User-defined driving modes of a vehicle

Abstract

Approaches for generating a user-defined driving mode of a vehicle are described. In particular, the vehicle may be a two-wheeled electric vehicle wherein generation of the user-defined mode may be implemented, for example, through a human machine interface (HMI) of the vehicle. The user-defined mode may allow a user of the vehicle to generate a personalized driving mode based on user's driving preferences. In an example, the vehicle in a user-defined mode enables the user to adjust a plurality of drive parameters. For example, values of each drive parameter may be varied (through one or more digital options presented on the HMI of the vehicle). Thus, manipulation of the plurality of drive parameters generates the 'user-defined driving mode'. A user-defined driving mode may allow the user to drive the vehicle based on the plurality of drive parameters.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Modern vehicles offer multiple driving modes, such as “Sports mode”, "Eco mode", and "Comfort mode", that are predefined for a vehicle to cover prevailing driving conditions. The driving modes are designed to enhance user experience and vehicle performance while driving the vehicle. Users may switch between various driving modes as per their requirements and driving preferences. Such driving modes are predefined with distinct drive parameters, such as throttle, power, speed, and more. Users are able to select a driving mode out of the predefined driving modes and drive the vehicle according to the selected predefined driving mode.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0002] The detailed description is provided with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment depicting a vehicle, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter;

[0004] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a vehicle control unit for generating a user-defined driving mode, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter;

[0005] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary human machine interface (HMI) associated with a vehicle, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter; and

[0006] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method for generating a user- defined driving mode of a vehicle, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter.

[0007] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and / or implementations consistent with the description; however,the description is not limited to the examples and / or implementations provided in the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Generally, the predefined driving modes have been a standard feature in automotive technology for decades, evolving from simple mechanical adjustments to sophisticated electronic systems that modify vehicle parameter(s) such as throttle response, maximum speed, power output, and more, corresponding to each predefined driving mode (that are fixed by a manufacturer of the vehicle). The predefined driving modes offer distinct performance characteristics tailored to common driving scenarios. These predefined driving modes generally include a "Sports mode", "Eco mode", "Comfort mode", and more. For example, in "Sports mode", the vehicle may exhibit increased power output and throttle sensitivity. In "Eco mode", the vehicle may exhibit limited speed and power output to maximize fuel efficiency. The "Comfort mode" generally balances vehicle performance and efficiency for everyday driving.

[0009] Conventional vehicles typically offer between three to five predefined driving modes, each optimized for specific driving conditions such as highway cruising, off-road terrain, or fuel-efficient city driving. For instance, while driving on harsh terrains or during off-roading ventures on roads having uneven surfaces, a driving mode (from the predefined driving modes) may be selected in a vehicle. When a predefined mode pertinent to harsh terrains is selected, the vehicle adjusts multiple drive parameters to optimize performance on uneven surfaces. Specifically, the vehicle typically increases ground clearance, enhances throttle responsiveness for enhanced control of the vehicle during slow manoeuvres.

[0010] However, implementing the predefined driving modes presents several limitations. For example, the predefined driving modes may not correspond to an actual driving style and / or preference of an individual user. Each user may possess a unique combination of driving preferences, skill,physical capabilities, that may influence their interaction and control of the vehicle. For instance, some users may prefer increased throttle sensitivity while maintaining moderate top speed of the vehicle, while others may prefer efficient fuel consumption of the vehicle while driving.

[0011] Conventionally, factors such as, but not limited to, a user's driving experience, their physical stature, reaction time while driving, and regional driving conditions may not be adequately addressed by the predefined driving modes. Conventional vehicle systems offer limited driving flexibility due to the predefined driving modes, compelling the user to adapt to the predefined driving modes of the vehicle rather than allowing the driving modes to be adapted according to driving preferences of the user. These limitations may create significant challenges, particularly in electric vehicles where optimal control of parameters such as regenerative braking intensity, motor torque, battery discharge, and power output directly impact performance, energy efficiency, and operational range of an electric vehicle.

