DS Automobiles DS 5, Handbook

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27
Hybrid4 system
200 V high voltage battery
The Ni-Mh (Nickel-Metal Hydride) technology
used for the high voltage battery is suited to
the frequent partial charging and discharging
cycles related to the operation of a hybrid
vehicle.
The battery is installed close to the electric
motor, below the boot trim, behind the storage
well.
Charging
The battery recharges automatically while
travelling.
The battery is charged when the vehicle
decelerates and when going downhill, the
electric motor then becomes a generator and
converts kinetic energy into electrical energy
(except if the speed of the vehicle is above
70 mph (120 km/h)).
This recovery allows the use of "free" energy.
The battery may also be partially charged up
to a level of 4 to 5 bars, using the alternator-
starter motor (Stop & Start) of the HDi Diesel
engine.
The average state of charge is 4 to 5 bars, so
preserving a margin for energy recovery when
deceleration or going downhill (free energy).
To preserve the service life of the
battery, the level of charge never
falls below 20%, even if no bars are
displayed on the gauge after
ZEV
running.
Where the battery is close to maximum,
vehicle deceleration with your foot off
the accelerator pedal will be at a lower
level.
The battery charging time is very short.
Once it is discharged, following
ZEV running
or high load, the battery will reach its optimum
level of charge after around 10 minutes.
The battery is not recharged from a
mains power supply.