Volvo XC90 Twin Engine (2020 year). Manual in english — page 28

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

478

Drive modes

Selection of drive mode affects the car's driv-
ing characteristics in order to enhance the
driving experience and facilitate driving in
special situations.

Using the drive modes it is possible to quickly
have access to the car's numerous functions
and settings for different driving needs. Each
drive mode is adapted to provide optimum
driving characteristics:

•

Steering

•

Engine/gearbox/all-wheel drive

•

Brakes

•

Air suspension

*

and shock absorption

•

Driver display

•

Climate settings

Select the drive mode adapted for the current
driving conditions. Remember that not all
drive modes are available in all situations.

Selectable drive modes

WARNING

Remember that the car does not emit any

engine noise when it is only powered by

the electric motor and may therefore be

difficult to notice by children, pedestrians,

cyclists and animals. This applies in partic-

ular at low speeds, such as in car parks.

WARNING

Do not leave the car in an unventilated area

with activated drive mode and the fuel-

driven engine switched off - automatic

engine start occurs at low energy level in

the hybrid battery, and the exhaust gases

could then cause serious injury to people

and animals.

Hybrid

•

This is the car's normal mode where the
electric motor and internal combustion
engine work together.

When the car starts, it is in the

Hybrid

mode.

The control system uses both the electric
motor and internal combustion engine – indi-
vidually or in parallel – and adapts use with
regard to performance, fuel consumption and
comfort. At higher speeds the ground clear-
ance is adjusted automatically to a lower

level

8

in order to reduce wind resistance. The

capacity to run solely with the electric motor
depends on the hybrid battery's energy level
and, for example, the need for heating or cool-
ing in the passenger compartment.

If high power output is available, it is possible
to drive with electrical power alone. When the
accelerator pedal is depressed, only the elec-
tric motor is activated until a certain position is
reached. The internal combustion engine
starts when this position is exceeded and the
energy level in the battery is insufficient for the
engine power that the driver requests with the
accelerator pedal.

At low energy level (hybrid battery almost
empty) the battery's energy level must be
maintained, leading to the internal combustion
engine starting more often. Charge the hybrid
battery from a 230 VAC socket with the
charging cable, or activate

Charge

in the func-

tion view in order to restore the capacity to
run on electricity alone.

8

Applies with air suspension.

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479

The drive mode is designed for low energy
consumption with a mix of the electric motor
and the internal combustion engine, without
compromising the climate comfort and driving
experience. When higher acceleration is
required, maximum additional power from the
electric drive line is used.

The car also senses if the driving conditions
require all-wheel drive and automatically
engages it if necessary. All-wheel drive and
electric additional power are always available
regardless of the battery's state of charge.

Information in the driver display

When driving in hybrid mode the driver display
shows a hybrid gauge. The pointer in the
hybrid gauge indicates how much energy the
driver requests with the accelerator pedal. The
marking between the lightning bolt and the
drop shows how much energy is available.

The driver display for propulsion with both the elec-

tric motor and internal combustion engine.

The driver display also shows when
energy is returned to the battery
(regenerated) during light braking.

Pure

•

Drive the car with electric motor, with
energy consumption as low as possible
and with lowest possible carbon dioxide
emissions.

The drive mode prioritises driving on the
hybrid battery. This means, for example, that
the ground clearance is lower

8

to reduce wind

resistance and the output of certain climate
settings is reduced to provide the longest pos-
sible mileage range on electric power alone.

The

Pure

mode is available when the hybrid

battery has a sufficiently high energy level. The
internal combustion engine also starts in the

Pure

mode if the energy level in the battery

falls too low. The internal combustion engine
also starts

•

if the speed exceeds 125 km/h (78 mph)

•

if the driver requests more motive force
than electric drive can provide

•

in the event of system/component limita-
tions, e.g. low outside temperature.

The drive mode is adapted for maximum range
with electric propulsion and especially devel-
oped for urban traffic.

Pure

means lowest

combustion even when the hybrid battery is
empty. The climate in the passenger compart-
ment is regulated to Eco climate, and in slip-
pery driving conditions, more wheel spin can
be permitted before all-wheel drive is acti-
vated automatically.

