2012 TOYOTA PRIUS PHV battery

37
1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
1
Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
EV/HV mode selection switch
You can manually switch between EV mode and HV mode when you
want to conserve battery power in preparation for EV driving in city
areas.
Switching to HV mode when driving on a highway or when driving
uphill is recommended in order to conserve battery power.
* (  P. 6 7 )
*: The EV driving range may reduce even after switching to HV mode.
Press the switch
EV mode and HV mode will be
switched between with each
press.
If there is not enough charge
remaining in the hybrid battery
(traction battery) to allow EV driv-
ing, EV mode will not be select-
able.

38 1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Charging (P. 80)
In order to drive in EV mode,
charge the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) from an external
power source before using your
vehicle.
If there is not enough charge
remaining in the hybrid battery
(traction battery), the EV driving
range will become shorter.
Vehicle proximity notification system
When driving with the gasoline engine stopped, a sound, which
changes in accordance with the dr iving speed, will be played in order
to warn people nearby of the vehicle’s approach. The sound will stop
when the vehicle speed exceeds a pproximately 15 mph (25 km/h).

39
1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
1
Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■
Regenerative braking
In the following situations, kinetic energy is converted to electric energy and
deceleration force can be obtained in conjunction with the recharging of the
hybrid battery (traction battery).
● The accelerator pedal is released while driving with the shift position in D
or B.
● The brake pedal is depressed while driving with the shift position in D or
B.
■ EV driving range
● The EV driving range is displayed on the energy monitor and the Hybrid
System Indicator. ( P. 58, 268)
● The EV driving range changes in accordance with the charge status of
the hybrid battery (traction battery), the speed of the vehicle, etc.
■ After EV mode has switched to HV mode due to low hybrid battery
(traction battery) charge
If the hybrid battery (traction battery) is regenerated by driving continuously
down a long slope, the EV driving range will be displayed on the multi-i\
nfor-
mation display and EV mode will be automatically switched to.
If EV mode is not switched to even though EV driving range is being dis-
played, EV mode can be switched to by pressing the EV/HV mode selection
switch.

40 1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■Refilling fuel
Plug-in hybrid vehicles can be driven using electricity charged from an exter-
nal power source, however the gasoline engine that is provided on board as
an auxiliary power source and as a power source for driving in HV mode
needs to be filled with fuel. Check the fuel amount and refill immediately
when the fuel level becomes low. ( P. 174)
■ Gasoline engine operation in EV mode
Even if there is a sufficient amount of electricity remaining in the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) and EV driving range ( P. 58, 268) is being displayed,
the gasoline engine may operate automatically in the following circum-
stances (EV driving will be returned to automatically after EV driving
becomes possible again):
● When the heater etc. is in use.
● When 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.
● When the temperature of the hybrid system is low.
The vehicle has been left in temperatures lower than about 32 °F (0 °C)
for a long period of time etc.
● When power is needed temporarily, for example when accelerating sud-
denly.
● When vehicle speed is more than approximately 62 mph (100 km/h).
● When the accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill
etc.
● When the outside temperature is low (less than 14 °F [-10 °C])
The gasoline engine may also operate in circumstances other than those
listed above, depending on conditions.

41
1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
1
Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■
When continually using EV mode only
After driving for approximately 124 miles (200 km) with the gasoline engine
off, the gasoline engine may start for a short amount of time in order to pro-
tect the system.
■ Conditions in which the gasoline engine may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically. However, it may not stop
automatically in the following conditions
*:
● During gasoline engine warm-up
● When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high or
low
● During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging
● When the heater is switched on
*: Depending on the circumstances, the gasoline engine may also not stop
automatically in situations other than those above.
■ If the vehicle is not used for a long time
The 12-volt battery may discharge. In this event, charge the 12-volt battery.
(P. 594)
In order to prevent the hybrid battery (traction battery) from becoming
extremely low in charge, start the hybrid system at least once every 2 or 3
months, and turn the “POWER” switch off after the gasoline engine has
stopped automatically. (If the gasoline engine does not start up even after
approximately 10 seconds have passed since the “READY” indicator came
on, the “POWER” switch can be turned to OFF without any further action.)

42 1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sounds or vibration even though the vehicle is able
to move. For safety, apply the parking brake and make sure to shift the shift
position to P when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is
operating, and are not a malfunction.
● The brake system operation sound heard from the front of the vehicle
when the driver’s door is opened.
● Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.
● Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) behind
the rear seat when the hybrid system starts or stops.
● Sounds may be heard from the transmission when the gasoline engine
starts or stops, when driving at low speeds, or during idling.
● Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.
● Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when you press the
brake pedal or release the accelerator pedal.
● Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.
● Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vent. ( P. 45)
● The operation sound of the air conditioning system (air conditioning com-
pressor, blower motor).

44
1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Plug-in hybrid system precautions
Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it contains a high
voltage system (about 650V at maximum) as well as parts that
become extremely hot when the hybrid system is operating. Obey
the caution labels attached to the vehicle.
Service plug
Caution label
Power control unit and DC/
DC converter
Electric motor (traction
motor)Air conditioning compressor
High voltage cables (orange)
Battery charger
Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery)
Charging inlet

45
1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
1
Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Hybrid battery (traction battery) air vents
There are air intake vents on the
side of the rear right seatback
and on the front corner of the left
rear seat cushion for the purpose
of cooling the hybrid battery
(traction battery). If the vents
become blocked, the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) may over-
heat, leading to a reduction in
hybrid battery (traction battery)
output.
Emergency shut off system When a certain level of impact is detected by the impact sensor, the
emergency shut off syst em blocks off the high voltage current and
stops the fuel pump to minimize t he risk of electrocution and fuel
leakage. If the emergency shut off sy stem activates, your vehicle will
not restart. To restart the hybrid system, contact your Toyota dealer.