MEDIUM OR HIGH SPEED DRIVING
The system automatically controls the gasoline
engine and electric motor in order to obtain the
optimum fuel mileage and performance, depend-
ing on the driving situation and available Li-ion
battery charge.
When the remaining battery level is low, the Li-ion
battery is charged by the electric motor that is
driven to generate electric power while the ve-
hicle is driving.
RAPID ACCELERATION
The vehicle is accelerated using both the gaso-
line engine and the electric motor depending on
the available Li-ion battery charge.
DECELERATION AND BRAKING
The Li-ion battery is charged by the electric mo-
tor that changes the energy of the rotating
wheels into electric power. See “Regenerative
brake” later in this section.
STOPPING
The gasoline engine may stop running to save
fuel depending on the available Li-ion battery
charge.The INFINITI Direct Response Hybrid® System
monitors the status of power being sent to the
electric motor and the Li-ion battery state of
charge. The status is shown on the assist charge
gauge in the meter and the energy
flow/remaining Li-ion battery charge in the dot
matrix display. System status can also be shown
on the navigation system display (if so equipped)
when the screen is in the energy flow mode or
energy/fuel history mode.
POWER METER
This meter displays the actual electric motor
power consumption and the charging power to
the Li-ion battery.
For additional information, See “Power meter” in
the “Instruments and controls” section.
ENERGY FLOW (models with
navigation system)
When you use this system, make sure the hybrid
system is in the READY to drive mode. See
“Operation of the hybrid system” in this section.
LIC2544
ENERGY MONITORS
HEV OverviewHEV-5
WARNING
Your brake system may not be working
properly if the hydraulic brake warning
light and the electronically controlled
brake system warning light is on. 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.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum-assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the hybrid system is turned off, you can
stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal.
However, greater foot pressure on the brake
pedal will be required to stop the vehicle and
stopping distance will be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the
brake pads faster, and reduce gas mileage.To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
When applying the brakes, you may hear a sound
coming from the braking system. This is normal.
WARNING
While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or acceler-
ating could cause the wheels to skid and
result in an accident.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-7
