Page 17 of 580

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 the A/C is used.
● When opening the door.
● When the engine hood is opened.
● When applying the 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.
The engine is hard to stop during these driving
conditions: ● 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
releasing the brakes.
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. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Regenerative brake” in this sec-
tion.
STOPPING
The gasoline engine may stop running to save
fuel depending on the available Li-ion battery
charge.
HEV OverviewHEV-5
Page 18 of 580

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 ve-
hicle information display and the meter. System
status can also be shown on the navigation sys-
tem display (if so equipped) when the screen is in
the energy flow mode or energy/fuel history
mode.
ASSIST CHARGE GAUGE
This meter displays the actual electric motor
power consumption and the charging power to
the Li-ion battery.
For additional information, refer to “Assist charge
gauge” in the “Instruments and controls” section
of this manual.
ENERGY FLOW (models with
navigation system)
When you use this system, make sure the hybrid
system is in the READY to drive mode. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Operation of the hy-
brid system” in this section.If you use the system with the hybrid sys-
tem off (ignition switch placed in the ACC
position) for a long time, it will discharge
the 12-volt battery power, and the hybrid
system will not start.
Energy monitor for various operating modes can
be displayed on the navigation system monitor
and the meter.
Push the INFO button on the control panel and
highlight the “Energy Flow” key on the display
using the INFINITI controller then push the EN-
TER button.
LIC2544
ENERGY MONITORS
HEV-6HEV Overview
Page 19 of 580

This is an example of the Energy Flow display.
The Energy Flow display changes, depending on
the following operating conditions. The graphic
indicates the amount of power in the Li-ion bat-
tery.
The following are displayed on the Energy Flow
screen.● When the vehicle is powered only by the
electric motor or gasoline engine.
● When the vehicle is powered by both the
electric motor and the gasoline engine. ●
When the vehicle is charging the Li-ion bat-
tery with the regenerative brake and gaso-
line engine.
● When the vehicle is powered by the gaso-
line engine and is charging the Li-ion battery.
● When there is no Energy Flow in the vehicle
The Energy Flow and remaining Li-ion battery
charge can be also shown on the vehicle infor-
mation display. For additional information, refer to
“Trip computer” in the “Instruments and controls”
section of this manual.FUEL ECONOMY (models with
navigation system)
Press the INFO button, then touch the FUEL
ECONOMY key on the display screen.
This screen displays the rate of fuel consumption
and distance to empty.
NJE0003NJE0013
HEV OverviewHEV-7
Page 20 of 580

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. 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) .
NJE0012NJE0008
HEV-8HEV Overview
Page 21 of 580

FUEL ECONOMY HISTORY (models
without navigation system)
The Fuel Economy History screen appears when
the display screen is in the Fuel Economy History
mode.1. Press the INFO button on the control panel.
2. Select the FUEL ECONOMY on the vehicle information display. This will display fuel
economy information. 3. The Fuel Eco History can be displayed by
touching 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. ●
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) .
NJE0012NJE0010
HEV OverviewHEV-9
Page 22 of 580

This vehicle is equipped with two braking sys-
tems.● 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 a 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 vehicle
information display. For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Energy Flow (models with navi-
gation system)” or “Trip computer” in the
“Instruments and controls” section of this
manual. 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-10HEV Overview
Page 23 of 580

The Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians
(VSP) system is a function that uses sound to
help alert pedestrians of the presence of the
vehicle when it is being driven at a low speed in
the electric drive mode under the following con-
ditions:● The sound starts when the vehicle starts
accelerating.
● The sound stops when the vehicle speed is
more than 19 MPH (30 km/h) while acceler-
ating only when vehicle is powered by the
electric motor.
● The sound starts when the vehicle speed is
less than 16 MPH (25 km/h) while deceler-
ating only when vehicle is powered by the
electric motor.
● The sound stops when the vehicle stops.
● The sound does not stop with the vehicle in
the R (Reverse) position even if the vehicle
stops.
The VSP system is automatically turned on when
the vehicle is in the READY to drive mode. If there is a malfunction in the VSP system, the
VSP OFF indicator light in the meter illuminates.
For additional information, refer to “Approaching
Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) OFF indi-
cator light” in the “Instruments and controls” sec-
tion of this manual.
WARNING
●
If the sound from the VSP system is not
heard while driving, stop the vehicle in a
safe and quiet location. Open a window,
and then place the vehicle in the R (Re-
verse) position with the brake pedal
firmly depressed. Check that the oper-
ating sound can be heard from the front
side of the vehicle.
● If the sound cannot be heard, immedi-
ately contact an INFINITI retailer for
inspection.
HIGH-VOLTAGE COMPONENTS
AND THEIR LOCATIONS
WARNING
●The INFINITI Direct Response Hybrid®
System uses high voltage up to approxi-
mately 144 volts. The system can be hot
during and after starting. Be careful of
both the high voltage and the high tem-
perature. Obey the warning labels at-
tached to the vehicle.
● Never touch, disassemble, remove or
replace the high-voltage parts, har-
nesses and their connectors. High-
voltage harnesses are orange. Touch-
ing, disassembling, removing or
replacing those parts and harnesses
can cause severe burns or electric
shock that may result in serious injury
or death.
APPROACHING VEHICLE SOUND
FOR PEDESTRIANS (VSP) SYSTEM HYBRID VEHICLE PRECAUTIONS
HEV OverviewHEV-11
Page 24 of 580
1. DC/DC Converter
2. Service Plug
3. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) Battery
4. High-Voltage Harness
5. 12–volt Battery
6. Traction Motor Inverter
7. Traction Motor
The hybrid system uses high voltage up to ap-
proximately 144 volts. High-voltage components
are indicated in the illustration. High-voltage har-
nesses are orange. The system can be hot during
and after starting. Be careful of both the high
voltage and the high temperature.
LHV2040
HEV-12HEV Overview