I don't have an answer since I'm a non-hybrid owner but I am curious as to how you end up getting to your goal.
Does the hybrid have an alternator? Doesn't it have a small 12-volt battery or just the big one?
I assume if you turn the lights on, step out of the vehicle, they'll shut off after a few minutes. It seems like I've seen a place to adjust the timing. Perhaps in the Carista app?
The first thing I did with my OR was to trade in my 4-ply tires and put a set of 10-plies on. They gave me $250 for the trade in.
There must be a market for them or Les Schwab wouldn't have wanted them.
It's unpainted cast iron. Mine has a bit of rust but nothing like yours. I live in the dry west, and I suspect you live somewhere the humidity is much higher.
Take an acid brush and paint the surfaces with some light oil. It'll make you feel better, but without oil, that part will still last...