Predictive dynamic speed control for an electrified vehicle traveling along a hilled route

A process for controlling operation of a vehicle system including a powertrain including a prime mover system including an electric power system, the electric power system including an energy storage system (ESS), power electronics operatively coupled with the ESS, and an electric machine operatively coupled with the power electronics, one or more ground engaging wheels operatively coupled with the prime mover system, and an electronic control system in operative communication with the prime mover system, the process comprising operating the electronic controls system to perform acts of:

• determining, prior to reaching a downhill route segment, a pre-downhill target vehicle speed, a pre-downhill electric power system target state, and a downhill vehicle speed target,
• controlling the vehicle system to achieve the pre-downhill target vehicle speed and the pre-downhill electric power system target state prior to or upon reaching the downhill route segment, and
• operating the electric power system to perform electric braking during the downhill route segment to control vehicle speed according to the downhill vehicle speed target.