The gasoline engine starts and stops to provide power when required and to save fuel when not needed. 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 selectable drive modes could cause the engine to run.  See   Selecting a Drive Mode. 
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.
You could also notice that your engine continues to run instead of shutting off during extended downhill driving. The engine stays on during this engine braking but is not using any fuel.
You could also hear a slight whine or whistle when operating your vehicle. This is the normal operation of the electric motor in the hybrid system.
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.

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