[0012] For instance, the predefined driving modes may typically implement a fixed algorithmic relationship between throttle input and power delivery (to wheels of the vehicle) that may not be modified to accommodate individual driving patterns, resulting in an inefficient power management. Consequently, an inability to modify the predefined driving modes may create a technical barrier to achieving a personalized driving experience. Thus, the predefined driving modes may not cater to individual driving preferences and result in a sub-optimal driving experience for the user, in addition to compromised vehicle efficiency and reduced overall performance adaptability across diverse driving conditions.

[0013] Approaches for generating a user-defined driving mode of a vehicle are described. In the present context, the vehicle may be a twowheeled vehicle such as a scooter, motorbike, motorcycle, a three-wheeled vehicle such as an auto-rickshaw, or a four-wheeled vehicle such as a car. In particular, the vehicle may be a two-wheeled electric vehicle wherein generation of the user-defined mode may be implemented, for example,through a human machine interface (HMI) of the vehicle, or through an application installed on a user device of the user, without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter.

[0014] The user-defined mode may allow a user of the vehicle to generate a personalized driving mode based on user’s driving preferences. In an example, the vehicle in a user-defined mode enables the user to adjust a plurality of drive parameters. For example, values of each drive parameter may be varied (through one or more digital options presented on the HMI of the vehicle). Thus, manipulation of the plurality of drive parameters generates the ‘user-defined driving mode’. A user-defined driving mode may allow the user to drive the vehicle based on the plurality of drive parameters.

[0015] In the present context, "adjusting" the plurality of drive parameters refers to modifying numerical value(s) associated with each drive parameter through manipulation of the one or more digital options presented on the human machine interface. The user may interact with the one or more digital options, such as slider bars or digital options to increase or decrease values of the plurality of drive parameters, within a predefined range established by a manufacturer of the vehicle.

[0016] In operation, a control unit of the vehicle may receive a plurality of drive parameters, through the HMI of the vehicle. Examples of such drive parameters include, but are not limited to maximum speed, power output, throttle sensitivity, and regenerative braking intensity in electric vehicles. Other examples of drive parameters may also be used without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter.

[0017] Once received, a user-defined driving mode may be generated based on the plurality of drive parameters. The user-defined driving mode may be distinct from one or more predefined driving modes for the vehicle. For example, the one or more predefined driving mode may be defined for the vehicle, wherein each predefined driving mode may be associated with respective drive parameter(s), (as defined in conventional vehicles). The one or more predefined driving modes includes, but is not limited to, an ‘eco’mode, a ‘normal’ mode, a ‘sport’ mode, and a ‘hyper mode’. Based on the plurality of drive parameters received by the user and the corresponding user-defined driving mode generated, the same may be stored in a memory.

[0018] In one example, the control unit may implement a safety validation algorithm to ensure that various combinations of the drive parameters (received by the user) to generate the user-defined driving mode comply with vehicle safety standards. For example, the control unit may issue an alert to the user in case of any conflicting drive parameter selected by the user. For instance, the user may select maximum power output combined with minimum speed limits that may result in unsafe vehicle operation. Therefore, the control unit may alert the user of the same and help prevent unsafe vehicle operations.

[0019] Returning to the present example, once the user-defined driving mode is stored in memory, the user may select one of the user-defined driving mode and the predefined driving mode. Accordingly, the control unit may transmit control signals via vehicle communication networks to one or more vehicle systems to cause motion of the vehicle according to the plurality of drive parameters set by the user. Herein, the one or more vehicle systems include, but not limited to, a motor control unit, a battery management system, and a brake control unit, and combinations thereof, to cause motion of the vehicle.

[0020] Therefore, the present approaches allow the user flexibility to generate the user-defined mode(s), tailored to user’s driving preference(s) or driving conditions. Once generated, the vehicle may be driven according to user-defined mode(s), enhancing an overall driving experience for the user, by offering improved comfort, performance, and control of the vehicle.

