Frequently asked questions about changing gear in electric operation
While driving, it sometimes seems as if I lose power when accelerating between 80-90 km/h, why?
In hybrid cars, the electric motor is installed in combination with the transmission. When the electric motor is used, it starts in second gear and changes to fourth gear at high speeds (80-90 km/h).
When changing from second to fourth gear, at the same time as accelerating, the engine loses power, i.e. the torque from the motor is reduced for short period in order for changing gear to be possible. This behaviour is normal.
Why does the car need to change gear?
By using a low gear at lower speeds, the electric performance can be improved when starting and driving at low speed. This means that the power from an internal combustion engine is not needed in the same way as in a hybrid.
By using a high gear at higher speeds, the electric drive and power can be used for higher speeds. This can contribute to a lower energy consumption at higher speeds.
Sometimes it seems as if the motor is losing power, why?
The power transmission will always aim to change gear from second to fourth in electric operation whenever the driver releases the accelerator pedal (halfway or fully). This means that the driver will hardly notice the gear change. However, if the driver constantly accelerates from lower speeds up to approx. 90 km/h, changing gear will be noticed according to the description above.
When speed is reduced, downshifting from fourth to second gear will hardly be noticed since there is no need for extra power during downshifting. This means that changing gear can take place without any power disruption.