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eAssist Overview (if equipped)
A compact electric assist system called eAssist has been integrated with the highly efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission to provide an electric “boost” to help conserve fuel. eAssist includes a small, but powerful, electric motor rated at 15 kilowatts. It replaces the typical alternator found on most engines.
eAssist also uses a small, advanced 115-volt lithium-ion battery located in the trunk.
eAssist Features
Auto Start/Stop
While driving, when the brake is applied and the vehicle comes to a complete stop, the automatic engine start/stop system may turn off the engine, referred to as an Auto Stop. In Auto Stop mode, the tachometer gauge will read AUTO STOP. The audio system, climate controls and other accessories will be powered by the high-voltage battery. The engine will restart immediately when the brake pedal is released or the accelerator pedal is applied.
After parking the vehicle and turning off the engine, the tachometer gauge will read OFF.
There are several conditions that may cause the engine to remain running or restart when the vehicle is stopped.
• The engine, transmission or high-voltage battery is not at the required operating temperature.
• The outside temperature is less than –4º F (–20º C).
• The shift lever is in any gear other than Drive (D).
• The high-voltage battery state of charge is low. It will automatically recharge as the vehicle is driven.
• The climate control system requires the engine to run based on the climate control or defog setting. Using the eco Air Conditioning mode will result in more frequent and
longer Auto Stops than the Comfort Air Conditioning mode.
• The Auto Stop time is greater than two minutes.
See Driving and Operating in your Owner Manual.
Power Flow Display
The Power Flow display, located on the infotainment system touch screen, indicates the current eAssist operating mode, energy flow direction and high voltage battery charge level. The operating modes include Engine Idle, Auto Stop, Engine Power, Hybrid Power, and Regen Recovery.
See Instruments and Controls in your Owner Manual.
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eAssist Features
Driver Efficiency Gauge
The driver efficiency gauge, located on the instrument cluster, assists you in driving effi-ciently. To maximize efficiency, attempt to keep the pointer in the solid green zone in the middle of the gauge. The gauge moves down when braking and up when accelerating or driving at high speeds. When driving aggressively, it is less efficient and the gauge will move farther away from center. The eAssist system’s ability to capture energy while the vehicle is slowing down makes decelerating important for vehicle efficiency.
See Instruments and Controls in your Owner Manual.
Climate Control Settings
Select the eco Air Conditioning setting (green A/C indicator) for maximum efficiency. This setting will maximize the frequency and duration of Auto Stops while still providing cabin comfort when the vehicle is in an Auto Stop. To further maximize efficiency, operate the climate controls in the Automatic mode at the highest comfortable temperature setting or turn off the air conditioning system when climate conditions allow.
Select the comfort Air Conditioning setting (amber A/C indicator) for maximum cabin
comfort. Auto Stops will be reduced in both frequency and duration.
See Climate Controls in your Owner Manual.
Regenerative Braking
When braking or coasting, the electric motor acts like a generator to charge the high-voltage battery. This “regenerative braking” process captures kinetic energy that would otherwise be lost and stores it in the high-voltage battery. This electrical energy can then be reused.
Note: Capturing kinetic energy causes transmission shifts that have more feel when braking or coasting.
See In Brief in your Owner Manual.
Next Generation Transmission
The eAssist system employs a next generation six-speed transmission with sophisticated algorithms that continuously store information about your driving style, such as accelera-tion and braking. Over the first 250–400 miles, some transmission shifts may be more noticeable. As the vehicle is driven in a variety of city and highway driving conditions,
eAssist will use its onboard processing power to quickly “learn” your driving habits and deliver a seamless driving experience.
See Driving and Operating in your Owner Manual.
Hill Start Assist
After stopping on an incline, the Hill Start Assist feature momentarily holds the vehicle when the brake pedal is released. The driver-applied brake pressure is used during the stop to keep the vehicle from rolling during the period between when the brake pedal is released and the accelerator pedal is applied.
See Driving and Operating in your Owner Manual.
