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle, and a storage medium for carrying out the method, which can shorten a charging time of the drive energy storage device, increase a service life of the drive energy storage device, and / or increase a range of the hybrid or electric vehicle.

[0007] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims. According to an independent aspect of the present disclosure, a system for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle is specified. The system comprises a conditioning module configured to thermally precondition a drive energy storage device of the hybrid or electric vehicle before a charging process; and a control module.The control module is configured to determine, based on at least one charging criterion, whether a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device is potentially imminent before the start of the journey; to output a user notification to a user of the hybrid or electric vehicle regarding preconditioning of the drive energy storage device before the start of the journey via a user interface or to initiate the output of the user notification if it is determined that a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device is potentially imminent; and to control the conditioning module such that the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device begins a suitable period of time before the start of the journey if a corresponding user input, such as a confirmation of the suggestion for preconditioning or a command to start the preconditioning, is received at the user interface in response to the user notification.

[0008] According to the invention, it is predicted whether a rapid charging process is imminent. If this is the case, the user is informed before the start of the journey that it might be advisable to begin preconditioning before the start of the journey. The user can then start or confirm the preconditioning by making a corresponding user input. This ensures that the drive energy storage device is at an optimal temperature for the rapid charging process upon reaching a rapid charging station. In particular, it can be avoided that the temperature of the drive energy storage device is too high or too low, for example due to a short starting distance. As a result, a short charging time and high charging power can be achieved.

[0009] According to embodiments, the hybrid or electric vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle (BEV) or a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV). Hybrid or electric vehicles comprise electrical drive energy storage devices (e.g., batteries) that can be connected to a charging station and charged via a charging device of the hybrid or electric vehicle. Various charging technologies can be used to charge the electrical drive energy storage devices of such hybrid or electric vehicles. With AC charging, the device that converts the alternating current for charging the electrical drive energy storage device into direct current is located in the vehicle. With DC charging, however, the conversion of the alternating current takes place directly in the charging station.

[0010] The term “fast charging process” as used in the present disclosure refers to DC charging in which the fast charging station itself converts the alternating current into direct current and transmits the direct current with low losses to the drive energy storage device of the hybrid or electric vehicle.

[0011] In some embodiments, the fast charging station can implement the so-called IU charging method. This initially involves charging with a constant current until approximately 80% of the charging capacity is reached. After that, the fast charging station uses a constant voltage. This enables particularly short charging times and high charging performance.

[0012] The term "thermal preconditioning," as used in the present disclosure, refers to adjusting the temperature of the drive energy storage device to a target temperature by heating or cooling. The target temperature corresponds to a temperature that is optimal for charging the drive energy storage device, for example, with regard to charging time, charging power, and / or the load on the drive energy storage device during the charging process.

[0013] Preferably, the control module is configured to determine (e.g., based on at least one charging criterion) a time for the start of preconditioning of the drive energy storage device. The time can be determined such that, upon reaching the rapid charging station, the temperature of the drive energy storage device has reached the target temperature, i.e., upon reaching the rapid charging station, optimal rapid charging can be performed with regard to charging time, charging power, and / or load on the drive energy storage device.

[0014] The control module uses the at least one charging criterion to estimate whether a rapid charging process may be imminent. Preferably, the at least one charging criterion is selected from the group consisting of, or including, a state of charge (SoC) of the drive energy storage device, a route destination, a travel route, a departure time, a travel history, and user behavior.

[0015] The charge level of the drive energy storage system can indicate that a rapid charging process is imminent. In particular, a low charge level can indicate an imminent rapid charging process.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, a route destination can provide an indication that a rapid charging process is about to begin. For example, a type of route destination, such as a gas station or charging point, can indicate an imminent rapid charging process. Similarly, a distance to the route destination can indicate an imminent rapid charging process, particularly taking into account the current charge level of the drive energy storage device. The route destination can be a route destination already entered into a navigation system by the user, or it can be recognized by the system, for example, based on a driving history (e.g., regular trips to a gas station or charging point).