[0021] The above approaches have been described in the context of a two-wheeled electric vehicle. However, the same ought not to be considered as a limitation. Similar approaches may be applicable for even threewheeled or four-wheeled electric vehicles, without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter. Furthermore, the different examplesdescribed above are not to be considered as limiting and only fall within the purview of the present subject matter. It may be noted that the human machine interface for generating the user-defined driving modes may be integrated within the two-wheeled vehicle, for example, deployed on the handlebar of the two-wheeled vehicle. In another example, the human machine interface may be rendered on a portable communication or computing device which may be communicatively coupled with the twowheeled vehicle. The user may, by manipulating the human machine interface element rendered on the human machine interface of the device, alter or vary the values of the drive parameters.

[0022] The manner in which the above approaches are implemented is explained in detail with respect to the accompanying figures. While aspects of described two-wheeled vehicle may be implemented in any number of different electronic devices, environments, and / or implementation, the examples are described in the context of the two-wheeled vehicle. It may be noted that drawings of the present subject matter shown here are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter claimed.

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment 100 depicting a vehicle 102, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter. The vehicle 102 may be traversing on a road. The road may have an uneven road surface with varying terrain conditions or may be an even surface with smooth pavements. While traversing on the road, a user of the vehicle 102 may encounter different road conditions such as smooth pavement, gravel surfaces, inclined paths, or rough terrain.

[0024] Examples of vehicle 102 include, but may not be limited to, electric two-wheeler, electric car, electric bus, etc. Although, the description is provided with respect to an electric vehicle (hereinafter referred to as vehicle 102), the same may also be implemented with other types of vehicles as well without deviating from the scope of the present subjectmatter. These approaches may be applied to two-wheeled vehicles or threewheeled vehicles, or other types of vehicles as applicable.

[0025] Continuing further, during movement of the vehicle 102 on the road, there may be scenarios when the user of the vehicle 102 intends to change a driving mode of the vehicle 102 based on user’s driving preferences and / or based on the road the vehicle 102 is traversing. Accordingly, a user-defined driving mode may be generated for the vehicle 102 to traverse the vehicle 102.

[0026] In the present context, the user-defined driving mode may correspond to a personalized customization of a plurality of drive parameters of the vehicle 102 that may be tailored to match the driving preferences of the user. Examples of such drive parameters include, but are not limited to, maximum speed limit (measured in kilometres per hour), power output (expressed as percentage of total available power), throttle sensitivity (rate of change of power output in response to position of throttle input), and regenerative braking intensity (measured as percentage of maximum regenerative capacity). Other examples of drive parameters may also be used without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter.

[0027] The user-defined driving mode may represent a unique combination of the plurality of drive parameters that differ from one or more predefined driving modes of the vehicle 102 (that are typically available in conventional vehicles). In one example, the one or more predefined driving modes comprises an ‘eco’ mode, a ‘normal’ mode, a ‘sport’ mode, and a ‘hyper mode’.

[0028] In an example, vehicle 102 may include a vehicle control unit 104 which facilitates generating the user-defined driving mode of the vehicle 102. In an example, the vehicle control unit 104 may be implemented as a hardware or software-based application on the vehicle 102 (as described in FIG. 1 ). However, other implementations of the vehicle control unit 104 may also be possible, without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter.

[0029] The vehicle 102 also comprises a human machine interface 106 (also referred as HMI 106) such as touch-enabled display device, keypad enabled display device, for displaying information to user and receiving inputs from user for processing by the vehicle control unit 104. Enlarged view of an exemplary HM1 106 in the form of a touch enabled display screen is shown in FIG. 1 . HM1 106, as shown in FIG. 1 , displays one or more digital options.

