Charge / Hold buttons.

[Eyal]

Hi,

I own PHEV for 8 months now, I tried to figure out myself but can't find the logic in charge / hold buttons, manual doesn't have reasonable explanation as well, why would I want to charge battery by petrol or why would I hold the battery level and use petrol instead?

 

[jaapv]

Search the forum, this has been addressed often.

The Save button can be used at higher speed on the motorway. The efficiency of the car is the approximately same or better on petrol in this case and you save the stored energy for the urban traffic when you leave the motorway again.
The Charge button is used when you are aware that you will need a maximum of electric power ahead, for instance when you are approaching mountainous terrain or an emission-controlled zone.

Some users claim subtle differences at different states of charge, but that is more controversial - interesting reading.

 

[AndyInOz]

I also use the "Save" button when I'm coming home late at night.

Out on the highways, I not so worried about noise, and the save button guarantees that I will have charge left for "stealth mode" once I'm in the back streets.

I also turn off the pedestrian noise maker (AAS).

And... like many others, I'm a tad annoyed about the BLOODY LOUD BEEPING that the car makes when I open the door, and get out to open my garage door, so, I turn the car off to open the doors, and back on to creep into the garage.

 

[Eyal]

Thanks jaapv, the thing with engine on highways and saving battery for urban driving makes sense, still not convinced about the charge button, are there really zones of low emission? how do you force this kind of thing?

 

[jaapv]

Well, there are really mountains, and caravans..

 

[jthspace]

. . . .are there really zones of low emission? how do you force this kind of thing?

There are enforceable Low Emission Zones - for example, for trucks in and around London (enforced by vehicle checks and special licence) and many people have a voluntary code of practice (me, for example) who will hit "save" and run on petrol on the main road and then go "all electric" as I get into town or a built-up area to avoid pollution issues. On a long regular journey I make, this means I run EV for 15 to 20 miles, hit save, run on petrol for 50 miles and have 5 miles for EV at the end of the journey. I recharge from the mains before returning home. Electricity is approx half the price of petrol in the U.K. (recognising that petrol prices are dropping at the moment).

London also has a "Congestion Charge" so Monday to Friday 0700 to 1800 there is a GBP 10.50 to GBP 14.00 daily charge to drive into central London (enforced by Number Plate Recognition cameras) but FREE to people who drive certain types of vehicles (EV or PHEV in this case).

I believe the aim, by 2030, is to have 50% of all cars as PHEV in the U.K.

. . . . I also turn off the pedestrian noise maker (AAS)

Surely only in car parks, near schools and playgrounds? :twisted:

Jeff

 

[jaapv]

Thanks jaapv, the thing with engine on highways and saving battery for urban driving makes sense, still not convinced about the charge button, are there really zones of low emission? how do you force this kind of thing?

Yes - in Germany and Austria for instance. Fine without a vignette: 80 Euro.

 

[anko]

Thanks jaapv, the thing with engine on highways and saving battery for urban driving makes sense, still not convinced about the charge button, are there really zones of low emission? how do you force this kind of thing?

Yes - in Germany and Austria for instance. Fine without a vignette: 80 Euro.

If I am not mistaken, the fast majority of cars qualify for getting the vignette. Definitely not only (PH)EVs. As long as it is payed for. So there are more "additional tax zones" than "low emission zones". Aren't they? :mrgreen:

 

[jaapv]

Well, that is true. Many Diesels will only qualify for the Orange vignette, though. Not vry effectie as a tax instrumet. Get one for 25 Euro and it is for the life of the car.

 

[anko]

Well, that is true. Many Diesels will only qualify for the Orange vignette, though.

Didn't know there were different versions. Learn something new every day ....