Renault Rafale
Introduction
- 1.
- Electric charging connection
- 2.
- Secondary 12 V battery
- 3.
- Orange electrical power cables
- 4.
- 400 V traction battery
- 5.
- Electric motors
- 6.
- Combustion engine
The E-Tech plug-in hybrid vehicle system uses electric motors to drive the vehicle.
Electric motors are assisted by the combustion engine if the energy or electrical
power is insufficient.
The vehicle may also move in all-electric operating mode without any assistance from
the combustion engine. The vehicle uses energy stored in the "400 V" traction battery.
There are several ways to recharge the traction battery:
- during the braking or deceleration phases;
- using its combustion engine which can be used as a generator;
- directly on a recharging terminal or a domestic power socket.
Connected services
Your rechargeable hybrid vehicle is equipped with connected services that provide
information and/or control:
- your vehicle's charging status with low battery warning;
- the traction battery charging programming, based on certain choices on offer;
- remaining vehicle range;
- ...
You can access these services using:
- external digital devices (mobile phone, tablet, etc.);
- the vehicle multimedia screen.
For more information, refer to the multimedia equipment instructions or contact an
Approved Dealer.
Tip
You can subscribe to a connected service or extend it at any time by consulting an
authorised dealer.
Batteries
The rechargeable hybrid vehicle is equipped with two types of battery:
- a "400 V" traction battery;
- secondary 12 V battery.
"400 V" traction battery
This battery stores the energy required to operate electric motors. As with any battery,
it discharges when used, and must be regularly recharged:
- during deceleration phases;
- with the combustion engine starting automatically, even at idle speed, to act as a generator and maintain the traction battery charging level;
- on a power outlet or a recharging terminal using the charging cable.
You do not have to wait until the traction battery hits the reserve level in order
to recharge it.
Charging times vary depending on the type of specific wall unit socket or public terminal
you connect to.
Your vehicle range depends on the traction battery charge level as well as your driving
style DRIVING ADVICE, ECO-DRIVING and the components consuming energy (air conditioning, heating system, etc.).
In the event of traction battery discharge, the combustion engine alone moves the
vehicle until the traction battery is sufficiently recharged.
The vehicle's air conditioning system is used to cool the traction battery. To preserve
the lifetime of your traction battery, have your air conditioning system checked by
a qualified professional. Especially if you notice a reduction in air conditioning
performance.
Secondary 12 V battery
The second battery on your vehicle is a secondary 12 V battery: this supplies the
energy required to operate vehicle equipment (lights, windscreen wipers, braking assistance,
etc.).
The A symbol identifies the electrical elements in your vehicle which may present safety
risks.
"400 V" electrical circuit
The "400 V" electrical circuit can be recognised by orange cables 7 and parts bearing the
symbol.
WARNING
The drive system of the rechargeable hybrid vehicle uses direct current of approximately
400 V.
This system can get hot during and after switching off the ignition. Observe the warning
messages on the labels in the vehicle.
All operations on or modifications to the 400 V electrical system (components, cables,
connectors, traction battery) are strictly prohibited due to the risks they present
to your safety. Call an approved dealer.
The risk of serious burns or electric shocks can lead to death.
Driving
As with any car with an automatic gearbox, you will have to get used to not using
your left foot, and not using this foot to brake.
The hybrid system selects the combustion engine and/or the electric motors, depending
on the driving conditions and the driving mode selected.
When driving, if you lift your foot off the accelerator pedal or depress the brake
pedal, the motor generates electrical current during deceleration and this energy
is used to brake the vehicle and recharge the battery DRIVING ADVICE, ECO-DRIVING.
Bad weather, flooded roads:
| Do not drive through floods if the depth of water is above the lower edge of the wheel
rims.
|
WARNING
The engine brake should under no circumstances be used as a substitute for the brake
pedal.
WARNING
Driver obstruction
On the driver's side, only use mats suitable for the vehicle, attached with the pre-fitted
components, and check the fitting regularly. Do not lay one mat on top of another.
There is a risk of wedging the pedals
Noise
Rechargeable hybrid vehicles are particularly quiet in all-electric operating mode.
You will not yet necessarily be used to it, and neither will other road users. It
is difficult for them to hear the vehicle when it is moving.
As electric motors are silent, you will hear noises that you are not used to hearing
(aerodynamic noises, tyre noise, etc.)
Each time the ignition is switched off, the ventilation will be switched off after
about ten seconds.
WARNING
As your rechargeable hybrid vehicle is silent, before you get out, switch off the
engine with the brake pedal pressed and check that the electronic parking brake is
correctly applied.
RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY
Pedestrian horn
The pedestrian horn enables you to warn others of your presence – especially pedestrians
and cyclists.
When the engine is started, the pedestrian horn is activated automatically. The sound
is triggered when the vehicle speed is below approximately 19 mph (30 km/h).
For further information on the pedestrian horn, refer to the multimedia instructions.
In the event of a fault with the pedestrian horn, the
warning light is displayed on the instrument panel, accompanied by the "Exterior sound fault" message.
Consult an approved dealer.