Heater motor turning on engine?

[liar liar liar]

My wife's 2024 CR-V is kind of... I don't know. Whenever I turn on the heater, the engine (ICE) kicks on too. I thought the heater was electric only, but it seems tied to the engine somehow. When I shut the heater off, the engine dies too. What's this wiring thing!!! Anyone know why this happens?

 

[VtecScout]

It's completely normal for the 2024 CR-V hybrid. The heater relies on engine coolant for warmth, which is why the ICE kicks in to provide heat when you increase the temperature. I experienced the same thing with my brother's Accord Hybrid.

Does this happen only when you set the temperature higher, or does it occur even on the lower settings?

 

[Bummi]

If hybrids still rely on the gas engine just to run basic functions like heat, can we really call them efficient or are we just getting the illusion of electric convenience without true EV benefits? Just thinking...