Particulate filter ash loading prediction method and vehicle with same

A particulate filter ash loading prediction method, comprising the steps of:

• determining a maximum average lifetime for the particulate filter;
• performing a calculation of a running average of time between regenerations of the particulate filter;
• calculating an end-of-service-life ratio of the particulate filter dependent upon said maximum average lifetime and said running average;
• and
• comparing said end-of-service-life ratio to a predetermined minimum end-of-service-life ratio, if said end-of-service-life ratio is one of equal to and less than said minimum end-of-service-life ratio then setting an ash loading value dependent upon said end-of-service-life ratio.

A vehicle, comprising:

• an internal combustion engine;
• a particulate filter connected to said internal combustion engine;
• a controller operatively connected to said internal combustion engine and to said particulate filter, said controller being configured to execute the steps of a method, the method including the steps of:
• determining a maximum average lifetime for the particulate filter;
• performing a calculation of a running average of time between regenerations of the particulate filter;
• calculating an end-of-service-life ratio of the particulate filter dependent upon said maximum average lifetime and said running average;
• and
• comparing said end-of-service-life ratio to a predetermined minimum end-of-service-life ratio, if said end-of-service-life ratio is one of equal to and less than said minimum end-of-service-life ratio then setting an ash loading value dependent upon said end-of-service-life ratio.