8

Applies with air suspension.

||

STARTING AND DRIVING

480

ECO climate control

In the

Pure

drive mode, eco climate control is

activated automatically in the passenger com-
partment in order to reduce energy consump-
tion.

NOTE

When the

Pure

drive mode is activated,

several parameters in the climate control
system's settings are changed, and several
electricity consumer functions are reduced.
Certain settings can be reset manually, but
full functionality is only regained by leaving

Pure

drive mode or adapting

Individual

drive mode with full climate functionality.

In the event of difficulties due to misting,
press the button for max. defroster which has
normal functionality.

Off Road

•

Prioritise the car's traction when driving in
difficult terrain and on poor roads.

The drive mode provides high ground clear-
ance

8

, steering is light, all-wheel drive and the

function for low speed control with hill
descent control (Hill Descent Control) are acti-
vated.

The drive mode is only available at low speeds,
up to 40 km/h (25 mph). If this speed is

exceeded,

Off Road

mode is cancelled and

the

Constant AWD

drive mode is activated

instead.

To be able to drive all four wheels, the internal
combustion engine and electric motor run
continually, which results in increased fuel
consumption.

In the

Off Road

mode the driver display has a

compass between the speedometer and tach-
ometer. The speedometer shows the range for
speed limitation.
The drive mode is adapted for maximum con-
trollability at low speeds in poor road condi-
tions or difficult terrain. It raises the chassis

8

,

reduces the driveline's throttle response and
locks the car in all-wheel drive. The Hill
Descent Control function facilitates controlled
driving on steep descents.

NOTE

The driving mode is not designed to be
used on public roads.

NOTE

If the car is switched off in

Off Road

mode, and therefore has high ground clear-
ance, the car is lowered next time it is
started.

IMPORTANT

The

Off Road

drive mode must not be

used while driving with a trailer without
trailer connector. Otherwise, there is a risk
of damage to the air bellows.

8

Applies with air suspension.

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* Option/accessory.

481

Constant AWD

•

Improve the car's roadholding and traction
with enhanced all-wheel drive.

The drive mode locks the car in all-wheel drive.
An adapted distribution between the front and
rear axle torque provides good traction, stabil-
ity and roadholding, for example on slippery
roads, when driving with a heavy trailer, or
when towing.

Constant AWD

drive mode is

always available regardless of the battery's
state of charge.

Both the internal combustion engine and elec-
tric motor are engaged in order to drive all four
wheels, which results in increased fuel con-
sumption.

In the car's other drive modes, the car auto-
matically adapts the need for all-wheel drive to
the road surface, and can engage the electric
motor or start the internal combustion engine
when necessary.

Power

•

The car has sportier characteristics and
faster response to accelerating.

The drive mode adapts the combined power
from the internal combustion engine and elec-
tric motor by means of the car being driven by
both front and rear wheels. The gear changes
become faster and more distinct, and the

gearbox prioritises a gear with greater trac-
tion. Steering response is faster, shock
absorption is harder and a lower ground clear-
ance

8

means that the body follows the road-

way in order to reduce roll during cornering.

Both the internal combustion engine and elec-
tric motor are engaged in order to drive all four
wheels, which results in increased fuel con-
sumption.
The drive mode is adapted for maximum per-
formance and response on acceleration. It
changes the internal combustion engine's
accelerator pedal response, gear shift pattern
and boost pressure system. Chassis settings,
steering and brake response are also as good
as possible.

Power

drive mode is always avail-

able regardless of the battery's state of
charge.

The

Power

mode is also available in the

Polestar Engineered

version

*

.

Individual

•

Adapting a drive mode according to indi-
vidual preferences.

Select a drive mode to start from, and then
adjust the settings according to the desired
driving characteristics. These settings are
saved in an individual driver profile.

An individual drive mode is only available if it is
first activated in the centre display.

Settings view

9

for individual drive mode.

1. Press

Settings

in the top view.

2. Press

My Car

Individual Drive Mode

and select

Individual Drive Mode

.

8

Applies with air suspension.

9

The figure is schematic - parts may vary depending on car model.

||

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

482

3. In

Presets

, select a drive mode to start

from:

Pure

,

Hybrid

,

Power

or

Polestar

Engineered

*

.

