If you’ve ever encountered the message “Energy Economy Mode Activated” on your Vauxhall vehicle, you’re not alone.
This article delves into the mysteries of this mode, explains its purpose, and offers insights into what you can do to navigate and understand this feature.
What’s the Reason Behind the “Energy Economy Mode Activated” Message?
You might wonder why a car would need to go into an “Energy Economy Mode” in the first place. The answer lies in the preservation of the 12v battery, which is separate from the main high-voltage battery in electric and hybrid cars.
When this 12v battery is not well-charged, the “Energy Economy Mode” is activated to protect it from complete depletion.
The 12v battery in these vehicles serves various functions, including powering the car’s accessories and control systems when the engine is off. This battery also plays a role in starting the vehicle. If it were to become fully discharged, it would render the car inoperable.
According to insights from experts, the “Energy Economy Mode” tends to activate when the car has been parked for an extended period.
The threshold for this activation may vary, but it’s generally triggered after around 30 minutes of non-essential accessory usage while the car is not in the “READY” mode.
For instance, if you use the radio, wipers, or other electrical systems while the car is parked, this could lead to the initiation of “Energy Economy Mode.” It’s a smart feature that prevents unnecessary battery drain when you’re not actively driving the car.
How to Deactivate This Message?
Now that we know what “Energy Economy Mode” is and why it activates let’s discuss how you can deactivate it.
The most straightforward method is to restart your car’s engine. In some cases, turning on the ignition without starting the engine might also suffice, especially if your car has keyless ignition.
This action will reset the timer for non-essential accessory usage.
Also read: EV Battery in Hot Temperature: 5 Things to Know
Can Upgrading to an AGM Battery Help?
In some cases, the activation of “Energy Economy Mode” may become a frequent occurrence, causing annoyance to vehicle owners. One viable solution to prevent the mode from activating too frequently is to upgrade the 12v battery to an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery.
AGM batteries are known for their enhanced performance and reliability, particularly in situations where the battery may discharge rapidly.
Important: EV battery replacement can cost $1000s. To avoid high-voltage battery replacement, there are some things you can do. Read this article to find out the 10 best ways to maximize EV battery life and save tons of money!
Many users reported that after upgrading to an AGM battery, they no longer encountered the “Energy Economy Mode” message, and their Start/Stop (S/S) system worked more effectively.
Conclusion
In the realm of modern vehicles, the “Energy Economy Mode Activated” message can be a source of confusion. However, understanding its purpose and the mechanisms that trigger it can make it far less mysterious.
This mode’s primary goal is to safeguard the 12v battery by shutting down non-essential electrical systems when the car is parked.
If you find this feature to be more of a nuisance than a benefit, there are options to address it. Restarting the engine or upgrading to an AGM battery can alleviate the frequency of “Energy Economy Mode” activation.