PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC
VEHICLE INFORMATION
WHAT IS A PLUG-IN HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle combines
a gasoline engine with an electric motor
and rechargeable high voltage battery
allowing you to use only electricity to
power your vehicle.
HOW DOES A PLUG-IN HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE WORK
Charging your vehicle adds electrical
energy that propels the vehicle. Regularly
plug in your vehicle to get optimal
electric-only range capability from the high
voltage battery. The system maximizes the
use of electric-only operation in normal
drive mode whenever possible. System
conditions could require the engine to
operate when necessary.
When the electric-only range reaches zero,
the powertrain system switches to hybrid
operation. This means that you have
depleted the energy you gained from
plugging in and charging your vehicle. Both
the gasoline engine and electric motor
power your vehicle and maximize fuel
economy during hybrid operation. You
receive some electric-only driving with
hybrid operation as the powertrain system
maintains the high voltage battery charge
within functional limits.
PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC
VEHICLE DRIVING
CHARACTERISTICS
The gasoline engine starts and stops to
provide power when required and to save
fuel when not needed. Restarting your
vehicle is not required. Simply step on the
accelerator when you are ready to drive.
When coasting at low speeds, coming to
a stop or standing, the gas engine normally
shuts down and your vehicle operates in
electric-only mode.
Conditions that may cause the gasoline
engine to start or remain running include:
•
Considerable vehicle acceleration.
•
Driving uphill.
•
The high voltage battery charge level
is low.
•
Heating or cooling the vehicle interior
in high or low outside temperatures.
•
The gasoline engine is below normal
operating temperature.
•
Towing a trailer.
•
Certain drive modes could cause the
engine to run. See
Drive Mode
Control
(page 257).
Note:
Having your engine running is not
always an indication of inefficiency. In some
cases, it is actually more efficient than
driving in electric mode.
Your plug-in hybrid electric vehicle has
several EV drive modes to enhance your
driving experience. See
Selecting a
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Drive
Mode
(page 259).
Your hybrid vehicle also comes with
standard hydraulic braking and
regenerative braking. Regenerative braking
is performed by your transmission and
captures brake energy and stores it in the
high voltage battery.
181
Hybrid Electric Vehicle Information
(If Equipped)