Audi Q5: Hybrid functions and operating modes

Applies to vehicles: with hybrid drive

Fig. 111 Center console: button

• To turn on EV mode, press the button. The indicator light in the button will turn on. The indicator light also turns on in the instrument cluster display.

The functions and operating modes described below are selected automatically by the vehicle control system, depending on the vehicle operating status. This ensures that the vehicle is always in the correct operating mode. One exception is the enhanced electric driving mode (EV mode), which is activated by the driver.

Driving with the combustion engine

The vehicle is powered by the combustion engine.

The high voltage battery is charged simultaneously, if needed.

Full acceleration (boost)

In full acceleration, the vehicle is powered by both the combustion engine and the electric motor.

This operating mode is called Boost and is only available for a short amount of time because it uses so much energy. Availability depends on the high voltage battery charge level.

The boost operating mode is activated by pressing the accelerator pedal all the way down.

Electric driving

The vehicle can be driven completely electrically depending on the high voltage battery charge level and the driving resistance. The combustion engine turns off at that time.

The combustion engine starts when accelerating or when the high voltage battery charge level drops below a certain threshold. The vehicle resumes electric driving once the acceleration and the high voltage battery charge level permit.

Enhanced electric driving mode (EV mode)

Pressing the button > fig. 111 can extend the usual limits on electric driving so that you can always drive in electric mode, if the condition of the electrical system permits. The operating mode is then set to maximum electric drive 3, 12 > fig. 110. It can be driven completely electrically for up to 1.8 miles (3 km) at a constant 37 mph (60 km/h).

The following conditions must be met to activate the enhanced electric drive:

• The high voltage battery must be sufficiently charged.
• The temperature of the 12 volt batteries and the high voltage battery must be sufficient.
• The vehicle speed must not be higher than 62 mph (100 km/h).
• The transmission must not be in tiptronic mode.
• Offroad mode and hill descent assist must not be turned on.

The combustion engine turns on and interrupts the enhanced electric drive mode when the vehicle is accelerated. The gray indicator light also turns on in the display. The enhanced electric drive mode resumes automatically once acceleration stops.

The enhanced electric drive mode is deactivated if at least one of the following conditions is met:

• The ignition is turned off.
• The button is pressed again,
• The high voltage battery charge level is low.
• The vehicle speed is higher than approximately 62 mph (100 km/h).
• The S selector lever position or tiptronic mode is selected.
• Offroad mode or hill descent assist is switched on.

  The button must be pressed to reactivate it.

Start-Stop function

The combustion engine is operated only as needed. Generally, the combustion engine turns off when the vehicle is stationary and the high voltage battery powers the electrical vehicle systems.

The purpose of automatically shutting the combustion engine off in hybrid drive mode is to save fuel. All of the important vehicle systems, such as steering, brakes and the А/С system, continue to remain active. In some cases, systems may require the combustion engine to continue running when the vehicle is stationary. When driving in congested traffic for long periods of time, the combustion engine will cycle on when the vehicle is stationary to keep the high voltage battery charged.

Gliding

If the gas pedal is not pressed and the D position is selected, the combustion engine remains turned off up to speeds of approximately 99 mph (160 km/h). Driving conservatively like this can reduce fuel consumption.

Energy recovery (recuperation)

When braking, the electric motor will act as a generator creating electric energy that is then stored in the high voltage battery. This also occurs when the vehicle is coasting or driving downhill, The combustion engine is automatically turned off in this case.

The vehicle is braked with the electric motor by applying early and even pressure to the brakes and using short pedal movements > fig. 110 6. By doing this, a large amount of the kinetic energy is recovered and may be stored as electric energy in the high voltage battery. During heavy braking, the conventional brakes are also activated > fig. 110 10.

The energy recovery is shown in the MMI display.

Automatic start of the combustion engine

Various operating conditions cause the combustion engine to start automatically:

• The high voltage battery charge level is low.
• The temperature of the combustion engine is low.
• The temperature of the catalytic converter is low.
• The power output needed for the А/С system is high.
• The vehicle speed is high.
• The vehicle acceleration is high.
• The incline is steep.
• High charge level for the high voltage battery when coasting. In this case, the high voltage battery cannot absorb any more energy and so the electric motor cannot slow down the vehicle. The combustion engine turns on (engine brake). In this situation the high voltage battery will show a Max charge.

Tips for Driving Efficiently with your Hybrid

Applies to vehicles: with hybrid drive

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