Charging
Cadillac ELR COUPE This section explains the process for charging the high voltage battery. Do not allow the vehicle to remain in temperature extremes for long periods without being driven or plugged in. It is recommended that the vehicle be plugged in when temperatures are below 0 °C (32 °F) and above 32 °C (90 °F) to maximize high voltage battery life.
2016 Cadillac ELR COUPE Owners Manual When using a 120-volt AC electrical outlet, it will take approximately 12.5 hours to charge the vehicle with the 12 amp AC current setting or 18 hours using the default 8 amp AC current setting. When using a 240-volt charging station, it will take approximately five hours to charge the vehicle. Charge times will vary with outside temperature. At cold temperatures, a higher power charge station is recommended to avoid extended charge times. There are three ways to program how the vehicle is charged.
The charging system may run fans and pumps that result in sounds from the vehicle while it is turned off. Additional unexpected clicking sounds may be caused by the electrical devices used while charging.
Efficiency Gauge (Instrument Cluster)
The leaf indicator or green ring indicator should be kept green and in the center of the gauge. Inefficient acceleration is indicated when the ring turns yellow or the leaf turns yellow and travels above the center of the gauge. Aggressive braking is indicated when the ring turns yellow or the leaf turns yellow and travels below the center of the gauge.
Acceleration/Braking/Coasting
Avoid unnecessary rapid accelerations and decelerations. Electric range is maximized at 80 km/h (50 mph) and below. Higher speeds use more energy and can significantly reduce electric range. Use cruise control when appropriate.
Plan ahead for decelerations and coast whenever possible. For example, do not rush to traffic signals. Do not shift to N (Neutral) to coast. The vehicle recovers energy while coasting and braking in D (Drive) or L (Low).
Drive Mode and PRNDL Selection
Use Tour Mode when possible. Sport Mode provides more responsive acceleration than Tour Mode, but can reduce efficiency. The engine will start with Sport Mode to provide additional acceleration, even if the battery is charged.
Use Mountain Mode prior to climbing long, steep grades in mountainous areas. Be sure to engage Mountain Mode 20 minutes before starting to climb. Mountain Mode reduces electric range and power, but may be needed to maintain speeds above 100 km/h (60 mph) when climbing grades of 5% or greater.
Use Hold Mode on a trip where all or most of the electric charge will be depleted. Use Hold Mode mainly during highway or high-speed driving to maximize both electric vehicle miles and fuel efficiency. Use L (Low) in heavy stop-and-go traffic or when traveling downhill. L (Low) requires less brake pedal application and provides a controlled, efficient way to slow the vehicle down.