Coasting

Coasting







Coasting is possible even at low speeds and occurs as soon as the driver releases the accelerator pedal. The decoupler is disengaged and the combustion engine is switched off automatically to prevent the engine drag torque that normally occurs in the overrun phase. There is no drive assistance by the combustion engine or electric motor during coasting. In this case, only air and rolling resistance brake the vehicle. The rotor on the electric motor rotates on the drive shaft during the coasting phase and uses an imperceptible braking torque to generate electrical energy that powers the vehicle electrical system and all connected consumers. The traction battery is deliberately not charged. The alternating current from the electric motor generates 12 V DC or 288 V DC in the power electronics for the air-conditioning compressor. The multi-function display shows the recuperation process.

The maximum coasting speed is limited to 97 mph (156 km/h) or a speed that corresponds to the crankshaft rotation speed of 2,600 rpm. The combustion engine cannot be engaged at a higher speed because otherwise the decoupler would be subject to increased wear.

Coasting strategy

At speeds below 30 mph (50 km/h), a low electrical overrun torque is generated deliberately because a "coasting" driving style is difficult to achieve in an urban environment. The recuperative energy generated is also used to charge the high-voltage battery.