Driving and Operating 9-21
Parking over Things
That Burn
{
WARNING
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the
vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass,
or other things that can burn.
Electric Vehicle
Operating Modes
System Operation
This vehicle is an Extended Range
Electric Vehicle (EREV). It uses an
electric propulsion system to drive
the vehicle at all times. Electricity
is the vehicle's primary source of
energy, while gasoline is the
secondary source.
The vehicle has two modes of
operation: Electric and Extended
Range. In both modes, the vehicle
is propelled by its electric drive unit.
It converts electrical energy into
mechanical energy to drive the
wheels. The vehicle's performance
remains the same in either mode.
See Driving for Better Energy
Efficiency on page 9‑2.
Electric Mode
In Electric Mode, the vehicle does
not use fuel or produce tailpipe
emissions. During this primary
mode, the vehicle is powered by
electrical energy stored in the high
voltage battery. The vehicle can
operate in this mode until the
battery has reached a low charge.
There are some conditions when the
battery charge is high enough to
provide Electric Mode operation, but
the engine still runs. They are:
.
Cold ambient temperatures.
.
Hot or cold high voltage battery
temperatures.
.
The hood being open or not
completely closed and latched.
.
Certain high voltage battery fault
conditions.
.
Engine Maintenance Mode or
Fuel Maintenance Mode
being run.