Question about 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid

[bdginmo]

First time poster here. I recently took delivery of a 2015 Fusion Energi and still own a 2012 Escape Hybrid. I wasn't sure where to post this question so if it's in the wrong place then please accept my preemptive apology. My post is in regards to my Escape Hybrid and I'm hoping that a lot of experience/knowledge from the Fusion Hybrid (at least the 1st generation) carries over to the Escape Hybrid. Anyway, I have noticed that occasionally (once every month or so) I will turn the key and the ICE will kick on immediately even before putting it in drive. When I look at the SOC of the HVB it is showing 1 bar (~10%) even though it was parked with 5 bars (~50%) the night before. While the ICE is aggressively trying to bring the SOC up it is plainly obvious that the HVB isn't used at all to accelerate the vehicle since going from a dead stop is slow and sluggish. Is this some type of battery conditioning operation? Is it normal?

Edited August 4, 2015 by bdginmo

[lolder]

Here's a forum about FEHs: http://www.greenhybrid.com/forums/f26/

 

I believe the 2010-12 FEH and FFH hybrid systems are similar. The HVB should not discharge like that. Is this a new phenomenon? Reconditioning takes place about every year in my experience with my 2010 FFH. Take it to Ford.

Edited August 3, 2015 by lolder

[Hybrider]

The FEH FAQ, at the FEH forum listed above by lolder, has a link to a really cool animated view of the simplified workings of hybrid cars in general, including a set of animations for "Full Hybrid" cars.

 

Fueleconomy.gov has a great flash demonstratration about how hybrids work. (The FEH is a Full Hybrid)

[bdginmo]

Thanks for the response. I went ahead and posted my question to the greenhybrid forum as well. I was hoping someone on here might know the answer since I believe the 1st gen FFH used a NiMH battery like the FEH.