35Hybrid system
Hybrid4 mode selector
The selector allows the user to choose between 4 drive modes for the vehicle. Turn the dial to the right or left; the mode selected is confirmed by illumination of the corresponding i n d i c a t o r.
ZEV mode, to force electric running.
SPORT mode, to make use of the maximum per formance of the vehicle.
4WD mode, to force the vehicle into 4x4 mode.
AUTO mode, for normal use and optimised fuel consumption.
On starting the vehicle: with the gear selector in position N , press the brake pedal and press the START/STOP button to activate the hybrid system. This lamp comes on when the vehicle is ready to move off ("Auto" mode is on by default) and so the driver can press the accelerator. This lamp comes on more or less instantly but may take a few seconds in some cases (in particular, the time needed for pre-heating the Diesel engine in cold weather or, for example, in energy economy mode, ...).
Ready lamp
With the vehicle stationary, press the START/STOP button and check that the Ready lamp is off when leaving the vehicle, other wise the hybrid system will still be active.
For more information, refer to the section on "Underbonnet precautions / warnings".
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Sport mode
(Diesel and
electric)
4WD mode **
(Diesel and
electric)
This mode allows more dynamic driving by providing additional performance . Vehicle acceleration and pick-up are maximised by using the capacity of the electric motor, supplementing the power of the Diesel engine. This mode manages the progressiveness of the accelerator, the electronic gearbox and the use of the electric motor. In Sport mode: - The electric motor can be used up to 70 mph (120 km/h).
This mode provides additional traction *** at low speed by driving all 4 wheels of the vehicle continuously: the Diesel engine (front wheel drive) and the electric motor (rear wheel drive) operate simultaneously and permanently. Their coupling is managed electronically to optimise traction on slippery sur faces. In 4WD mode: - Power for the electric motor is provided, if needed, by the alternator-starter motor of the front engine. The Diesel engine operates continuously. - The additional traction from the electric motor is available up to 75 mph (120 km/h).
In ZEV mode: - Range and acceleration capacity are limited. The maximum speed possible is around 36 mph (60 km/h). - Under high load or a priority requirement causing the start of the Diesel engine, the system changes automatically to AUTO mode.
If the conditions do not allow this mode, a message that the "electric mode is not currently available" appears in the screen. The ZEV warning lamp flashes for a few seconds then goes off and the selector comes on in AUTO.
This mode should be used on snow covered roads or difficult ground (mud, sand, ...). In this mode, in severe conditions and if the circumstances allow, it is recommended that you accelerate strongly to ensure that you move off and avoid any risk of getting stuck. The addition of 4WD traction is available whatever: - the state of charge of the traction battery, - the altitude.
For more information on "Automatic restarting of the Diesel engine or ZEV mode not available", refer to the corresponding section.
** 4WD: 4 Wheel Drive. *** This mode will be even more effective if
suitable tyres are fitted (winter tyres in particular).
View hybrid fl ow information
Hybrid modes
1. Hybrid mode selected (AUTO, ZEV, SPORT, 4WD). 2. Messages, e.g.: "Zero Emission" if the Diesel engine is off (0 g/km CO2).
Operation / Energy flows
6. The Diesel engine supplies the battery (if needed). 7. Arrow from left to right: the battery powers the electric motor (when the electric motor is operating). Arrow from right to left: the electric motor/generator recharges the battery (energy recovery phases). 8. The Diesel engine drives the front wheels. 9. The electric motor drives the rear wheels.
Vehicle infrastructure
3. Diesel engine. 4. Traction battery state of charge. 5. Electric Motor/Generator.
Information on the active hybrid mode, arrows for energy flows and the state of charge of the battery, is displayed in the instrument panel screen or the screen.
41Hybrid system
Examples of displays
On starting and when stationary
There is no flow of energy (the Stop & Start system stops and restarts the Diesel engine automatically).
Energy recovery
During this phase (deceleration, braking, foot off the accelerator, … all modes), the battery is recharged by the electric motor/generator, then being driven by the rear wheels. You can maximise this energy recovery by taking your foot off the accelerator pedal, deceleration will then be less marked than with a conventional vehicle.
100% electric
In all electric running (AUTO or ZEV modes), only the electric motor, powered by the battery, drives the rear wheels. The display of "Zero Emission" indicates that the Diesel engine is off and the vehicle is producing no CO2.
Automatic restarting of the Diesel engine or ZEV mode NOT available
Maintaining the performance of the system
- When the vehicle exceeds 18 mph (30 km/h) after moving off (if the internal
combustion engine has not already started since the vehicle was last started). - If the high voltage battery is not sufficiently charged. A minimum of 4 bars in ZEV mode so as to ensure operation over a certain distance (in AUTO, electric operation is accessible for a shorter period with a lower level of charge). - When the fuel level enters the reserve zone (where rate of consumption of this reserve is high, ZEV inhibition may continue for some time after refuelling). - During regeneration of the particle emissions filter, which occurs automatically for 5 to 10 minutes, approximately every 300 miles (500 kms) (or less in extended urban running).
