HEV Overview
INFINITI Direct Response Hybrid® System........HEV-2
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) Battery .......................HEV-2
High-voltage cautions ........................... HEV-2
Road accident cautions ......................... HEV-3
Emergency shut-off system ......................HEV-4
Operation of the hybrid system ...................HEV-4
Starting and slow speed driving ...............HEV-4
Medium or high speed driving .................HEV-5
Rapid acceleration ........................... HEV-5
Deceleration and braking .....................HEV-5
Stopping ................................... HEV-5
Energy monitors ................................ HEV-5
Power Meter ................................ HEV-5
Energy Flow
(models with navigation system) ...............HEV-5 Fuel Economy
(models with navigation system)
...............HEV-7
Fuel Economy
(models without navigation system) ............HEV-7
Fuel economy history
(models with navigation system) ...............HEV-7
Fuel economy history
(models without navigation system) ............HEV-8
Regenerative brake ............................. HEV-9
Efficient use of your vehicle ......................HEV-9
Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP)
System . ...................................... HEV-10
Hybrid vehicle precautions ......................HEV-10
High-voltage components and their locations . . HEV-10
Hybrid vehicle characteristics ................HEV-11
The emergency shut-off system is activated and
the high-voltage system automatically turns off in
the following conditions:● Front and side collisions in which the air
bags are deployed.
● Certain rear collisions.
● Certain INFINITI Direct Response Hybrid®
System malfunctions
For the above collisions and the certain hybrid
system malfunctions, the READY to drive indica-
tor light will turn off. See “Warning/indicator
lights and audible reminders” in the “Instruments
and controls”.
The emergency shut-off activates for the above
collisions to minimize risk of an event that could
cause injury or an accident. If the emergency
shut-off system activates, the hybrid system may
not switch to READY to drive position, contact an
INFINITI retailer. Even if the ignition switch is
switched to READY to drive position, the system
may shut off suddenly. Therefore, drive cautiously
to the nearest INFINITI retailer or contact an
INFINITI retailer as soon as possible. To start the INFINITI Direct Response Hybrid®
System, depress the brake pedal and place the
ignition switch in the ON position when the trans-
mission is in the P (Park) position or N (Neutral)
position (P is recommended) .
The READY to drive indicator light
flashes
until hybrid system becomes the ready to drive
mode.
If starting in low temperature environment, flash-
ing time of READY lamp becomes longer. It can-
not move out from P range during flashing.
When the READY to drive indicator light
illuminates, the vehicle can be driven, even if the
gasoline engine is not running.
NOTE:
The gasoline engine starts and stops auto-
matically. It may stop during deceleration
or when the vehicle is stopped.
The gasoline engine may automatically run in the
following conditions:
● The level of remaining charge in the Li-ion
battery is low. The engine runs to charge the
Li-ion battery and to provide power to drive
the vehicle.
● The temperature of the engine coolant is
low. ●
When A/C is used.
● When opening door.
● When engine hood is opened.
● When applying brakes.
● Based on driving conditions.
● The shift lever is shifted to the P (Park)
position, the driver’s seat belt is released
and the driver’s side door is then opened.
The hybrid system operates as follows based on
driving conditions and the Li-ion battery charge.
Engine is hard to stop during these driving con-
ditions: ● Outside temperature is high/low and A/C is
on.
● When repeatedly starting and stopping the
engine.
STARTING AND SLOW SPEED
DRIVING
In some cases, the vehicle can be driven by
electric motor during extremely slow speed
creep, but the engine starts when accelerating or
taking off the brakes.
EMERGENCY SHUT-OFF SYSTEM OPERATION OF THE HYBRID SYSTEM
HEV-4HEV Overview
FUEL ECONOMY (models with
navigation system)
Press the INFO button then select the FUEL
ECONOMY key on the display screen.
This screen displays the rate of fuel consumption
and distance to empty.
FUEL ECONOMY (models without
navigation system)
Press the INFO button then select the FUEL
ECONOMY key on the display screen.
This screen displays the rate of fuel consumption
and distance to empty.
FUEL ECONOMY HISTORY (models
with navigation system)
The Fuel Economy History screen appears in the
display with the navigation system when the
screen is in the Fuel Economy History mode.1. Push the INFO button on the control panel and highlight the “Energy Flow” key on the
display using the INFINITI controller. Then
push the ENTER button.
2. Highlight the “History” key, and push the ENTER button.
NJE0013NJE0012NJE0008
HEV OverviewHEV-7
The Fuel Economy History can be displayed on
the navigation system monitor. This displays the
vehicle’s average fuel consumption and regen-
erative electric power at 2 minute intervals.
The displayed values on the screen indicate gen-
eral driving conditions. Accuracy varies with driv-
ing habits and road conditions.1. Regenerated energy in the past 12 minutes: The regenerated energy in the past 12 min-
utes is indicated with symbols. One symbol
indicates 30 watt-hour. The energy of
30 watt-hour illuminates a 30 watt bulb for
an hour.