Possible adjustments apply to settings for:

•

Driver Display

•

Steering Force

•

Powertrain Characteristics

•

Brake Characteristics

•

Suspension Control

•

ECO Climate

Using the electric motor or internal
combustion engine

An advanced control system determines the
extent to which the car is driven on internal
combustion engine, electric motor or both in
parallel.

The primary function is to use the engine or
motor and the available energy in the hybrid
battery as efficiently as possible, with regard
to the characteristics of the different drive
modes as well as the driver's request for
power via the accelerator pedal.

There are also cases where temporary limita-
tions in the system, or functions governed by
legal requirements aimed at maintaining a low
level of total emissions for the car, may use
the internal combustion engine to a greater
extent.

Related information

•

Changing drive mode (p. 482)

•

Economical driving (p. 492)

•

Energy distribution in hybrid drive using
map data

*

(p. 483)

•

Hybrid gauge (p. 92)

•

General information about Twin Engine
(p. 434)

Changing drive mode

Select the drive mode adapted for the current
driving conditions.

Change the drive mode using the control in
the centre console.

Remember that not all drive modes are availa-
ble in all situations.

To change drive mode:

1. Press the drive mode control

DRIVE

MODE

.

> A pop-up menu is opened in the centre

display.

2. Roll the wheel upward or downward until

the desired drive mode is highlighted.

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* Option/accessory.

483

3. Press the drive mode control or tap

directly on the touch screen to confirm the
selection.
> The selected drive mode is indicated in

the driver display.

Related information

•

Drive modes (p. 478)

•

Activating and deactivating low-speed
driving using a function button (p. 489)

•

Activating and deactivating hill descent
control with the function button (p. 491)

Energy distribution in hybrid drive

using map data

*

The

Hybrid

drive mode is the car's normal

mode where the electric motor and internal
combustion engine work individually or
together in hybrid drive. If a destination has
been selected in the navigation system

*

, the

Predictive Efficiency

10

function distributes

the electric energy consumption in an intelli-
gent way along the whole driving distance
using the map data.

Fuel consumption can then be reduced com-
pared with normal hybrid drive when the car is
first driven on electricity, to then change over
to being driven by the internal combustion
engine when the hybrid battery has been dis-
charged.

Function

If the distance to the selected destination is
greater than the estimated range when run-
ning on electricity, this function distributes the
electric energy for consumption that is as
energy-efficient as possible for the entire dis-
tance to be travelled. This makes it possible to
avoid situations where normal hybrid drive
would otherwise use a large proportion of the
electric energy, for example, to run electric
drive at high speed on a motorway and then
use the internal combustion engine at low
speed in urban driving.

The greatest fuel saving is achieved when

•

the distance to be travelled begins with
driving on a motorway

•

the distance to be travelled is between 50
and 100 km (30 and 60 miles)

•

the hybrid battery is fully charged at the
beginning.

Conditions for the function

For the function to work requires that a num-
ber of conditions are met:

•

A destination is set in the navigation sys-
tem and the driving distance to the desti-
nation is longer than the range possible
only on electric drive.

•

Hybrid

drive mode is selected.

•

The

Hold

and

Charge

functions are deac-

tivated.

•

The hybrid battery is charged.

Tips for use

If the car is used for commuting to work and it
is not possible to charge the car at the place of
work, specify the place of work as an inter-
mediate destination and your home as the
final destination. The discharging of the hybrid
battery will then take place over your runs
both to and from work.

10

Certain markets only.

||

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484

Add similar commuting routes, i.e. the route
between two charging points, as

Favourites

in the navigation system to facilitate arrival.

Related information

•

Drive modes (p. 478)

•

Economical driving (p. 492)

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* Option/accessory.

485

Level control

*

and shock

absorption

Level control regulates the car's suspension
and shock absorption characteristics auto-
matically to ensure optimum comfort and
functionality while driving. It is also possible
to adjust the level manually in order to facili-
tate loading or entry and exit.

Air suspension and shock absorption

The system is adapted according to the
selected drive mode and according to the
speed of the car. Using the air suspension, the
car's ground clearance is adjusted to a lower
level at higher speeds, which reduces wind
resistance and increases stability. Shock
absorption is normally set for optimum com-
fort and is regulated continuously depending

on the road surface, the car's acceleration,
braking and cornering.

