A method of operating a vehicle climate system when an ambient temperature is below a threshold temperature is provided. In response to an ambient temperature being less than a threshold temperature, a controller is adapted to operate a blower motor at a voltage that depends on whether the vehicle is in charge sustain mode or charge deplete mode. The controller operates the blower motor according to a first voltage responsive to a charge sustain mode, and operates the blower motor according to a second voltage different than the first voltage in response to a charge deplete mode.