2. Fuel consumption in the past 12 minutes: Fuel consumption in the past 12 minutes is
displayed.
3. Current fuel consumption (Latest column): The current fuel consumption is calculated
and displayed based on distance and fuel
consumption.
NOTE:
Information shown in the yellow column
means current (within 2 minutes) and infor-
mation shown in the blue columns means
past (more than 2 minutes) .
FUEL ECONOMY HISTORY (models
without navigation system)
The Fuel Economy History screen appears in the
display with the navigation system when the
screen is in the Fuel Economy History mode. 1. Push the ECON button on the control panel. This will display fuel economy information. 2. The Fuel Eco History can be displayed by
pressing the VIEW key on the display
screen. This displays the vehicle’s average
fuel consumption and regenerative electric
power at 2 minute intervals.
The displayed values on the screen indicate gen-
eral driving conditions. Accuracy varies with driv-
ing habits and road conditions. ● Regenerated energy in the past 12 minutes:
The regenerated energy in the past 12 min-
utes is indicated with symbols. One symbol
indicates 30 watt-hour. The energy of
30 watt-hour illuminates a 30 watt bulb for
an hour.
NJE0012NJE0010
HEV-8HEV Overview
●Fuel consumption in the past 12 minutes:
Fuel consumption in the past 12 minutes is
displayed.
● Current fuel consumption (Latest column):
The current fuel consumption is calculated
and displayed based on distance and fuel
consumption.
NOTE:
Information shown in the yellow column
means current (within 2 minutes) and infor-
mation shown in the blue columns means
past (more than 2 minutes) .This vehicle is equipped with two braking systems.
● Hydraulic brake system
● Regenerative brake system
When the vehicle decelerates while the vehicle is
driven with the shift lever in the D (drive) position
or in the manual shift mode, the Li-ion battery can
be charged by the electric motor. The electric
motor converts the energy of the rotating wheels
into electric power under the following circum-
stances: ● When the accelerator pedal is released
● When the brake pedal is depressed
● When there is no malfunction in the brake
system or the INFINITI Direct Response Hy-
brid® System
The regenerative brake may not work properly if
the vehicle is installed with tires and road wheels
other than the ones specified in this manual.
While the regenerative cooperative brake system
is operating, you might feel slight vibration or hear
the system working when braking. This is normal.
The regenerative cooperative brake system con-
trols both hydraulic and regenerative brakes. If
you feel unusual deceleration when braking, have
an INFINITI retailer check both the brake and
hybrid systems. Drive your vehicle with smooth accelera-
tion and deceleration.
● While driving, energy is recovered through
the regenerative brake as the vehicle decel-
erates. However, for most efficient use, do
not accelerate or decelerate your vehicle
more than necessary.
● Avoid abrupt acceleration and deceleration.
● The power of the Li-ion battery can be
checked on the Energy Flow in the center
display (models with navigation system) or
Li-ion battery status meter in the dot matrix
display. See “Energy Flow (models with
navigation system)” or “Trip computer” in the
“Instruments and controls” section. Gradual
or non-abrupt acceleration and deceleration
will make more effective use of the electric
power.
● When parking, be sure to place the shift
lever in the P (Park) position. While driving,
place the shift lever in the D (Drive) position.
REGENERATIVE BRAKE EFFICIENT USE OF YOUR VEHICLE
HEV OverviewHEV-9
Hydraulic brake system warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position and the hybrid system is in the READY
mode, this light warns that the hydraulic brake
system is not functioning properly. If the brake
warning light comes on with the parking brake not
applied when the hybrid system is in READY
mode, perform the following:1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as necessary. See “Brake fluid” in the Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of your
INFINITI Owner’s Manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked by an INFINITI re-
tailer.
If the hydraulic brake warning light comes on
when the parking brake is not applied and the
electronically controlled brake system warning
light also comes on, stop the vehicle immediately
and call an INFINITI retailer.WARNING
● Your brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing could be dangerous. If you judge it
to be safe, drive carefully to the nearest
service station for repairs. Otherwise,
have your vehicle towed because driv-
ing it could be dangerous.
● Pressing the brake pedal with the en-
gine stopped and/or a low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.
● If the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at an
INFINITI retailer. ●
Your brake system may not be working
properly if both the brake warning light
and electronically controlled brake sys-
tem light come on when the hybrid sys-
tem is in READY mode and the parking
brake is not applied. Driving could be
dangerous. If you judge it to be safe,
drive carefully to the nearest service
station for repairs. Otherwise, have your
vehicle towed because driving it could
be dangerous.
12–volt battery charge warning
light
If the light comes on when the READY indicator
comes ON, it may indicate the charging system is
not functioning properly. See an INFINITI retailer
immediately.