The driver display indicates
when level control is in pro-
gress.

When a side door or the tailgate is open, the
following applies:

•

If a side door is open, the level can only be
regulated upwards.

•

If the tailgate is open, the level can only be
regulated downwards.

During parking

During parking, make sure you allow adequate
space above and below the car since the car's

ground clearance may vary e.g. depending on
the outside temperature, how the car is loa-
ded, the use of loading mode or the drive
mode that is selected after starting.

The level may also be adjusted some time
after the car has been parked. This is to com-
pensate for any changes in height that may
occur due to temperature changes in the air
springs when the car cools down.

During transport

During transport of the car on a ferry, train or
truck, the car must be lashed around the tyres
and not around other parts of the chassis.
Changes in the air suspension may occur dur-
ing transport, which could affect the lashing
negatively.

||

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486

Symbols and messages in driver display

Symbol

Message

Specification

Suspension

Deactivated by user

The active suspension has been switched off manually by the user.

Suspension

Temporarily reduced performance

The active suspension's performance has been temporarily reduced due to extensive sys-
tem use. If this message appears frequently (e.g. several times in one week) contact a
workshop

A

.

Suspension

Service required

A fault has occurred. Visit a workshop

A

as soon as possible.

Suspension failure

Stop safely

A critical fault has occurred. Stop safely, have the car transported (raised with all wheels
on the flat-bed) to a workshop

A

.

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

487

Symbol

Message

Specification

Suspension

Slow down Car too high

A fault has occurred. If the message appears whilst driving, contact a workshop

A

.

Suspension

Auto adjusting car level

Level control to target height in progress.

A

An authorised Volvo workshop is recommended.

Related information

•

Settings for level control

*

(p. 488)

•

Drive modes (p. 478)

STARTING AND DRIVING

* Option/accessory.

488

Settings for level control

*

Switch off the level control when the car is to
be jacked up in order to prevent problems
with automatic regulation.

Regulate the level to facilitate loading, or on
entry and exit.

Adjusting loading mode

Use the buttons in the cargo area to regulate
the height of the car's rear section and facili-
tate loading and unloading or when connect-
ing or disconnecting a trailer.

Settings in the centre display

Entry assistance

The car can be lowered to facilitate entry and
exit.

Activating entry assistance via the centre dis-
play:

1. Press

Settings

in the top view.

2. Press

My Car

Mirrors and

Convenience

.

3. Select

Easy Entry and Exit Suspension

Control

.

> When the car is parked and switched

off, the car is lowered (level control
stops if a door is opened and there may
be a certain delay before level control
resumes after the door has been
closed). When the car is started and
begins to move, the car will rise to the
height setting for the drive mode
selected.

Disable Leveling Control

In certain cases, the function must be deacti-
vated, e.g. before the car is raised with a jack

*

.

The difference in level created when lifting
with a jack would otherwise mean the auto-
matic control starting to adjust the height, cre-
ating an undesired effect.

Deactivating the function via the centre dis-
play:

1. Press

Settings

in the top view.

2. Press

My Car

Parking Brake and

Suspension

.

3. Select

Disable Leveling Control

.

Related information

•

Level control

*

and shock absorption

(p. 485)

•

Recommendations for loading (p. 617)

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489

Low speed control

The low speed control function (LSC

11

) facili-

tates and improves traction for driving off-
road and on slippery surfaces, such as with a
caravan on grass or a boat trailer on a launch
ramp.

The function is included in drive mode

Off

Road

.

The function is adapted for off-road driving
and driving with a trailer at low speed, up to
approx. 40 km/h (25 mph).

With low-speed control, low gears and all-
wheel drive are prioritised, which help to avoid
wheelspin and provides better traction on all
wheels. The accelerator pedal is less respon-
sive in order to facilitate traction and speed
control at low speed.

The function is activated together with hill
descent control, (HDC

12

) which means that

speed down steep hills can be controlled with
the accelerator pedal, reducing the need to
use the brake pedal. The system facilitates a
low and even speed while driving on steep
downhill gradients.

NOTE

When LSC with HDC is activated by the

Off Road

driving mode, the feel of the

accelerator pedal and engine response are
changed.