[0030] In one example, the HMI 106 may include a display screen, physical buttons, touch-sensitive controls, or voice recognition capabilities that allow the user to interact with the vehicle control unit 104. The one or more digital options may include, but not limited to, slider bars, toggle switches, and more, that enable the user to input the plurality of drive parameters and generate the user-defined driving mode. However, examples of the one or more digital options are only indicative and other digital options may also be used to manually control, manipulate and / or change values associated with a plurality of the drive parameters, without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter. Through manipulation of the plurality of drive parameters, different values corresponding to each parameter may be provided to the HM1 106, resulting in generation of the ‘user-defined driving mode’.

[0031] In one example, the one or more digital options may be selected to input the plurality of drive parameters. In particular, the user-defined driving mode may be generated by manipulating values of the plurality of parameters to achieve a desired driving experience. For example, the user- defined driving mode may be generated to address specific driving scenarios or driving conditions that may not be adequately covered by the predefined driving modes. For example, a user may wish to drive the vehicle 102 based on a specific user-defined driving mode that provides moderate acceleration with enhanced energy efficiency for daily commuting, or alternatively, a user-defined driving mode that prioritizes responsive throttle control while maintaining conservative speed limits for urban drivingconditions. The user-defined driving mode may also be adapted to accommodate the user's skill level, physical capabilities, or regional driving requirements that may vary from standard configurations.

[0032] In operation, the vehicle control unit 104 may render a display on the human machine interface (HMI) 106. The user of the vehicle 102 may select one or more digital options presented on the HMI 106 and provide input. The input corresponds to the plurality of drive parameters that enable the user to generate a user-defined driving mode of the vehicle 102. Based on the received input corresponding to the plurality of drive parameters, the vehicle control unit 104 generates the user-defined driving mode for the vehicle 102. The user-defined driving mode is distinct from one or more predefined driving modes (such as an ‘eco’ mode, a ‘normal’ mode, a ‘sport’ mode, and a ‘hyper mode’) for the vehicle 102.

[0033] For example, the one or more pre-defined driving modes may be defined for the vehicle 102, wherein each pre-defined driving mode is associated with respective drive parameter(s), as conventionally implemented in vehicles. Once the user-defined driving mode is generated (which is distinct from the one or more pre-defined driving modes of the vehicle 102), the same is stored in a memory associated with the vehicle control unit 104. The user may select one of the user-defined driving mode and the one or more pre-defined driving modes. Based on the selection, the vehicle control unit 104 generates control signals to cause motion of the vehicle 102.

[0034] Thus, the present examples facilitate the user to generate the user-defined driving mode(s) and store the same in a memory. The user- defined driving mode may also be set as a ‘default driving mode’ for the vehicle 102. The user may drive the vehicle 102 in real time based on the user-defined driving mode.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the vehicle control unit 104 for generating a user-defined driving mode, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter. In an example, the vehicle control unit 104includes a processor 202, interface(s) 204, and a memory(s) 206. The processor 202 may be implemented as microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and / or other devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions.

[0036] The interface(s) 204 may allow the connection or coupling of the vehicle control unit 104 with one or more other components of the vehicle 102. In an example, the interface(s) 204 may cause the vehicle 102 to communicate with other device, through a wired (e.g., Local Area Network, i.e. , LAN) connection or through a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi). The interface(s) 204 may also enable intercommunication between different logical as well as hardware components of the vehicle control unit 104.

[0037] The memory(s) 206 may be a computer-readable medium, examples of which include volatile memory (e.g., RAM), and / or non-volatile memory (e.g., Erasable Programmable read-only memory, i.e., EPROM, flash memory, etc.). The memory(s) 206 may be an external memory, or internal memory, such as a flash drive, a compact disk drive, an external hard disk drive, or the like. The memory(s) 206 may further include data which either may be utilized or generated during the operation of the vehicle control unit 104.

[0038] The vehicle control unit 104 may also include data 208. The vehicle control unit 104 may be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, electronic devices, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a combination thereof. For a firmware and / or software implementation, the methodologies may be implemented with modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein.