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, a route can provide an indication that a rapid charging process will take place soon. For example, the route can lead past a rapid charging station frequently used by the user. The route can be a route already entered into a navigation system by the user, or can be recognized by the system, for example, based on a trip history (e.g., regular trips along a specific route with a gas station or charging point). Additionally or alternatively, a departure time can provide an indication that a rapid charging process will take place soon. For example, the departure time can be a time at which the user usually drives to a gas station or charging point to carry out a rapid charging process. The departure time can be a departure time already entered into a navigation system by the user, or can be recognized by the system, for example, based on a trip history (e.g.,regular trips at a specific time).

[0018] In addition or alternatively, a trip history may provide an indication that a rapid charge is about to occur. For example, the trip history may indicate that the user typically performs a rapid charge at a specific time and / or location, and / or that the user exclusively performs rapid charge whenever possible.

[0019] In addition or alternatively, user behavior can provide an indication that a fast-charging session is about to begin. This user behavior can be learned using machine learning, for example, such as regular trips to a specific fast-charging station.

[0020] However, the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, and other charging criteria may be used to predict or predict an upcoming fast charging event.

[0021] Preferably, the control module is configured to determine, before the start of the journey, whether a temperature of the drive energy storage device is equal to or less than a first threshold value or equal to or greater than a second threshold value before or at the start of the journey; and to output the user notification to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle or to initiate the output of the user notification if it is determined that the temperature of the drive energy storage device is equal to or less than the first threshold value or equal to or greater than the second threshold value before or at the start of the journey. If the temperature of the drive energy storage device is too low or too high before or at the start of the journey, the fast-charging capability of the drive energy storage device is limited.If the rapid charging capability is restricted to a greater extent than a certain extent before or at the start of the journey, it may not be possible, for example, to adequately precondition the drive energy storage unit (i.e., heating or cooling) in the period between the start of the journey and reaching a rapid charging station to ensure a target temperature and thus optimal rapid charging capability upon reaching the rapid charging station. By analyzing such a restriction of rapid charging capability at an early stage, preconditioning can begin in good time before the start of the journey, ensuring that optimal rapid charging capability, in particular a corresponding target temperature of the drive energy storage unit, is present upon reaching the rapid charging station.

[0022] In some embodiments, the control module can be configured to output the user notification to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle or to initiate the output of the user notification if it is determined that the temperature of the drive energy storage device before or at the start of the journey is equal to or less than the first threshold value or equal to or greater than the second threshold value, and if a state of charge of the drive energy storage device before or at the start of the journey and / or upon reaching the rapid charging station is within a predetermined range. The predetermined range can, for example, be a range in which rapid charging with a constant current is possible and / or particularly efficient. The predetermined range can, for example, be 20% to 80% of the charging capacity.

[0023] Preferably, the control module is configured to output the user notification to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle or to initiate the output of the user notification when a travel time and / or distance to a charging option is equal to or less than a threshold. For example, for short distances, it may not be possible to adequately precondition the drive energy storage device (i.e., heating or cooling) in the period between the start of the journey and reaching a rapid charging station to ensure a target temperature and thus optimal rapid charging capability upon reaching the rapid charging station.By analyzing the travel time and / or distance at an early stage, preconditioning can begin in good time before the start of the journey, so that it can be ensured that optimal fast charging capability, in particular a corresponding target temperature of the drive energy storage system, is available when the fast charging station is reached.

[0024] Preferably, the user interface is provided on the vehicle side. In particular, the control module can be configured to output the user notification to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle or to initiate the output of the user notification when the user, such as the driver, is inside the hybrid or electric vehicle.

[0025] The vehicle-side user interface can comprise at least one output device for outputting the user instruction and at least one input device for receiving the user input. The vehicle-side user interface can, for example, be a central information output and information input device of an infotainment system, such as a head unit or a pillar-to-pillar display. The user interface is preferably permanently installed in the vehicle.

[0026] The at least one output device may comprise at least one display device and / or at least one loudspeaker. The at least one display device may comprise a display, in particular an LCD display, a plasma display, or an OLED display. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one display device may comprise a projection device configured to project information directly into the driver's field of vision, in particular onto a windshield.

[0027] The at least one input device may comprise a touch-sensitive input device, such as a touch pad, and / or a tactile input device, such as a switch (e.g. push switch and / or rotary switch) or other mechanically actuatable key elements.

[0028] Preferably, the vehicle-side user interface comprises, or is, a touchscreen that provides the at least one output device and the at least one input device.