CAUTION
The charging system may not be function-
ing properly if the 12–volt battery charge
warning light comes on while the hybrid
system is running. The hybrid system will
stop operating when the 12–volt battery
becomes discharged. Immediately stop
the vehicle in a safe place and contact an
INFINITI retailer.
2-4Instruments and controls
Hybrid system warning light
The hybrid system warning light comes on when:● The amount of fuel in the tank is getting low.
● There is a problem with the traction motor or
other hybrid system components.
If the fuel gauge indicates the fuel level is low,
refill the fuel tank immediately. See “Fuel gauge”
earlier in this section. After the fuel tank is filled,
the ignition switch is placed in the ON position,
and the hybrid system is in the READY mode, the
hybrid system warning light should be off.
If the fuel gauge indicates a sufficient fuel level, or
if the hybrid system warning light comes on after
refilling the tank, there may be a problem with the
traction motor or other hybrid system compo-
nents. Stop your vehicle immediately and contact
your INFINITI retailer.
Electronically controlled brake warning light (yellow)
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position and the hybrid system is in the READY
mode, the light stays on for about 2 seconds. If
the light comes on at any other time, it may
indicate the regenerative brake and/or the elec- tronically controlled brake systems are not func-
tioning properly. Have the system checked by an
INFINITI retailer.
If the hydraulic brake warning light also comes on
when the parking brake is not applied, stop the
vehicle
immediately and call an INFINITI re-
tailer. For additional information, see “Brake sys-
tem” in the “Starting and driving” section of the
INFINITI Owner’s Manual.
WARNING
● Your brake system may not be working
properly if both the brake warning light
and electronically controlled brake sys-
tem light come on when the hybrid sys-
tem is in READY mode and the parking
brake is not applied. Driving could be
dangerous. If you judge it to be safe,
drive carefully to the nearest service
station for repairs. Otherwise, have your
vehicle towed because driving it could
be dangerous.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
For additional information on warnings and indi-
cators, see “Vehicle information display” later in
this section.
Approaching Vehicle Sound
for Pedestrians (VSP) OFF
indicator light (if so equipped)
This light comes on if there is a malfunction in the
Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians
(VSP) system.
EV indicator light
This illuminates to indicate the vehicle is being
driven powered only by the motor.
READY to drive indicator light
The READY to drive indicator light illuminates
when the hybrid system is powered and the ve-
hicle may be driven.
Instruments and controls2-5
3.Use Air Conditioning (A/C) at Higher
Vehicle Speeds
● Below 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is more
efficient to open windows to cool the
vehicle due to reduced engine load
● Above 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is more
efficient to use A/C to cool the vehicle
due to increased aerodynamic drag
● Recirculating the cool air in the cabin
when the A/C is on reduces cooling load
● Turn off air conditioning when it is not
necessary
4. Drive at Economical Speeds and Dis-
tances
● Observing the speed limit and not ex-
ceeding 60 MPH (97 km/h) (where le-
gally allowed) can improve fuel efficiency
due to reduced aerodynamic drag
● Maintaining a safe following distance be-
hind other vehicles reduces unnecessary
braking
● Safely monitoring traffic to anticipate
changes in speed permits reduced brak-
ing and smooth acceleration changes
● Select a gear range suitable to road con-
ditions
● Frequent short-distance driving can re-
duce fuel economy 5.
Use Cruise Control
● Using cruise control during highway driv-
ing helps maintain a steady speed
● Cruise control is particularly effective in
providing fuel savings when driving on flat
terrains
6. Plan for the Shortest Route
● Utilize a map or navigation system to de-
termine the best route to save time
7. Avoid Idling
● Shutting off your engine when safe for
stops exceeding 30–60 seconds saves
fuel and reduces emissions
8. Buy an Automated Pass for Toll Roads
● Automated passes permit drivers to use
special lanes to maintain cruising speed
through the toll and avoid stopping and
starting
9. Winter Warm Up
● Limit idling time to minimize impact to fuel
economy
●
Vehicles typically need no more than
30 seconds of idling at start-up to effec-
tively circulate the engine oil before driving
● Your vehicle will reach its ideal operating
temperature more quickly while driving
versus idling
● Park your vehicle in moderate ambient
temperatures when possible
10. Keeping your Vehicle Cool
● Park your vehicle in a covered parking
area or in the shade whenever possible
● When entering a hot vehicle, opening the
windows will help to reduce the inside
temperature faster, resulting in reduced
demand on your A/C system
11. Cargo
● Avoid transporting unnecessary luggage
in the vehicle
● Avoid carrying luggage in the roof rack
which can increase aerodynamic drag
12. Break-in
● Your vehicle may need a break-in period
for more than 4000 miles to improve the
fuel economy
● Avoid measuring fuel economy within ini-
tial 1200 miles
13. Use D (Drive)
● Avoid using the Manual Shift mode and
selecting the Sports mode whenever
possible
Starting and driving5-5