Hybrid Behaviour Initial Start

ar4390LC · May 23, 2026

Has anyone else noticed their hybrid systems working more like a traditional hybrid for the first minute or so after a start up?

Usually when driving around, I find the electric motor kicks in with very light throttle (if creeping in traffic) until there's enough throttle for a "third" of the MAX gauge at which point the ICE motor jumps in.

However, I've noticed if I park the car after a drive then drive off again - the hybrid motor provides a lot more power and stays engaged longer. Gas mileage is noticeably better during this period as well (hovering around 15L/100km whereas normally it'll be in the 25-30L/100km range when accelerating). See video below - I am not flooring it here, but the hybrid motor is staying engaged a lot longer in conjunction with the ICE unit.

basicxj · May 23, 2026

I find if you have a light right foot when starting off, you can run on the traction battery quite a bit- from a stop, or in stop & go traffic. Even on the highway. A harder press of the accelerator triggers the engine to cut in.

For me, initial start up usually has the engine running until it reaches operating temperature and you'll see more action from the traction battery and electric motors.

cvx5832LC · May 23, 2026

Additionally, the turbo doesn’t provide boost until the motor warms up enough. In my NorCal climate that’s when I get to the bottom of the hill in my neighborhood.

ar4390LC · May 23, 2026

basicxj said:
I find if you have a light right foot when starting off, you can run on the traction battery quite a bit- from a stop, or in stop & go traffic. Even on the highway. A harder press of the accelerator triggers the engine to cut in.

For me, initial start up usually has the engine running until it reaches operating temperature and you'll see more action from the traction battery and electric motors.

Yeah I’ve perfected the light right foot technique as well.

The video above is the car fully up to temp, i was only stopped for about 3-4 minutes after a 30+ minute drive. I kind of wish it had this level of hybrid assist all the time…