The CHARGE/ASSIST gage displays the charge (current) into and out of the hybrid battery.

While the electric motor is performing an automatic restart of the engine, or while it is assisting the engine, as in maximum acceleration, the needle moves to the ASSIST range, located on the right side of the gage. The needle moves to the CHARGE range when the electric motor operates as a generator to perform regenerative braking, as the vehicle slows down. See Regenerative Braking for more information. The needle also moves into the CHARGE range if the hybrid control system identifies it is an efficient time to charge the hybrid battery.

If the hybrid battery or other hybrid components are very hot or cold, the CHARGE and ASSIST functions may be suspended until the component temperatures are normal.