Quote:
Originally Posted by rice_rocket88
Ouch, I guess my daily commute is about 50 miles so it tops up pretty fast.
|
Don't assume it's charging the battery just because the engine is running. The system actually de-energizes the alternator to save power.
Watch the little efficiency gauge at the lower right of the instrument - when the blue bars are showing, it's in regen mode. The system engages the torque converter and uses the car's momentum to drive the crankshaft while it re-energizes the alternator. In many other situations, it's only putting out a maintenance charge.
In Eco mode, it's even more extreme.