[0039] The data 208, on the other hand, includes drive parameter(s) 210, user-defined driving mode(s) 212, predefined driving mode(s) 214, and other data 216. Further, the other data 216, amongst other things, may serve as a repository for storing data that is processed, received, or generated as a result of the execution of instructions comprised in the vehicle control unit 104 of vehicle 102. The vehicle control unit 104 in one example, is to render a display on a human machine interface, such as the human machine interface 106 depicted in FIG. 1 , having one or more digital options. The one or more digital options may be alterable to change values associated with the drive parameter(s) 210, based on which the user- defined driving mode(s) 212 may be generated.

[0040] During operation, the vehicle control unit 104 may render a display on the human machine interface 106. The human machine interface 106 may display one or more digital options which when selected allows the user to adjust values associated with the plurality of drive parameters 210. The one or more digital options presented on the human machine interface(s) 106 may be manually controlled by the user or manipulated to change values of the drive parameters 210. Through the HMI 106, values corresponding to each drive parameter 210 may be provided, to the vehicle control unit 104.

[0041] In an example, the vehicle 102 may include plurality of vehicle systems and / or sensors placed at specific locations of the vehicle 102 to monitor and generate data to be used while driving the vehicle 102. The vehicle control unit 104 may be communicatively coupled to each of the vehicle systems and / or sensors. For instance, the vehicle control unit 104 may transmit one or more control signals to the vehicle systems, to cause motion of the vehicle 102. In one example, the one or more vehicle systems comprise at least one of a motor control unit, a battery management system, and a brake control unit, and combinations thereof. The plurality of sensors may include, but are not limited to, a throttle sensor, a speed sensor, a regenerative braking input sensor, an output power sensor, and more. Itmay be noted that the present plurality of vehicle systems and sensors is only indicative and is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present subject matter, in any way. The vehicle 102 may include any number of vehicle systems and sensors to provide real-time feedback to the vehicle 102 during operation.

[0042] The user may create a personalized user-defined driving mode 212 tailored to user’s driving preferences. Once the user has adjusted the drive parameters 210 to desired values (through the HMI 106), the vehicle control unit 104 may generate the user-defined driving mode 212. The user- defined driving mode 212 once generated, may be saved in a memory for future selection and use. In an example, the vehicle control unit 104 may cause the user-defined driving mode to be stored in the memory 206. The memory 206 may also comprise the plurality of predefined driving modes 214 for the vehicle 102 (such as those present in conventional vehicles). Once stored, one of the user-defined driving mode 212 and the predefined driving mode 214 may be selected by the user. Thereafter, the vehicle control unit 104 may send control signals to the vehicle systems to cause motion of the vehicle 102.

[0043] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary human machine interface (HMI) 106 associated with the vehicle 102, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter. The HM1 106 provides an exemplary dashboard 302 wherein the drive parameter(s) 210 may be input by the user. For example, the dashboard 302 may show a digital option labelled 'ENABLE USER- DEFINED DRIVING MODE 304' which may be selected by the user to generate a user-defined driving mode, such as the user-defined driving modes 212.

[0044] In one example, the user-defined driving mode 212 may be generated by defining a plurality of drive parameters, such as the drive parameter(s) 210. As described previously, the drive parameters 210 may include, but not limited to, maximum speed limit, power output, throttle sensitivity, and regenerative braking intensity. Accordingly, the dashboard302 may show one or more digital options pertinent to each drive parameter 210. For example, the one or more digital options may include a user- defined torque 306 option, a user-defined speed 308 option, a user-defined throttle 310 option, and user-defined regenerative braking intensity 312 option.

[0045] In one example, the user-defined torque 306 option may be selected for defining the torque to be applied to the vehicle 102, the user- defined speed 308 may be selected for defining the maximum speed at which the vehicle 102 may be operated, the user-defined throttle 310 option and the user-defined regenerative braking intensity 312 option may be selected for adjusting the throttle applied to the vehicle 102 and for defining the regenerative braking intensity which may be applicable for the vehicle 102, respectively.