[0029] In other embodiments, the user interface may be a mobile device of the user. In particular, the control module may be configured to output the user notification to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle or to initiate the output of the user notification when the user, such as the driver, is outside the hybrid or electric vehicle.

[0030] Preferably, the mobile device is communicatively connected to the vehicle in order to execute the functionalities of the system according to the invention. The mobile device can communicate directly with the vehicle wirelessly or via a wired connection, or indirectly wirelessly via a server connection (e.g., cloud) and / or a mobile network (e.g., LTE network or SG network).

[0031] Preferably, the user notification is issued and the user input is received via an application or app that is installed on the mobile device.

[0032] Preferably, the user notification includes or is a push notification.

[0033] The term "mobile device" includes, in particular, smartphones, but also other mobile phones or cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet PCs, and all current and future electronic devices equipped with technology for running apps. The mobile device can comprise at least one output device for outputting the user message and at least one input device for receiving the user input.

[0034] The at least one output device may comprise at least one display device and / or at least one loudspeaker. The at least one display device may comprise a display, in particular an LCD display, a plasma display, or an OLED display.

[0035] The at least one input device may comprise a touch-sensitive input device, such as a touch pad, and / or a tactile input device, such as a switch (e.g. push switch and / or rotary switch) or other mechanically actuatable key elements.

[0036] In some embodiments, the mobile device may include a touchscreen that provides the at least one output device and the at least one input device.

[0037] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a hybrid or electric vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is specified. The hybrid or electric vehicle comprises the system for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] According to embodiments, the hybrid or electric vehicle may be a pure electric vehicle (BEV) or a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and fuel cells or other combinations with an electric drive are conceivable.

[0039] The term "vehicle" encompasses cars, trucks, buses, mobile homes, motorcycles, etc., which are used to transport people, goods, etc. In particular, the term includes motor vehicles for passenger transport. According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle is provided.The method comprises determining, by a control module of the hybrid or electric vehicle, before the start of the journey and based on at least one charging criterion, whether a rapid charging process of a drive energy storage device of the hybrid or electric vehicle is potentially imminent; outputting, by a user interface, a user notification to a user of the hybrid or electric vehicle regarding preconditioning of the drive energy storage device before the start of the journey if it is determined that a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device is potentially imminent; and initiating, by a conditioning module of the hybrid or electric vehicle, the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device before the start of the journey if a corresponding user input is received at the user interface in response to the user notification.

[0040] The method for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle may implement the aspects of the system for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle described in this document.

[0041] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a software (SW) program is provided. The SW program can be configured to be executed on one or more processors and thereby to carry out the method described in this document for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle.

[0042] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium may comprise a software program configured to be executed on one or more processors and thereby to carry out the method described in this document for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle.

[0043] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, software with program code is provided. The software is configured to carry out the method for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle when the software runs on one or more software-controlled devices.

[0044] According to another independent aspect of the present disclosure, a system for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle is provided. The system includes one or more processors; and at least one memory connected to the one or more processors and containing instructions executable by the one or more processors to perform the method for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle described in this document.

[0045] A processor or processor module is a programmable computing unit, i.e. a machine or an electronic circuit that controls other elements according to given instructions and thereby drives an algorithm (process).

[0046] Short description of the drawings

[0047] Embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated in the figures and are described in more detail below. They show:

[0048] Figure 1 schematically shows a hybrid or electric vehicle with a system for operating the hybrid or electric vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure,

[0049] Figure 2 schematically shows a user interface according to embodiments of the present disclosure,

[0050] Figure 3 schematically shows a process for preconditioning a drive energy storage device of a hybrid or electric vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure, and

[0051] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a method for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the disclosure

[0052] In the following, unless otherwise stated, the same reference symbols are used for identical and equivalent elements.

[0053] Figure 1 schematically shows a hybrid or electric vehicle 10 with a system 100 for operating the hybrid or electric vehicle 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 schematically shows a user interface 20 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] The hybrid or electric vehicle 10 may, according to embodiments, be a pure electric vehicle (BEV) or a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV).

[0055] The system 100 is illustrated as being implemented in the vehicle 10. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a distributed system is also conceivable in which at least some components and / or functionalities are implemented outside the vehicle 10, for example, in a backend.

