Ford C-MAX Hybrid / Energi (2016 year). Manual - part 33

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:

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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.

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).
For Energi vehicles, climate control
demands by passengers may not
directly cause the engine to run. This
only occurs when the high voltage
battery charge is low, or if the outside
temperature is cold enough to require
the engine to provide additional heat
for the cabin.

•

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:

It is not recommended to idle the vehicle
in neutral (N) for an extended period of
time because this will discharge your high
voltage battery and decrease fuel
economy. The engine will not start or stop,
and cannot provide power to the hybrid
system in neutral (N).

Low:

Low (L) is designed to mimic the enhanced
engine braking available in non-hybrid
vehicles. Low gear will produce high engine
speeds to provide necessary engine
braking. This is normal and will not damage
your vehicle. In low gear, the gas engine
will remain on more often than in drive (D).

Reverse:

In reverse (R), vehicle speed is limited to
22 mph (35 km/h).

Battery:

Your hybrid is equipped with a high voltage
battery. A cool battery maintains battery
life and provides the best possible
performance. The high voltage battery is
cooled by cabin air drawn from vent holes
in the trim panels behind the rear seats.
Avoid placing objects at the vent holes that
block airflow to the high voltage battery.

Engine:

The engine speed in your hybrid is not
directly tied to your vehicle speed. Your
vehicle's engine and transmission are
designed to deliver the power you need at
the most efficient engine speed. During
heavy accelerations, your hybrid may reach
high engine speeds (up to 6000 RPM).

In prolonged mountainous driving, you may
see the engine speed changing without
your input. This is intentional and maintains
the battery charge level. You may also
notice during extended downhill driving
that your engine continues to run instead
of shutting off.

During this engine braking, the engine stays
on, but it is not using any fuel. You may also
hear a slight whine or whistle when
operating your vehicle. This is the normal
operation of the electric generator in the
hybrid system.

During certain events (such as vehicle
servicing) your low voltage 12-volt battery
may become disconnected or disabled.
Once the battery is reconnected and after
driving the vehicle, the engine may
continue to operate for three to five
seconds after the key is turned to off. This
is a normal condition.

Braking:

Your hybrid is equipped with standard
hydraulic braking and regenerative braking.
Regenerative braking is performed by your
transmission and it captures brake energy
and stores it in your high voltage battery.

Driving to Optimize Fuel Economy

Note: Having your engine running is not
always an indication of inefficiency. In some
cases, it is actually more efficient than
driving in electric mode.

Your fuel economy should improve
throughout your hybrid's break-in period.
As with any vehicle, your driving habits and
accessory usage can significantly impact
your fuel economy. For best results, keep
in mind these tips:

•

Keep the tires properly inflated and
only use the recommended size.

•

Aggressive driving increases the
amount of energy required to move
your vehicle. In general, you can
achieve better fuel economy with mild
to moderate acceleration and
deceleration. Moderate braking is
particularly important since it allows
you to maximize the energy captured
by the regenerative braking system.

Additional Tips:
•

Do not carry extra loads.

•

Be mindful of adding external
accessories that may increase
aerodynamic drag.

•

Observe posted speed limits.

•

Perform all scheduled maintenance.

•

There is no need to wait for your engine
to warm up. The vehicle is ready to
drive immediately after starting.

EV+ Mode

Your vehicle will recognize your frequent
destinations and allow for more EV driving
as you approach them. For example, when
nearing your home it should be easier to
stay in electric mode. The EV indicator will
display EV+ when this mode is active. You
should see this approximately 1/8 mile
(200 meters) from a frequent destination.
See Information Displays (page 93).

Note: Frequent destinations are learned by
your vehicle after two to four weeks of use.
To add a destination immediately, perform
the following process: cycle the ignition on
for 2 seconds, but do not start your vehicle,
then off for 2 seconds. Repeat the process
10 times. This location is now programmed
for EV+. You can clear these destinations
with a Driving History reset through the
Settings menu.

Note: You can switch the EV+ feature on
or off through the Driver Assist section of
the Settings menu.

PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE
OPERATION

Plug-in Power Mode and Hybrid
Mode

You must plug in your Energi vehicle
regularly for optimal use of the high
voltage battery's extended range
capability. Charging your vehicle adds
electrical energy. This energy is used to
propel the vehicle in plug-in power mode.

Estimated electric range is shown in blue
next to gasoline range at the bottom of the
right information display. You can also
configure MyView to include detailed
vehicle range information.  See Gauges
(page 85).

The system maximizes the use of
electric-only operation in plug-in power
mode. System conditions may require
engine operation; however, the system
uses plug-in power whenever possible.

When your plug-in power is depleted, the
powertrain system will automatically
switch to hybrid mode. Your battery gauge
will transition to a simple battery graphic
upon entering hybrid mode. Hybrid mode
uses both the gasoline engine and electric
motor to power your vehicle and maximize
fuel economy.

EV Modes

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Your vehicle contains selectable
EV modes through the EV button
located on the center of the

instrument panel, below the climate
controls.

These modes are available when your
vehicle can run under high voltage battery
power. With your vehicle in driving mode,
you can change EV modes with each press
of the EV button. The current mode will be
displayed in the left-hand instrument
cluster screen.

Auto EV

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This mode provides an
automatic use of high voltage
battery power during the drive,

staying in electric mode when possible and
running the engine when needed. This
mode will be the only one available if the
plug-in power has been depleted.

EV Now

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This mode provides an electric
only driving experience. The
left-hand information display

changes to a screen displaying your
average miles or kilometers per charge
along with EV specific tools and functions.

Your vehicle may accelerate more slowly
and the top speed may be lower in EV Now
mode than in Auto EV mode.

You can enable your engine at any time by
using one of the following methods:

1.

Press the OK button on the left 5–way
steering wheel control while viewing
the miles or kilometers per charge
screen. Your vehicle will enable the
engine as needed, and will
automatically return to EV Now after
eight seconds or when the engine is no
longer needed.

2. Press the accelerator pedal fully. A pop

up message will appear. Press OK on
the left-hand steering wheel button to
activate as needed. The message will
disappear if you release the accelerator
pedal.

3. Press the EV button. This will change

the mode to EV Later and permit
engine operation.

Your vehicle may automatically enter
Engine Enabled mode if system conditions
require it. A engine enabled message will
display if this occurs. This is normal
function, and your vehicle will return to EV
Now when possible.

Your vehicle may enter Enable Engine
mode if the climate control is in a defrost
mode and the outside temperature is cold.
A engine enabled message will display if
this occurs. If defrost is not needed, select
a different climate control mode to permit
EV Now.

When you enable EV Now, a blue EV icon
displays in the left-hand information
display. If your vehicle is in the Engine
Enabled mode, the EV icon will be yellow.

EV Now will automatically exit when the
Plug in power has been depleted.

EV Later

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This mode saves most of the
high voltage battery plug in
power for future use (for

example, your initial drive is at high speeds
on open roads, but later your drive will be
at low speeds in an urban area where
plug-in power usage is most efficient).
Your vehicle will run the engine as needed
and keep most of the high voltage battery
plug in power for later use in Auto Mode or
EV Now mode.

When you enable EV Later, a white EV
Later icon appears on the left-hand
information display.

The EV Later mode will automatically reset
to EV Auto mode when you power your
vehicle off. You may press the EV button
twice during the next drive to return to EV
Later mode, if desired.