Mercedes-Benz E 400 HYBRID Operating Instructions Manual page 28

Driving tips
26
During partially electric driving, pulling
R
away and acceleration, the electric motor
supports the internal combustion engine.
During overrun in transmission position D
R
and braking, the electric motor will operate
as a generator.
i
For further information about the ECO
start/stop function (
tips, see the vehicle Operator's Manual.
Stationary vehicle
In this operating mode, the engine is primarily
switched off. The electric drive of the
refrigerant compressor ensures that the
automatic climate control system continues
to operate. The electromechanically assisted
steering allows you to use the power steering
without reduced comfort.
Acceleration
Depending on the operating strategy, pulling
away and low-load driving can take place in
pure electric mode or in combination with the
engine. The boost function is used when
accelerating or driving at increased or full
load. The electric motor assists the engine by
providing extra torque whenever the
accelerator pedal is depressed quickly.
Overrun mode or braking
When decelerating your hybrid vehicle, three
operating conditions are possible:
energy recovery (
R
even when the vehicle is decelerating
purely in the overrun mode. The electric
motor operates as a generator and stores
the recovered energy in the high-voltage
battery.
when the brakes are applied lightly, the
R
vehicle is slowed down further by the
electric motor. This increases the energy
recovery taking place. The electric motor
page 22) and driving
Y
page 23) takes place
Y
operates as a generator and stores the
recovered energy in the high-voltage
battery.
when the brakes are applied with greater
R
force, the service brakes are also used to
slow the vehicle down. The two systems
work together.
Urban driving
Hybrid vehicles display their advantages to
best effect in urban traffic, with its frequent
stops and deceleration. Energy is recovered
during the vehicle's frequent periods of
deceleration.
The vehicle operates exclusively with the
electric motor at speeds of up to
approximately 20 mph (35 km/h), for
example:
while approaching a traffic light
R
in stop-start traffic
R
i
The vehicle operates exclusively with the
electric motor only if all conditions for
automatic engine switch-off are met
( page 22).
Y
Driving on inter-urban roads
When driving on inter-urban roads, the
vehicle switches between boost phase,
constant phase and energy recovery phase.
A great deal of recovered energy may be
available, depending on the route profile. This
has a positive effect on fuel consumption and
emissions.
Highway driving
During highway driving, fuel consumption and
emissions are favorably influenced in
particular by reduced power losses.