NOTE

The driving mode is not designed to be
used on public roads.

NOTE

The function is deactivated when driving at
higher speeds and must be reactivated at a
lower speed, if required.

Related information

•

Activating and deactivating low-speed
driving using a function button (p. 489)

•

Changing drive mode (p. 482)

•

Hill descent control (p. 490)

•

All-wheel drive (p. 476)

Activating and deactivating low-

speed driving using a function

button

There is a function button for low-speed driv-
ing with

Hill Descent Control

in the centre

display's function view unless the car was
equipped with drive mode control in the tun-
nel console.

Select low-speed driving in the centre
display function view

–

Press the

Hill Descent Control

button to

activate or deactivate the function.

> An indicator in the button illuminates

when the function is activated.

This function is disabled automatically when
the engine is switched off.

NOTE

The function is deactivated when driving at
higher speeds and must be reactivated at a
lower speed, if required.

11

Low Speed Control

12

Hill Descent Control

||

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490

Related information

•

Low speed control (p. 489)

•

Changing drive mode (p. 482)

Hill descent control

Hill descent control (HDC

13

) is a low speed

function with enhanced engine braking. The
function makes it possible to increase or
reduce the car's speed on steep downhill gra-
dients using only the accelerator pedal, with-
out using the foot brake.

The function is included in drive mode

Off

Road

.

Hill descent control is adapted for off-road
driving at low speeds and facilitates driving on
steep downhill gradients with difficult surfa-
ces. The driver does not need to use the brake
pedal, but can instead focus on steering.

WARNING

HDC does not work in all situations but is

designed merely as a supplementary aid.
The driver always bears ultimate responsi-

bility for ensuring that the vehicle is driven

safely.

Function

Hill descent control allows the car to roll at
inching speed both forward and backward,
assisted by the brake system. The speed can
be increased by using the accelerator pedal.
When the accelerator pedal is then released
the car slows back down to crawling speed,

regardless of the gradient of the hill and with-
out the need for the foot brake to be used. The
brake lights are switched on when the func-
tion is operating.

The driver can brake and reduce crawling
speed, or stop the car at any time by using the
foot brake.

The function is activated together with low
speed control (LSC

14

) which facilitates driving

and improves traction for driving off-road and
on slippery surfaces. The systems are
designed for use at low speed, up to approx.
40 km/h (25 mph).

Points to remember when driving with
HDC

•

If the function is disabled while driving on
a steep downhill gradient, the braking
effect will gradually decrease.

•

HDC can be used in gear position

D

,

R

,

and with 1st or 2nd gear with manual gear
changing.

•

It is not possible to change to 3rd gear or
higher with manual gear changing.

13

Hill Descent Control

14

Low Speed Control

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491

NOTE

When LSC with HDC is activated by the

Off Road

driving mode, the feel of the

accelerator pedal and engine response are
changed.

NOTE

The driving mode is not designed to be
used on public roads.

NOTE

The function is deactivated when driving at
higher speeds and must be reactivated at a
lower speed, if required.

Related information

•

Activating and deactivating hill descent
control with the function button (p. 491)

•

Changing drive mode (p. 482)

•

Low speed control (p. 489)

•

All-wheel drive (p. 476)

Activating and deactivating hill

descent control with the function

button

There is a function button for hill descent
control with

Hill Descent Control

in the cen-

tre display's function view unless the car was
equipped with drive mode control in the tun-
nel console.

Selecting hill descent control in the
centre display function view

Hill descent control only works at low speeds.

–

Press the

Hill Descent Control

button to

activate or deactivate the function.

> An indicator in the button illuminates

when the function is activated.

This function is disabled automatically when
the engine is switched off.

NOTE

The function is deactivated when driving at
higher speeds and must be reactivated at a
lower speed, if required.

Related information

•

Hill descent control (p. 490)

•

Changing drive mode (p. 482)

STARTING AND DRIVING

492

Economical driving

Drive economically and in a more eco-friendly
way by driving gently and anticipating situa-
tions.

Adapt your driving style and speed to the pre-
vailing situation.

To achieve the longest driving distance possi-
ble and lowest energy consumption possible
with Twin Engine, note the following:

Charge

•

Charge the car regularly from the mains
power circuit. Make it a habit to always
start a journey with fully-charged hybrid
battery.

