• Release the accelerator pedal to slow
down and do not apply the brakes when
traffic and road conditions allow.
– This vehicle is equipped with a regen-
erative brake system. The primary pur-
pose of the regenerative brake system
is to provide some power to recharge
the Li-ion battery and extend driving
range. A secondary benefit is “engine
braking” that operates based on Li-ion
battery conditions. In the D (Drive) posi-
tion, when the accelerator is released,
the regenerative brake system pro-
vides some deceleration and some
power to the Li-ion battery.
LI-ION BATTERY LIFE
The Li-ion battery's ability to hold a charge,
like all batteries, decreases with battery
age and usage which results in decreased
vehicle range when compared to the ve-
hicle range when the vehicle was new. This
is normal and expected, and does not indi-
cate a malfunction of the vehicle or Li-ion
battery.
The Li-ion battery's ability to hold a charge
can be affected by how you drive the ve-
hicle, store the vehicle, how you charge the
Li-ion battery and Li-ion battery tempera-
ture during vehicle operation and charging.
To maximize the battery's useful life, use
the following driving and charging habits
where possible:
• Avoid exposing a vehicle to extreme am-
bient temperatures for extended periods.
• Avoid storing a vehicle in temperatures
below −13°F (−25°C) for more than seven
days.
• Avoid leaving your vehicle for more than
14 days where the Li-ion battery available
charge gauge reaches a zero or near zero
(state of charge).
• Allow the vehicle and Li-ion battery to cool
down after use before charging.
• Park/store your vehicle in cool locations
out of direct sunlight and away from heat
sources.
• Avoid sustained high battery tempera-
tures (caused, for example, by exposure to
very high ambient temperatures or ex-
tending highway driving with multiple
quick charges [if so equipped]) .
• Use the normal charging or trickle charg-
ing methods to charge the Li-ion battery
and minimize the use of public Fast
Charge or Quick Charger.
• Moderate driving.
• Use of ECO mode.
• Do not operate the charging timer repeat-
edly while the charge connector is con-
nected to the vehicle after the Li-ion bat-
tery charging is completed. Doing so may
discharge the 12-volt battery.
• The power of the Li-ion battery can be
checked on the Li-ion battery available
charge gauge. For additional information,
refer to “Li-ion battery available charge
gauge” in the “Instruments and controls”
section of this manual.
EV-20
EV Overview