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).
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.