[0056] The system 100 includes a conditioning module 110 configured to thermally precondition a drive energy storage device 12 of the hybrid or electric vehicle 10 before a charging process; and a control module 120.The control module 120 is configured to determine, based on at least one charging criterion, whether a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device 12 is potentially imminent before the start of the journey; to output a user notification NH to a user of the hybrid or electric vehicle 10 regarding preconditioning of the drive energy storage device 12 before the start of the journey via a user interface 20 or to initiate the output of the user notification NH if it is determined that a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device 12 is potentially imminent; and to control the conditioning module 110 such that the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device 12 begins before the start of the journey if a corresponding user input NE, such as a confirmation of the suggestion for preconditioning or a command to start the preconditioning, is received from the user at the user interface 20 in response to the user notification NH.

[0057] In the example of Figure 1, the user interface 20 is a mobile device belonging to the user. The mobile device 20 can be used, for example, for communication with the user when the user is outside the hybrid or electric vehicle 10.

[0058] The mobile terminal 20 can be communicatively connected to the hybrid or electric vehicle 10 via a communication connection KV in order to execute the functionalities of the system 100. The mobile terminal 20 can communicate directly with the hybrid or electric vehicle 10 wirelessly or via a wired connection, or indirectly wirelessly via a server connection (e.g., cloud) and / or a mobile network (e.g., LTE network or 5G network).

[0059] In some embodiments, the output of the user notification NH and the reception of the user input NE are performed by an application or app installed on the mobile device 20. The user notification NH can, for example, include or be a push notification.

[0060] However, the present disclosure is not limited to the mobile device, and in other embodiments, the user interface may be provided on the vehicle side. The vehicle-side user interface may be used, for example, for communication with the user when the user is located in the hybrid or electric vehicle 10.

[0061] The control module 120 uses the at least one charging criterion to estimate whether a rapid charging process may be imminent. The at least one charging criterion may, for example, include or relate to a state of charge of the drive energy storage device 12 and / or a route destination and / or a travel route and / or a departure time and / or a travel history.

[0062] The charge level of the drive energy storage device 12 can indicate that a rapid charging process is about to begin. In particular, a low charge level can indicate an imminent rapid charging process.

[0063] Additionally or alternatively, a route destination can provide an indication that a rapid charging process is about to begin. For example, a type of route destination, such as a gas station or charging point, can indicate an imminent rapid charging process. Similarly, a distance to the route destination can indicate an imminent rapid charging process, particularly taking into account the current charge level of the drive energy storage device 12. The route destination can be a route destination already entered into a navigation system by the user, or can be recognized by the system 100, for example, based on a driving history (e.g., regular trips to a gas station or charging point).

[0064] Additionally or alternatively, a route can provide an indication that a rapid charging process is about to occur. For example, the route can pass a rapid charging station frequently used by the user. The route can be a route already entered into a navigation system by the user, or it can be recognized by system 100, for example, based on a driving history (e.g., regular trips along a specific route with a gas station or charging station).

[0065] Additionally or alternatively, a departure time can provide an indication that a rapid charging process will take place soon. For example, the departure time can be a time at which the user usually drives to a gas station or charging station to perform a rapid charging process. The departure time can be a departure time already entered by the user into a navigation system, or can be recognized by the system 100, for example, based on a driving history (e.g., regular trips at a specific time). Additionally or alternatively, a driving history can provide an indication that a rapid charging process will take place soon. For example, the driving history can indicate that the user usually performs a rapid charging process at a specific time and / or at a specific location, and / or that the user exclusively performs rapid charging processes wherever possible.

[0066] In addition or alternatively, user behavior can provide an indication that a fast-charging session is about to begin. This user behavior can be learned using machine learning, for example, such as regular trips to a specific fast-charging station.