The internal combustion engine may restart or ZEV mode may not be available in the various conditions presented below. The internal combustion engine can be switched off automatically as soon as these conditions are lifted. When the conditions described below cause the vehicle to come out of ZEV mode and the Diesel engine to restart, the vehicle automatically changes to AUTO mode.
Your vehicle is fitted with the most effective emissions control systems, in particular the Particle Emissions Filter (PEF). At regular intervals your Diesel engine will produce energy for the self-cleaning of this f i l t e r. During this PEF regeneration phase, electric running is purposely made unavailable and is accompanied by a message " Electric mode not available: PEF regeneration in progress ".
Action by the driver
- Moving the gear selector to position M . - Action on steering mounted control paddles to change gear. - Sustained and sharp acceleration. - Use of demisting. - Use of air conditioning.
Diffi cult weather conditions and circumstances
- If certain conditions or engine temperature requirements make it necessary (such as an engine temperature that is too low for the ambient conditions). - When the battery is close to maximum charge (for example: when going down a long hill), because engine recovery being no longer possible, the internal combustion engine restarts automatically just to provide engine braking. - If the vehicle encounters a steep slope (car park ramp, ...). - If the vehicle has been parked in the sun for a prolonged period. - When driving in mountainous conditions (altitude).
43Hybrid system
Hybrid4 frequently asked questions
ZEV (Zero Emissions Vehicle) mode
QuestionAnswer
Why is it not always possible for me to put the vehicle into ZEV (Zero Emissions Vehicle) mode even though the battery is well charged?
This situation is temporary. Certain conditions will occasionally prevent the change to ZEV mode, even if the battery has sufficient charge, such as, for example, very cold conditions, altitude, demisting, high demand for heating or air conditioning, regeneration of the particle emissions filter (PEF).
Why do I sometimes see an alert message "Electric mode not available: PEF regeneration in progress"?
This is an message relating to the regeneration of the particle emissions filter (PEF). This is a completely normal process that takes place every 240 or 300 miles (400 or 500 km) (or more frequently in prolonged urban use), as on a conventional HDi vehicle. This process is not generally noticed by the driver. On the other hand, in the case of a hybrid, this phenomenon may be noticeable (in urban use) as temporarily the HDi engine will not stop and this message will be displayed at intervals while regeneration is in progress.
Why is it not possible for me to put the vehicle into ZEV mode, even though I had just been running electrically in Auto mode?
The management of ZEV is different from Auto mode. Changing to ZEV mode is only possible with a battery charge of at least 4 bars, in order to assure sufficient range. In Auto mode, the system alone manages the conditions for changing temporarily to electric mode, for shorter periods and with a lower state of charge of the battery.
Why is the range in ZEV (Zero Emissions Vehicle) mode lower when climbing? The vehicle needs more energy when climbing than when running on the level. So it is better to stay in Auto mode, which will favour operation of the Diesel engine.
Why is it that the system makes me come out of ZEV (Zero Emissions Vehicle) mode; it does not return to ZEV automatically when the conditions
allow?
It is not intended to give preference to ZEV running at any cost, as it is not always the most economical mode. So the system returns automatically to Auto mode.
Reducing consumption - Fuel
QuestionAnswer
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 (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 operation) 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 trip computer sometimes display the bars for 28 mpg (10 litres) consumption in
town?
The current fuel consumption displayed may appear high when the distance covered is very low, but this generally has very little impact and the true average fuel consumption will remain low.
In town, your hybrid retains very good fuel economy (of the order of 35% better than a non-hybrid 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 for energy when going downhill or taking when your foot off the accelerator.
Why are there so may fuel alert messages when starting to use the reserve? To encourage you to refuel as soon as possible and avoid the loss of hybrid functions.
45Hybrid system
Air conditioning
QuestionAnswer
It seems to me that the vehicle runs less on electric when the heating or air conditioning is operating, is that right?
The demand for heating or air conditioning may require the starting of the Diesel engine until the desired level of comfort is attained. Normal hybrid operation is simply put back. The period can be longer under low or very high ambient temperatures.
It seems to me that when it is very hot and the air conditioning is working, the vehicle runs on electric for shorter periods. Is that right?
When it is hot, the periods when the Diesel engine is put on standby and the vehicle runs on electric are necessarily restricted in order to limit the difference between the temperature in the vehicle and the level of comfort selected. In very hot weather, it is always possible to press the Eco OFF button (which brings the vehicle out of ZEV mode and prevents electric running or the stopping of the engine) to give preference to temperature control (keeps the air conditioning running).
Special Hybrid4 features
QuestionAnswer
Can I tow with my hybrid vehicle and how much? A Hybrid4 vehicle can tow between 500 kg and 800 kg (see the "Towing" section). This allows a jet ski or two-wheeler on a trailer to be towed, for example. The "technical" reason for the limit is related to maintaining adequate cooling capacity for the internal combustion engine as well as the hybrid components that are also cooled by the engine's cooling system.
Why does engine braking seem so strong? When you take your foot off the accelerator, the engine braking results mainly from the energy recovery by the electric motor. This leads to a higher level of deceleration than a conventional vehicle and so allows the recovery of free energy.