Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid climate control system
I asked Nissan Motors a question concerning their new Pathfinder Hybrid. It had to do with their Climate Control System operation. As I understand, the electric drive motor shuts off when the air conditioning portion of the CLS kicks in to cool off the interior of the car. This is because there is a drive belt from the compressor to the gas engine that operates the air conditioning. I asked Nissan if the heating portion of the CLS also shuts off the electric motor of the hybrid (if it does, this electric drive motor that helps to save gas and run your car...is off...and it would be off most of the time, thus making the hybrid useless). I stated to Nissan in my third e-mail, "I have been waiting at least 3 WEEKS for an answer to this question. This is not a difficult question. Either the electric motor shuts off or it does not under the conditions asked. A 2 minute inquiry. Every other question I have asked of Nissan was answered quickly. Not this one. Is it because the electric motor is continually shutting down under both warm and cool conditions thus making the hybrid useless? Please respond already. John". Someone please HELP with this question. :P
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Here's the answer I got from Nissan Motors, "When the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) is engaged the vehicle uses the gas engine and electric motor. When HVAC is engaged, the vehicle is programmed not to operate in EV (Electric Vehicle) only mode. Heater, as long as the AC compressor is not on, does not require the ICE to be on"...looks like I am good to go on buying a hybrid Nissan Pathfinder.