[0046] Each of the above digital options 306, 308, 310, and 312 may be in the form of a slider bar. The slider bar has a moveable component which may be moved to select the value for the corresponding drive parameter(s) 210. The moveable component may be moveable between a minimum value and a maximum value within manufacturer-defined safety limits for the vehicle 102.

[0047] Further, each value depicted on the slider bar may be associated with a drive mode, for example, 'eco mode', 'normal mode', 'sports mode', 'hyper mode', and 'custom mode' (not necessarily in the same sequence). For example, corresponding to the user-defined torque 306 option, the slider bar ranges from a minimum value associated with an eco mode 314-1 (having a torque value in ‘X’ Nm units) to a maximum value associated with a hyper mode 314-2 (having a torque value in Y’ Nm units), with intermediate values corresponding to a normal mode, a sports mode, and more. The user may select any value between the minimum and maximum values to define a custom mode 314-N (having the torque value in X-Y’ Nm). The eco mode 314-1 , normal mode, sports mode, and to hyper mode 314-2 may represent the predefined driving modes 214 of the vehicle 102,while the custom mode 314-N may represent the user-defined driving modes 212 that may be defined (by the user) at any point along the slider between the minimum and maximum values, 314-1 and 314-2, respectively.

[0048] Similarly, corresponding to the user-defined speed 308 option, the slider bar ranges from a minimum value associated with eco mode 316- 1 (having a speed value in ‘X’ Kmph units) to a maximum value associated with hyper mode 316-2 (having a speed value in Y’ Kmph units), with intermediate values corresponding to normal mode, sports mode, and more. The user may select any value between the minimum and maximum values to define a custom mode 316-N (having a speed value in X-Y’ Kmph units).

[0049] Likewise, for the user-defined throttle 310 option, the slider bar ranges from a minimum value associated with eco mode 318-1 (having a throttle percentage in ‘X’ %) to a maximum value associated with hyper mode 318-2 ((having a throttle percentage in Y’ %). For the user-defined regenerative braking intensity 312 option, the slider bar similarly ranges from a minimum value associated with eco mode 320-1 to a maximum value associated with hyper mode 320-2, with intermediate values corresponding to normal mode, sports mode, and more. For both options (310 and 312), the user may select any value between the minimum and maximum values to define a custom mode 318-N and custom mode 320-N, having a throttle percentage ‘X-Y’ % and regenerative braking intensity, having percentage ‘X-Y’ %, respectively.

[0050] For example, below table 1 provides example minimum values and maximum values pertinent to each drive parameter(s) 210, and corresponding to the digital options 306, 308, 310, and 312.Table 1: minimum value and maximum value pertinent to the drive parameter(s) 210

[0051] The above minimum and maximum values may be set by the vehicle manufacturer in compliance with vehicle safety regulations. For example, maximum speed (which may be selected by selecting the user- defined speed 308 option) may be adjustable between 20 Kmph (minimum) and 80 Kmph (maximum), while regenerative braking intensity (which may be selected by selecting the user-defined regenerative braking intensity 312 option) may be adjustable between 10% (minimum) and 90% (maximum) of a total braking capacity of the vehicle 102. Thus, by manipulating the digital options 306, 308, 310, and 312, the user-defined mode 212 may be generated.

[0052] Continuing further, the vehicle control unit 104 may also render a driving mode settings display (not shown) on the HMI 106. In an example, the driving mode settings display may include an interface providing one of an ‘enable’ toggle switch, a ‘disable’ toggle switch, a button to generate and / or edit the user-defined driving mode 212, which may further permit the user to alter the drive parameters 210 (using digital options 306, 308, 310, and 312). It may be noted that the current examples are only indicative and other modes by way of which the different values of the drive parameters 210 may be selected and provided, may vary without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter.

[0053] As may be understood, the users may store the user-defined driving mode 212 as a ‘default driving mode’ by enabling a toggle switch (not shown) provided on human machine interface 106. In an example, if not set as default, the user-defined driving mode 212 may be prioritized in a sequence as defined by the user. Example of such a sequence includes but is not limited to a sequential progression through available driving modes, where the vehicle 102 may transition from the 'eco' mode to the “normal” mode, “sport” mode, “hyper mode”, to the “custom” mode. Once the user-defined driving mode is stored, the same may be retrieved later for operating the vehicle 102.