[0067] Preferably, the control module 120 is further configured to determine, before the start of the journey, whether a temperature of the drive energy storage device 12 before or at the start of the journey is equal to or less than a first threshold value or equal to or greater than a second threshold value; and to output the user notification NH to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle 10 or to initiate the output of the user notification NH if it is determined that the temperature of the drive energy storage device 12 before or at the start of the journey is equal to or less than the first threshold value or equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

[0068] If the temperature of the drive energy storage device 12 is too low or too high before or at the start of the journey, the rapid charging capability of the drive energy storage device 12 is limited. If the rapid charging capability is limited more than a certain degree before or at the start of the journey, it may not be possible, for example, to adequately precondition the drive energy storage device 12 (i.e., heat or cool) in the period between the start of the journey and reaching a rapid charging station in order to ensure a target temperature and thus optimal rapid charging capability upon reaching the rapid charging station.By analyzing such a limitation of the fast charging capability at an early point in time, the preconditioning can begin in good time before the start of the journey, so that it can be ensured that an optimal fast charging capability, in particular a corresponding target temperature of the drive energy storage device 12, is available when the fast charging station is reached.

[0069] In some embodiments, the control module 120 may be configured to output the user notification NH to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle 10 or to cause the output of the user notification NH if it is determined that the temperature of the drive energy storage device 12 before or at the start of the journey is equal to or less than the first threshold value or equal to or greater than the second threshold value, and if a state of charge of the drive energy storage device 12 before or at the start of the journey and / or upon reaching the rapid charging station is within a predetermined range. The predetermined range may, for example, be a range in which rapid charging with a constant current is possible and / or particularly efficient. The predetermined range may, for example, be 20% to 80% of the charging capacity.

[0070] Preferably, the control module 120 is configured to output the user notification NH to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle 10 or to initiate the output of the user notification NH if a travel time and / or travel distance to a charging option is equal to or less than a threshold. For example, for short distances, it may not be possible to adequately precondition the drive energy storage device 12 (i.e., heating or cooling) in the period between the start of the journey and reaching a rapid charging station in order to ensure a target temperature and thus optimal rapid charging capability upon reaching the rapid charging station.By analyzing the travel time and / or distance at an early point in time, preconditioning can begin in good time before the start of the journey, so that it can be ensured that optimal rapid charging capability, in particular a corresponding target temperature of the drive energy storage device 12, is available upon reaching the rapid charging station.

[0071] Figure 3 schematically shows a process for preconditioning a drive energy storage device of a hybrid or electric vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In block A, a position of the user is determined, in particular whether the user is inside the hybrid or electric vehicle or outside the hybrid or electric vehicle.

[0072] In Block B, a charging station database is analyzed with respect to a vehicle's position. For example, fast-charging stations in a specific area surrounding the hybrid or electric vehicle can be determined or identified.

[0073] Based on the information from blocks A and B, a prediction of a fast-charging process can be made in block C. In particular, a probability of fast charging can be determined, as well as a route to a likely fast-charging station, a travel time to the fast-charging station, and a departure time to the fast-charging station.

[0074] In block D, the information from block C can be used to estimate the temperature and charge level of the drive energy storage system at the end of the journey.

[0075] In Block E, an assessment of the performance of the preconditioning is carried out, such as a performance forecast for heating or cooling the drive energy storage system.

[0076] In block F, the current temperature of the drive energy storage is determined.

[0077] In block G, the information from blocks D (temperature and state of charge at the end of the journey), E (performance of the preconditioning), and F (current temperature of the drive energy storage unit) can be used to determine a status related to a rapid charging process. The status can, for example, indicate immediate readiness for rapid charging, readiness for rapid charging upon arrival at the rapid charging station, a time required for preconditioning during the journey, and a time required for preconditioning before the journey while stationary. The status can also indicate an energy requirement for preconditioning. In block H, the user interface can be controlled to inform the user about the possibility of preconditioning before starting the journey so that the drive energy storage unit is in an optimal thermal state upon reaching the rapid charging station.

[0078] In block K, for example, a push notification can be sent to a user's mobile device to request the user to confirm or allow the start of preconditioning.

[0079] If the user is already in the vehicle, customer interaction regarding preconditioning can take place in block L via a user interface integrated in the vehicle.

[0080] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a method 400 for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 400 may be implemented by appropriate software executable by one or more processors (e.g., a CPU).

