The charge/assist gage displays the charge (current) into and out of the battery.

When the electric motor is assisting the engine as in a maximum acceleration, the needle will move to the Assist range. When the electric motor operates as a generator to perform regenerative braking while decelerating, the needle will move to the Charge range. See Regenerative Braking for more information. The needle will also move into the Charge region if the hybrid control system deems 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.