Electric Mode
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Mercury Milan, 2011 Lincoln MKZ, 2011 Ford Fusion, 2010 Mercury Milan, and 2010 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The hybrid electric system operates in the electric mode when the vehicle is propelled by the electrical power stored in the high voltage traction battery. The torque is supplied to the output shafts by the traction motor, the generator motor, or a combination of both. This is a preferred mode whenever the desired torque is low and the electrical system, rather than the engine, can produce it more efficiently. The electric mode is also used in reverse because the engine can deliver torque only in a forward direction.