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1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Plug-in hybrid system features
The plug-in hybrid system is a system that has the features of both
electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles.
●Electricity received by charging from an external power
source can be used, and the vehicle can also be driven as an
electric vehicle by driving over certain distances* using only
the electric motor (traction motor).
●If the amount of electricity remaining in the hybrid battery
(traction battery) becomes low, the vehicle is automatically
controlled in such a way that it can be driven as a hybrid vehi-
cle through the joint use of the gasoline engine.
*: The driving range will vary in accordance with conditions such as vehi-
cle speed, the amount of charge remaining in the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) and the usage of the air conditioning system. The gasoline
engine may also be used simultaneously in accordance with driving
conditions.
Gasoline engine
Electric motor (traction motor)
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1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
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Charging (→P. 8 0 )
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 driving speed, will be played in order
to warn people nearby of the vehicle’s approach. The sound will stop
when the vehicle speed exceeds approximately 15 mph (25 km/h).
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1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
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■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. 5 8 , 2 6 8 )
●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-infor-
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.
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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. 5 9 4 )
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.)
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Plug-in hybrid system precautions
Ta k e c a r e w h e n h a n d l i n g t h e h y b r i d s y s t e m , a s i t c o n ta i n s a h i g h
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
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1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
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These images are examples only, and may vary slightly from actual conditions.
ConditionDisplay
When the vehicle is charging the
hybrid battery (traction battery)
When there is no energy flow
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
status
Low Full
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1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
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Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
These images are examples only, and may vary slightly from actual conditions.
ConditionDisplay
When the vehicle is charging the
hybrid battery (traction battery)
When there is no energy flow
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
status
Low Full
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ConditionDisplay
When the vehicle is powered by
the electric motor (traction
motor)
The illustration shows the display when
in EV mode.
When the vehicle is powered by
both the gasoline engine and the
electric motor (traction motor)
When the vehicle is powered by
the gasoline engine
When charging the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) from an
external power source (while a
charging cable is connected)
When the vehicle is charging the
hybrid battery (traction battery)