Help with distance to empty gauge

[MarcDawson]

Hi all

I have recently leased a new Toyota CHR design spec generation 2 model. I have recently noticed that the distance to empty gauge decreases while driving in EV mode. No air con running.

is this normal? I am new to hybrid cars so some advice would be appreciated.

[Red_Corolla]

I've never owned a plug-in model before, but I would certainly expect the range estimate to factor in all of the car's stored energy, not just the fuel. Does the estimate not rise after a recharge?

[MarcDawson]

Sorry I should’ve been more specific, it’s not a plug in version, it’s a self charge hybrid.

[philip42h]

1 hour ago, MarcDawson said:

while driving in EV mode

What exactly do you mean by "driving in EV mode"? It's a self-charging hybrid; the Battery is charged only by burning fuel; and the pure EV range is very short.

Do you perhaps simply mean while driving with the EV light on?

The range to empty is simply a calculation on how far you might go with the remaining fuel assuming that you carry on driving as you have for past few miles ...

So, 'yes' it's perfectly normal ... 😉

[Paul john]

1 hour ago, MarcDawson said:

Hi all

I have recently leased a new Toyota CHR design spec generation 2 model. I have recently noticed that the distance to empty gauge decreases while driving in EV mode. No air con running.

is this normal? I am new to hybrid cars so some advice would be appreciated.

You should be expecting more than 500 miles from a full tank. And yes it does fluctuate. 

[MarcDawson]

33 minutes ago, philip42h said:

Do you perhaps simply mean while driving with the EV light on?

Yes the distance to empty range goes down while EV mode light is on.

thanks for your help guys.

[Haliotis]

I would not expect the fuel gauge needle to fluctuate up or down, except when the angle of the car deviates from true horizontal.  Regardless of EV usage, the gauge should be showing the amount of fuel remaining in the tank, and this can only go downwards until topped up again at a fuel station.