This hybrid vehicle combines electric and gasoline propulsion to provide performance and efficiency. It requires no special fuels and you never have to plug it in.
Note:
You may notice higher engine speeds upon start-up. This temporary condition is normal and necessary to heat up the cabin and minimize emissions.
Starting: Switch the ignition on while your transmission is in park (P). The green ready indicator light appears in the instrument cluster, letting you know that the vehicle is ready for driving.
The engine may not start because this vehicle is equipped with silent key start. This fuel saving feature allows your vehicle to be ready to drive without requiring the gas engine to be running. This indicator remains on while the vehicle is on, whether the engine is running or not, to indicate the vehicle is capable of movement (using the electric motor, engine or both). Typically, the engine does not start unless the vehicle is cold, you make a climate control change, or you press the accelerator.
Driving: The gas engine automatically starts and stops to provide power when needed and to save fuel when not needed. While coasting at low speeds, coming to a stop, or standing, the gas engine normally shuts down and the vehicle operates in electric-only mode. Conditions that may cause the engine to start up or remain running include:
- Considerable vehicle acceleration.
- Vehicle speed above 85 mph (137 km/h). However, the maximum speed for electric–only operation may be lower while driving in hot temperatures or on hilly terrain.
- Ascending a hill.
- Charge level of high voltage battery is low.
- Very high or low outside temperature (to provide system cooling or heating).
- Engine not warm enough to provide passenger requested cabin temperature.
Stopping: The gas engine may shut off to conserve fuel as you come to a stop. Restarting the vehicle is not required. Simply press the accelerator when you are ready to drive.
Transmission Operation: Due to the technologically advanced, electronically-controlled continuously variable transaxle, you will not feel shift changes like those of a non-hybrid vehicle.
Note:
Since engine speed is controlled by the transmission, it may seem elevated at times. This is normal hybrid operation and helps deliver fuel efficiency and performance.
Neutral: We do not recommend idling the vehicle in neutral (N) for an extended period of time because this discharges your high voltage battery and reduces fuel economy. The engine will not start, and cannot provide power to the hybrid system in neutral (N).
Low Gear: Low gear (L) is designed to mimic the enhanced engine braking available in non-hybrid vehicles. Low gear produces high engine speeds to provide necessary engine braking. This is normal and does not damage your vehicle. In low gear, the gas engine remains on more often than in drive (D).
Unique Hybrid Operating Characteristics
Your vehicle behaves differently compared to a non-hybrid. Here is a description of the major differences:
Battery: Your hybrid is equipped with a high voltage battery. A cool battery ensures battery life and provides the best possible performance.
Cabin air cools the high voltage battery by pulling air through vents in the rear package tray. Avoid placing objects on the package tray which could block air flow through the vents.
If you leave your vehicle inoperative for over 31 days, it may be necessary to jumpstart the vehicle. See
Roadside Emergencies.
Engine: The engine speed in your hybrid is not directly tied to your vehicle speed. Your vehicle's engine and transmission are designed to deliver the power you need at the most efficient engine speed. During heavy accelerations, your hybrid may reach high engine speeds (up to 6000 RPM).
In prolonged mountainous driving, you may see the engine tachometer changing without your input. This is intentional and maintains the battery charge level. You may also notice during extended downhill driving that your engine continues to run instead of shutting off.
During this engine braking, the engine stays on, but it is not using any fuel. You may also hear a slight whine or whistle when operating your vehicle. This is the normal operation of the electric generator in the hybrid system.
During certain events (such as vehicle servicing) your low voltage 12-volt battery may become disconnected or disabled. Once the battery is reconnected and after driving the vehicle, the engine may continue to operate for three to five seconds after you switch it off. This is a normal condition.
Braking: Your hybrid is equipped with standard hydraulic braking and regenerative braking. Your transmission performs regenerative braking and captures brake energy then stores it in your high voltage battery.
Driving To Optimize Fuel Economy
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 fuel economy should improve throughout your hybrid's break-in period. As with any vehicle, your driving habits and accessory usage can significantly impact your fuel economy. For best results, keep in mind these tips:
- Keep the tires properly inflated and only use the recommended size.
- Aggressive driving increases the amount of energy required to move your vehicle. In general, you can achieve better fuel economy with mild to moderate acceleration and deceleration. Moderate braking is particularly important since it allows you to maximize the energy captured by the regenerative braking system.
Additional Tips:
- Do not carry extra loads.
- Be mindful of adding external accessories that may increase aerodynamic drag.
- Observe posted speed limits.
- Perform all scheduled maintenance.
- There is no need to wait for your engine to warm up. The vehicle is ready to drive immediately after starting.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question
| Answer
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| What are the series of clicks from the cargo area when I first turn the key in the ignition?
| The high voltage battery is electrically isolated from the rest of the vehicle when the key is off. When you turn the key to on, high voltage contactors inside the battery close to make the electricity available to the motor/generator and enable the vehicle to drive. The clicks are the sound of these contactors as they close and open during start up and shut down.
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| Why does the engine sometimes start at key-on?
| The vehicle's computer determines if an engine start is required at key-on. Silent key start starts the engine if it is necessary for cabin heating, windshield defrost, or if the outside temperature is low.
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| Why does it take a long time before the engine shuts down?
| There are several reasons the engine stays on for an extended amount of time when you first start it. One common reason is to ensure that the emissions components are warm enough to minimize tailpipe emissions. As the climate gets cooler, this engine-on time extends.
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| Why does my engine never shut down above 85 mph (137 km/h)?
| The engine is required to turn on above this speed to protect the transmission hardware.
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| Why does my engine stay on when it is extremely cold outside?
| In order to ensure that the climate control system can begin heating the cabin or defrosting the windshield as soon as a driver requests it, the engine coolant temperature has to be kept sufficiently hot. Keeping the engine on is required to maintain the correct minimum temperature.
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| Why does my engine rev up so high sometimes when I accelerate?
| Your vehicle's engine and transmission are designed to deliver the power you need at the most efficient engine speed. This may be higher than expected during heavy accelerations, and may fluctuate during steady state driving. These are characteristics of the Atkinson engine cycle and the transmission technology that help maximize your hybrid's fuel economy.
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| What is the fan noise I hear from the rear of my hybrid?
| The fan noise comes from a fan located outside the high voltage battery. This fan turns on when the battery requires cooling air. The fan speed and associated noise level changes, according to the amount of cooling required to maintain good performance. Maintaining the battery temperature at optimal conditions also prolongs the useful life of the battery and helps to achieve better fuel economy. Do not place objects on the package tray which could block air flow through the hybrid vehicle battery cooling vents.
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| How far can I go in Electric Drive if I run out of gas?
| We do not recommend running out of gas. However, you may be able to go about one mile, driving at 30 mph (48 km/h), if the battery has a normal state of charge.
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| Can I put E15 or E85 in my vehicle, and how will it affect my fuel economy?
| Your hybrid vehicle can use E15 (15% ethanol, 85% gasoline) fuel, but you may notice slightly reduced fuel economy because ethanol contains less energy per gallon than gasoline. Your hybrid vehicle is not designed to use E85 (85% ethanol).
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| How long will my high voltage battery last? Does it need maintenance?
| The high voltage battery system is designed to last the life of the vehicle and requires no maintenance.
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| Can you charge the battery with a plug into an A/C outlet?
| There are no provisions for charging the high voltage battery from a power supply external to the vehicle.
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| Can I tow the hybrid behind my motor home with all four wheels down?
| Yes. You can flat tow your hybrid vehicle without modification.
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