[0081] The method 400 comprises, in block 410, determining, by a control module of the hybrid or electric vehicle, before the start of the journey and based on at least one charging criterion, whether a rapid charging process of a drive energy storage device of the hybrid or electric vehicle is potentially imminent; in block 420, outputting, by a user interface, a user notification to a user of the hybrid or electric vehicle regarding preconditioning of the drive energy storage device before the start of the journey if it is determined that a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device is potentially imminent; and in block 430, initiating, by a conditioning module of the hybrid or electric vehicle, the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device before the start of the journey if a corresponding user input is received at the user interface in response to the user notification. According to the invention, a prediction is made as to whether a rapid charging process is imminent.If this is the case, the user is informed before the start of the journey that it might be advisable to start the preconditioning process before the start of the journey. The user can then start or confirm the preconditioning process by making a corresponding input. This ensures that the drive energy storage unit is at an optimal temperature for the rapid charging process when reaching a rapid charging station. In particular, it can prevent the temperature of the drive energy storage unit from being too high or too low, for example, due to a short starting distance. This results in a short charging time and high charging performance.

[0082] Although the invention has been illustrated and explained in detail by means of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exist. It is also clear that the embodiments mentioned by way of example are truly only examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope, possible applications, or configuration of the invention in any way.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed invention concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description.

Claims

Patent claims 1. System (100) for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle (1), comprising: a conditioning module (HO) configured to to thermally precondition the drive energy storage device (12) of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10) before a charging process; and a control module (120) which is configured to: determine, based on at least one charging criterion, before the start of the journey, whether a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device (12) is potentially imminent; to output a user notification (NH) to a user of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10) via a user interface (20) regarding preconditioning the drive energy storage device (12) before the start of the journey or to initiate the output of the user notification (NH) if it is determined that a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device (12) is potentially imminent; and to control the conditioning module (120) such that the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device (12) begins before the start of the journey if a corresponding user input (NE) is received at the user interface (20) in response to the user notification (NH).

2. System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one charging criterion comprises or relates to a state of charge of the drive energy storage device (12) and / or a route destination and / or a travel route and / or a departure time and / or a travel history and / or a user behavior.

3. System (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control module (120) is configured to: determine before the start of the journey whether a temperature of the drive energy storage device (12) before or at the start of the journey is equal to or less than a first threshold value or equal to or greater than a second threshold value; and to output the user notification (NH) to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10) or to initiate the output of the user notification (NH) if it is determined that the temperature of the drive energy store (12) before or at the start of the journey is equal to or less than the first threshold value or equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

4. The system (100) according to claim 3, wherein the control module (120) is configured to output the user notification (NH) to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10) or to initiate the output of the user notification (NH) if it is determined that the temperature of the drive energy storage device (12) before or at the start of the journey is equal to or less than the first threshold value or equal to or greater than the second threshold value, and if a state of charge of the drive energy storage device (12) before or at the start of the journey and / or upon reaching a rapid charging station is in a predetermined range.

5. System (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control module (120) is configured to output the user notification (NH) to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10) or to cause the output of the user notification (NH) when a travel time and / or travel distance to a charging facility is equal to or less than a threshold.

6. System (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the user interface is provided on the vehicle side, and wherein the control module (120) is configured to output the user notification (NH) to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10) or to initiate the output of the user notification (NH) when the user is located inside the hybrid or electric vehicle (10), in particular wherein the user interface is a central information device of an infotainment system of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10).

7. System (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the user interface is a mobile terminal (20) of the user, and wherein the control module (120) is configured to output the user notification (NH) to the user of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10) or to initiate the output of the user notification (NH) when the user is outside the hybrid or electric vehicle (10), in particular wherein the user notification (NH) comprises or is a push notification.

8. Hybrid or electric vehicle (10), in particular a motor vehicle, comprising the system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A method (400) for operating a hybrid or electric vehicle (10), comprising: Determining (410), by a control module (120) of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10), before the start of the journey and based on at least one charging criterion, whether a rapid charging process of a drive energy storage device (12) of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10) is potentially imminent; Outputting (420), through a user interface (20), a user notification (NH) to a user of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10) with regard to preconditioning of the drive energy storage device (12) before the start of the journey if it is determined that a rapid charging process of the drive energy storage device (12) is potentially imminent; and Starting (430), by a conditioning module (110) of the hybrid or electric vehicle (10), the preconditioning of the drive energy storage device (12) before the start of the journey, if a corresponding user input (NE) is received at the user interface (20) in response to the user instruction (NH).

10. A storage medium comprising a software program configured to be executed on one or more processors and thereby to carry out the method (400) according to claim 9.

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