[0054] In operation, the user may activate the user-defined driving mode 212. When activated, the vehicle control unit 104 may fetch the defined drive parameters 210 (received via the digital options 306, 308, 310, and 312). Based on the drive parameter(s) 210, the vehicle control unit 104 may generate one or more control instructions so as to cause to operate the vehicle 102 as per the values of the drive parameter(s) 210. For example, depending on the value of the maximum speed provided by the user, the vehicle control unit 104 may limit the maximum speed at which the vehicle 102 may be operated. In a similar manner, the vehicle control unit 104 may change the throttle sensitivity of the vehicle 102. In such instances, the vehicle control unit 104 may monitor the signals from the corresponding sensors installed in the vehicle 102 (for example, a throttle sensor) and accordingly detect changes in throttle position. Similar approaches may be adopted for changing the sensitivity or other limits for the drive parameters 210.

[0055] FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 for implementing a user-defined driving mode in a vehicle, in accordance with examples of the present subject matter. The order in which the above-mentioned method 400 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and some of the method blocks described may be combined in a different order to implement the method, or alternative method.

[0056] Furthermore, the above-mentioned method 400 may be implemented in a suitable hardware, computer-readable instructions, or combination thereof. The blocks of such method may be performed by either a system under the instruction of machine executable instructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium or by dedicated hardware circuits, microcontrollers, or logic circuits.

[0057] For example, the method may be performed by the vehicle control unit 104 as described in FIGS. 1 -3. In an implementation, the method 400 may be performed under an “as a service” delivery model, where the vehicle control unit 104, operated by a provider, receives programmable code. Herein, some examples are also intended to cover non-transitory computer readable medium, for example, digital data storage media, which are computer readable and encode computer-executable instructions, where said instructions perform some or all the blocks of the above- mentioned methods.

[0058] At block 402, a plurality of drive parameters are received. For example, the vehicle control unit 104 receives the plurality of drive parameters 210 from the user through the human machine interface 106. The plurality of drive parameters 210 include regenerative braking intensity along with other customizable vehicle performance characteristics such as maximum speed, power output, and throttle sensitivity. The user inputs the plurality of drive parameters 210 through the HMI 106 based on user’s driving preferences to generate a user-defined driving mode.

[0059] At block 404, a user-defined driving mode is generated. For example, the vehicle control unit processes the received drive parameters to generate the user-defined driving mode 212. The user-defined driving mode 212 is distinct from one or more predefined driving modes 214 for the vehicle 102. The one or more predefined driving modes 214 may include an Eco, Normal, Sports, or a Hyper mode that may be pre-programmed for the vehicle 102. The user-defined driving mode 212 may represent a customized configuration (of the plurality of drive parameters 210) input bythe user, allowing the user to achieve a personalized vehicle operation and based on driving conditions that may not be available through the predefined driving modes 214.

[0060] At block 406, the user-defined driving mode 212 is stored in memory. For example, the user-defined driving mode 212 once generated may be stored in memory 206 of the vehicle control unit 104. This storage capability enables the user to retain the user-defined driving mode 212 for future use, allowing the user to access their personalized driving mode without having to reconfigure the drive parameters 210 each time during vehicle operation.

[0061] At block 408, a driving mode is selected. For example, based on selection of one of the user-defined driving mode 212 and the predefined driving modes 214, the vehicle control unit causes motion of the vehicle 102 based on a selection. When the user selects the user-defined driving mode 212, the vehicle control unit 104 may transmit control signals to various vehicle systems to cause motion of the vehicle 102, thereby operating the vehicle 102 according to the user's driving preferences.

