2012 TOYOTA PRIUS C drive mode

170
2-1. Driving procedures
EV drive mode
In EV drive mode, the electric motor (traction motor), powered by the
hybrid battery (traction battery), is used to drive the vehicle.
This mode allows you to drive in residential areas early in the morn-
ing and late at night, or in indoor parking lots etc. without concern
for noises and exhaust gas emissions.
Turns EV drive mode on/off
When EV drive mode is turned
on, the EV drive mode indica-
tor will come on.
Pressing the switch when in
EV drive mode will return the
vehicle to normal driving (using
the gasoline engine and elec-
tric motor [traction motor]).

171
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
Switching to EV drive mode when the gasoline engine is cold
If the hybrid system is started while the gasoline engine is cold, the gasoline
engine will start automatically after a short period of time in order to warm
up. In this case, you will become unable to switch to EV drive mode.
After the hybrid system has started and the “READY” indicator has illumi-
nated, press the EV drive mode switch before the gasoline engine starts to
switch to EV drive mode.
■ Situations in which EV drive mode cannot be turned on
It may not be possible to turn EV drive mode on in the following situations. If
it cannot be turned on, a buzzer will sound and a message will be shown on
the multi-information display.
●The temperature of the hybrid system is high.
The vehicle has been left in the sun, driven on a hill, driven at high
speeds, etc.
● The temperature of the hybrid system is low.
The vehicle has been left in temperatures lower than about 68
F (20C)
for a long period of time etc.
● The gasoline engine is warming up.
● The hybrid battery (traction battery) is low.
When the amount of remaining hybrid battery (traction battery) charge
displayed on the meter or Display Audio system is low. ( P. 35)
● Vehicle speed is high.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
● The windshield defogger is in use.

172 2-1. Driving procedures
■Automatic cancelation of EV drive mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the gasoline engine may automatically
restart in the following situations. When EV drive mode is canceled, a buzzer
will sound and the EV drive mode indicator will flash and go off.
●The hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes low.
● Vehicle speed becomes high.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
■ Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode
In EV drive mode, it is possible to drive up to about 1.3 miles (2 km) if driving
at a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or less. (The distance that is possible
depends on the hybrid battery [traction battery] level and driving conditions.)
■ Fuel economy
PRIUS c is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy during nor-
mal driving (using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction motor]).
Driving in EV drive mode more than necessary may lower fuel economy.
■ Vehicle Proximity Notification System sound
Even when EV drive mode is turned on, the Vehicle Proximity Notification
System may produce a sound. ( P. 25)
CAUTION
■Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode no engine noise is made. As such, pedestri-
ans, people riding bicycles or other people and vehicles in the surrounding
area may not be aware of the vehicle starting off or approaching them even if
the Vehicle Proximity Notification System is active. Therefore, take extra
care while driving.

174 2-1. Driving procedures
■Shift position purpose
*: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noises, set the shift lever in the D
position for normal driving.
■ Selecting Eco drive mode
Suitable for enhancing the fuel economy, because the torque
corresponding to the accelerator pedal depression amount can
be generated more smoothly than it is in normal conditions and
the operation of the air condition ing system (heating/cooling) will
be minimized.
Eco drive mode
When Eco drive mode is
turned on, the “ECO MODE”
indicator will come on.
Pressing the “ECO MODE”
switch again turns Eco drive
mode off.
Shift positionFunction
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*
BPosition for engine braking

175
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■
Operation of the air conditio ning system in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cooling operations and fan speed of the
air conditioning system to enhance fuel efficiency. ( P. 242) To improve air
conditioning performance, adjust the temperature setting or fan speed, or
turn off Eco drive mode.
■ When in heavy traffic
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged. To help prevent the battery from discharging, avoid putting the shift
lever in N for an extended period of time.
■ If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 471
CAUTION
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
Do not accelerate or shift gears suddenly.
Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid,
resulting in an accident.

176
2-1. Driving procedures
Tur n signal lever
■Turn signals can be operated when
Vehicles without a smart key system
The engine switch is in the “ON” position.
Vehicles with a smart key system
The “POWER” switch is in ON mode.
■ If the indicator flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned
out.
The turn signal lever can be used to show the following intentions
of the driver:
Right turn
Left turn
Lane change to the right
(push and hold the lever
partway)
The right hand signals will
flash until you release the
lever.
Lane change to the left
(push and hold the lever
partway)
The left hand signals will flash
until you release the lever.

183
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
■
Indicators
The indicators inform the driver of the operating state of the
vehicle’s various systems.
*1: These lights turn on when the engine switch is turned to the “ON”
position (vehicles without a smart key system) or the “POWER”
switch is turned to ON mode (vehicles with a smart key system) to
indicate that a system check is being performed. They will turn off
after the hybrid system is on, or after a few seconds. There may be
a malfunction in a system if a light does not come on, or if the lights
do not turn off. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
*2: The light flashes to indicate that the system is operating.
Turn signal indicator
(P. 176)Driving ready indicator
( P. 158, 162)
Headlight high beam
indicator ( P. 203)EV drive mode indica-
tor (P. 170)
(U.S.A.)
Headlight indicator
(P. 202)Shift position indicator
( P. 174)
(Canada)
Tail light indicator
(P. 202)“ECO MODE” indicator
( P. 174)
(if equipped)
Front fog light indicator
(P. 206)EV drive indicator lamp
( P. 192)
(if equipped)
Immobilizer system indi-
cator ( P. 110)
(if equipped)
Cruise control indicator
(P. 215)
(if equipped)
Cruise control set indi-
cator (P. 215)
*1,2
Slip indicator ( P. 220)
SRS airbag
on-off indica-
tor (P. 129)*1

184 2-2. Instrument cluster
CAUTION
■If a safety system warning light does not come on
Should a safety system light such as the ABS or SRS warning light not come
on when you start the hybrid system, this could mean that these systems are
not available to help protect you in an accident, which could result in death
or serious injury. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immedi-
ately if this occurs.
■ Warning lights
Warning lights inform the driver of malfunctions in any of the
vehicle's systems. ( P. 431)
*1: These lights turn on when the engine switch is turned to the “ON”
position (vehicles without a smart key system) or the “POWER”
switch is turned to ON mode (vehicles with a smart key system) to
indicate that a system check is being performed. They will turn off
after the hybrid system is on, or after a few seconds. There may be
a malfunction in a system if a light does not come on, or if the lights
do not turn off. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
*2: For vehicles sold in U.S.A.
*3: For vehicles sold in Canada
(red)
(yellow)(Flashes)
*1, 2*1, 3*1*1, 2*1, 3*1*1, 2*1, 3
*1*1*1*1*1