Unique Driving Characteristics; Hybrid Vehicle Operation - Ford C-MAX HYBRID 2018 Owner's Manual

Unique Driving Characteristics

HYBRID VEHICLE OPERATION

This hybrid vehicle combines electric and
gasoline propulsion to provide
breakthrough performance and improved
efficiency.
Familiarizing yourself with these unique
characteristics will provide an optimal
driving experience from your new vehicle.
Note: You may notice higher engine speeds
upon start-up. This temporary condition is
normal and necessary to heat up the cabin
and minimize emissions.
Starting:
When you start your vehicle, a
green ready indicator light will
appear in the lower right portion
of the instrument cluster and a ready to
drive message will appear in the middle of
the left cluster screen, letting you know
that your vehicle is ready for driving.
The engine may not start because this
vehicle is equipped with silent key start.
This fuel saving feature allows your vehicle
to be ready–to–drive without requiring the
gas engine to be running. This indicator will
remain on while your vehicle is on, whether
the engine is running or not to indicate your
vehicle is capable of movement (using its
electric motor, engine, or both). Typically,
the engine will not start unless the vehicle
is cold, a climate control change is
requested, or the accelerator is pressed.
Driving:
The gas engine automatically starts and
stops to provide power when needed and
to save fuel when not needed. While
coasting at low speeds, coming to a stop,
or standing, the gas engine normally shuts
down and your vehicle operates in
electric-only mode.
C-MAX / C-MAX Hybrid (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, First Printing
Conditions that may cause the engine to
start up or remain running include:
• Considerable vehicle acceleration.
• Vehicle speed above 85 mph
(137 km/h). However, the maximum
speed for electric-only operation may
be lower while driving in hot
temperatures or on hilly terrain.
• Ascending a hill.
• Charge level of high voltage battery is
low.
• Very high or low outside temperature
(to provide system cooling or heating).
• Engine not warm enough to provide
passenger requested cabin
temperature.
Stopping:
The gas engine may shut off to conserve
fuel as you come to a stop. Restarting your
vehicle is not required. Simply step on the
accelerator when you are ready to drive.
Transmission Operation:
Due to the technologically advanced,
electronically-controlled continuously
variable transaxle, you will not feel shift
changes like those of a non-hybrid vehicle.
Note: Since engine speed is controlled by
the transmission, it may seem elevated at
times. This is normal hybrid operation and
helps deliver fuel efficiency and
performance.
Neutral:
We recommend that you do not idle the
vehicle in neutral (N) for an extended
period of time because this will discharge
your high voltage battery, shut off your air
conditioning and heating, and decrease
fuel economy. The engine will not start or
stop, and cannot provide power to the
hybrid system in neutral (N).
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