DS Automobiles DS 5, Handbook

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43
Frequently asked questions
Reducing consumption / Fuel
Question Answer
How can I optimise my fuel consumption? Give preference to AUTO mode as it selects in the best way the "driving energy source" to
use in order to reduce fuel consumption.
You should also adapt your driving style to the characteristics of hybrid vehicles to get the
best out of it, for example by taking your foot off the accelerator pedal rather than braking
and by anticipating decelerations which allows the recovery of "free" energy for charging
the battery (entering a built-up area, stop at traffic lights, stop at halt signs, ...).
Why do I not manage to reduce my fuel consumption
even though I often drive in
ZEV (Zero Emissions
Vehicle) mode?
It is not ZEV mode but AUTO mode that is the most appropriate for reducing fuel
consumption, as it selects the best "driving energy source".
ZEV mode (100% electric running) can reduce fuel consumption in some cases. However,
recharging the traction battery has an energy cost.
This is why we recommend using
AUTO mode more often.
Why does the fuel consumption histogram sometimes
display consumption of 28 mpg (10 litres/100 km) in
town? In traffic jams, the fuel consumption graph may temporarily display high values but, as the
distance covered is low, this has very little impact on the average fuel consumption.
In urban driving, your Hybrid4 will remain more efficient in terms of fuel consumption
compared to a conventional vehicle.
Why is my battery rarely fully charged? A partly charged battery is normal operation (4 to 5 bars on average in AUTO mode).
This allows some capacity to be left free for the recovery of energy when decelerating.
Why are there so may fuel alert messages when
starting to use the reserve? To encourage you to refuel as soon as possible and to avoid loosing the possibility of all
electric running.