Charge/Assist Gauge (Escape Hybrid)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Mariner and 2006 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The charge/assist gauge feature is to let the driver know when the batteries in the electric drive portion of the vehicle powertrain are being charged by the internal combustion engine or regenerative braking system, or when energy from the batteries is being used to assist in moving the vehicle. The gauge movement is referenced from the battery and displays in units of kilowatts. Discharge (assist) is positive current and the gauge pointer rotates clockwise of the neutral position to a maximum of 40 kilowatts at 86 degrees. Charging is negative current and the gauge pointer rotates counterclockwise of the neutral position to a minimum of -40 kilowatts at 0 degrees. The input to the instrument cluster is over the communication network from the traction battery control module (TBCM). The charge/assist gauge feature operates only when the ignition switch is in the RUN position.