Systems and methods for an externally accessible refueling request switch

A fuel system for a vehicle, comprising:

• a fuel tank;
• a refueling inlet configured to receive a fuel dispensing nozzle;
• a fuel fill line coupled between the refueling inlet and the fuel tank;
• a refueling door located in a body panel of the vehicle having one or more LED displays and a refueling button, wherein the refueling button is coupled to a potentiometer and wherein the refueling button is configured to:
• displace inwards responsive to the refueling door being displaced inwards;
• displace outwards responsive to the refueling door being displaced outwards;
• and
• return to a neutral position responsive to the refueling door being closed:
• wherein the potentiometer is configured to:
• indicate a full voltage differential responsive to inward displacement of the refueling button;
• indicate a half voltage differential responsive to neutral displacement of the refueling button;
• and
• indicate a zero voltage differential responsive to outward displacement of the refueling button;
• a refueling lock configured to restrict access to the refueling inlet;
• and
• a controller configured with instructions stored in non-transitory memory, that when executed, cause the controller to:
• responsive to the refueling door being displaced inwards, initiate a fuel tank depressurization sequence while maintaining the refueling lock locked;
• and then
• allow access to the refueling inlet responsive to the fuel tank depressurizing below a pressure threshold.

A method for a vehicle, comprising:

• receiving an indication of a voltage differential from a potentiometer indicating a refueling request, the refueling request comprising an operator inwardly pressing a refueling door configured to engage the potentiometer, the refueling door including an LED display located on an exterior;
• depressurizing a fuel tank while maintaining the refueling door locked;
• unlocking the refueling door when a fuel tank pressure is below a pressure threshold;
• receiving an indication of a voltage differential from the potentiometer indicating the refueling door is open;
• receiving an indication of a voltage differential from the potentiometer indicating the refueling door is closed;
• and
• sealing the fuel tank and locking the refueling door responsive to the indication of the voltage differential from the potentiometer indicating the refueling door is closed.