[0062] The present approaches provide several technical advantages. For instance, the user-defined driving modes enable personalization of vehicle performance characteristics beyond conventional predefined driving modes, allowing users to optimize their driving experience according to individual driving preferences. The user-defined driving modes facilitate improved energy efficiency of the vehicle by permitting control over regenerative braking intensity and power output. Also, the present approaches enhance vehicle adaptability across diverse terrain and weather conditions through customizable throttle sensitivity, regenerative braking intensity, maximum speed, and more.

[0063] Although implementations of present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features and / or methods, it is to be noted that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features andmethods are disclosed and explained in the context of a few implementations for the present subject matter.

Claims

l / We Claim:1 . A vehicle control unit to: receive a plurality of drive parameters from a user of an electric vehicle, wherein the plurality of drive parameters comprise at least one of a regenerative braking intensity of the electric vehicle; based on the plurality of drive parameters, generate a user- defined driving mode of the electric vehicle, wherein the user-defined driving mode is distinct from one or more predefined driving modes for the electric vehicle; store the user-defined driving mode of the electric vehicle in a memory associated with the vehicle control unit; and upon selection of one of the user-defined driving mode and the one or more predefined driving modes, transmit control signals to one or more vehicle systems to cause motion of the electric vehicle based on the selection.

2. The vehicle control unit as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of drive parameters is received via a human machine interface (HMI) associated with the electric vehicle, and wherein the HMI presents one or more digital options to receive input from the user.

3. The vehicle control unit as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of drive parameters comprises a maximum speed, a power output, a throttle sensitivity, and the regenerative braking intensity of the electric vehicle.

4. The vehicle control unit as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the one or more predefined driving modes comprises an ‘eco’ mode, a ‘normal’ mode, a ‘sport’ mode, and a ‘hyper mode’.

5. The vehicle control unit as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the one or more vehicle systems comprise at least one of a motor control unit, a battery management system, and a brake control unit, and combinations thereof.

6. The vehicle control unit as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more digital options are selected to store the user-defined driving mode as a ‘default’ driving mode of the electric vehicle.

7. A method comprising: receiving a plurality of drive parameters from a user of an electric vehicle, wherein the plurality of drive parameters comprise at least one of a regenerative braking intensity of the electric vehicle; based on the plurality of drive parameters, generating a user- defined driving mode of the electric vehicle, wherein the user-defined driving mode is distinct from one or more predefined driving modes for the electric vehicle; storing the user-defined driving mode of the electric vehicle in a memory associated with the vehicle control unit; and upon selection of one of the user-defined driving mode and the one or more predefined driving modes, transmitting control signals to one or more vehicle systems to cause motion of the electric vehicle based on the selection.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, comprising receiving the plurality of drive parameters via a human machine interface (HMI) associated with the electric vehicle, and wherein the HMI presents one or more digital options to receive input from the user.

9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of drive parameters comprises a maximum speed, a power output, athrottle sensitivity, and the regenerative braking intensity of the electric vehicle.

10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more predefined driving modes comprises an ‘eco’ mode, a ‘normal’ mode, a ‘sport’ mode, and a ‘hyper mode’.

11. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more vehicle systems comprise at least one of a motor control unit, a battery management system, and a brake control unit, and combinations thereof.

12. The method as claimed in claim 8, comprising selecting the one or more digital options for storing the user-defined driving mode as a ‘default’ driving mode of the electric vehicle.

13. A vehicle comprising a vehicle control unit, as claimed in any one of claims 1 -6, wherein the vehicle control unit is to: receive a plurality of drive parameters from a user of an electric vehicle, wherein the plurality of drive parameters comprise at least one of a regenerative braking intensity of the electric vehicle; based on the plurality of drive parameters, generate a user- defined driving mode of the electric vehicle, wherein the user-defined driving mode is distinct from one or more predefined driving modes for the electric vehicle; store the user-defined driving mode of the electric vehicle in a memory associated with the vehicle control unit; and upon selection of one of the user-defined driving mode and the one or more predefined driving modes, transmit control signals to one or more vehicle systems to cause motion of the electric vehicle based on the selection.

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