•

Find out where the charging stations are
located.

•

If possible, select a parking space with a
charging station.

NOTE

Charge the car from the mains power cir-
cuit as often as possible!

Precondition

•

Precondition the car before driving if pos-
sible using the charging cable connected
to the mains power circuit.

•

Avoid parking the car in a way that the
interior cools down or overheats while

parking. Park the car in an acclimated
garage, for example.

•

During a short drive after preconditioning
of the passenger compartment, switch off
the ventilation fan or air conditioning in a
hot climate, if possible.

•

If preconditioning is not possible when it
is cold outside, use seat heating and steer-
ing wheel heating first of all. Avoid warm-
ing up the whole of the interior which
takes energy from the hybrid battery.

Drive

•

For lowest energy consumption, activate
the

Pure

drive mode.

•

Drive at a steady speed and keep a good
distance to other vehicles and objects in
order to avoid braking. This driving style
results in the lowest energy consumption.

•

Balance the power requirement using the
accelerator pedal. Use the indicator for
available electric motor power in the driver
display in order to avoid starting the inter-
nal combustion engine unnecessarily. The
electric motor is more efficient that the
internal combustion engine, in particular at
low speed.

•

In the event of braking being necessary -
brake gently with the brake pedal, this
recharges the hybrid battery. A regenera-
tive braking function is built into the brake

pedal and can be reinforced with electric
motor braking in gear position

B

.

•

High speed results in increased energy
consumption - the wind resistance increa-
ses with speed.

•

Activate the

Hold

function in the function

view at higher speeds during journeys that
are longer than the range of the electricity.

•

If possible, avoid using the

Charge

func-

tion to charge the hybrid battery. Charging
with the internal combustion engine
increases fuel consumption and involves
increased carbon dioxide emissions.

•

In a cold climate, reduce electrical heating
of windows, mirrors, seats and steering
wheel, if possible.

•

Drive with the correct air pressure in the
tyres and check this regularly - select ECO
tyre pressure for optimum results.

•

Choice of tyres can affect energy con-
sumption - seek advice on suitable tyres
from a dealer.

•

Remove unnecessary items from the car -
the greater the load the higher the con-
sumption.

•

A roof load and ski box increase air resis-
tance, leading to higher consumption -
remove the load carriers when not in use.

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* Option/accessory.

493

•

Avoid driving with open windows.

•

Do not hold the car stationary on a hill
with the accelerator pedal. Use the foot
brake instead.

Related information

•

Drive-E - cleaner driving pleasure (p. 30)

•

Energy distribution in hybrid drive using
map data

*

(p. 483)

•

Factors that affect range when running on
electricity (p. 493)

•

Hybrid gauge (p. 92)

•

Checking tyre pressure (p. 586)

Factors that affect range when

running on electricity

The car's range for electric operation depends
on several factors. The ability to achieve a
long range varies according to the circum-
stances and conditions under which the car is
being driven.

The certified value for the car's mileage on
electric power should not be interpreted as an
expected range. The certification value is a
comparative value obtained by means of spe-
cial EU drive cycles. The actual range is
dependent on a number of factors.

Factors that affect the range

The driver can influence some factors, but has
no influence over others.

The longest range is achieved under extremely
favourable conditions when all factors have a
positive impact.

Factors the driver cannot influence

There are several external factors that affect
the range in varying degrees:

•

traffic situation

•

short driving distances

•

topography

•

outside temperature and headwind

•

road condition and surface.

The table shows the approximate relationship
between outside temperature and range, both

in a car with deactivated passenger compart-
ment climate control, as well as in a car with
normal passenger compartment climate con-
trol.

A warmer outside temperature has a positive
effect on range to a certain extent.

Outside
tempera-
ture

Deactivated
passenger
compart-
ment cli-
mate con-
trol

Normal
passenger
compart-
ment cli-
mate con-
trol

30

°

C

(86

°

F)

95 %

80 %

20

°

C

(68

°

F)

100 %

90 %

10

°

C (50

°

F)

90 %

80 %

0

°

C (32

°

F)

80 %

60 %

-10

°

C

(14

°

F)

70 %

40 %