Battery System, Hybrid Drive: Description and Operation

High-Voltage Traction Battery

WARNING: To prevent the risk of high-voltage shock, always follow precisely all warnings and service instructions, including instructions to depower the system. The high-voltage hybrid system utilizes approximately 300 volts DC, provided through high-voltage cables to its components and modules. The high-voltage cables and wiring are identified by orange harness tape or orange wire covering. All high-voltage components are marked with high-voltage warning labels with a high-voltage symbol. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury or death.

NOTICE: Before placing the vehicle in a paint booth, the High Voltage Traction Battery (HVTB) must be removed to avoid heat damage. Refer to High-Voltage Traction Battery Removal and Replacement.

The vehicle is principally powered by an internal combustion engine, much like any ordinary vehicle. However, it also transforms the energy that is normally wasted during stop and go operations into electricity (regenerative braking), which is stored in the High Voltage Traction Battery (HVTB) until the moment it is needed by the Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) traction motor or the 12-volt system. The traction motor is used to support the engine during acceleration or uphill driving. In low-speed driving situations, the vehicle may move under only battery power, without the internal combustion engine running. The internal combustion engine may automatically shut off when the vehicle is stopped/idling or when coasting under 30 mph and will restart when the accelerator is depressed, when the traction motor needs assistance or if the HVTB state-of-charge is low. This avoids using excess fuel when the vehicle is not in motion. The vehicle does not need to be plugged into an external source of electricity to be recharged. The energy provided by the engine and the regenerative braking, via the eCVT traction motor and generator motor, charges the HVTB.

The HVTB, located in the floor of the rear cargo area, utilizes the following components:

- HVTB
- HVTB service disconnect plug

The high-voltage system also includes the following components:

- High-voltage cable assembly
- eCVT, including motor generators and regenerative braking. For more information on the eCVT, refer to Automatic Transmission/Transaxle &/or Transmission Control Systems and Computers and Control Systems Information.
- DC/DC converter, located on the RH side of the engine compartment, above the wheel housing.
- Air Conditioning Compressor Module (ACCM) and A/C compressor assembly located on the lower LH side of the engine block. For information about the ACCM and A/C compressor assembly, refer to Heating and Air Conditioning.