2013 TOYOTA PRIUS C driving

26 1-1. Hybrid system
■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.
● The brake pedal is depressed with the shift lever in D or B.
■ EV drive indicator lamp
■ Conditions in which the g asoline 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
● During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging
● When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high or
low
● When the heater is switched on
The EV drive indicator lamp comes on
when driving the vehicle using only the
electric motor (traction motor).
Displayed when “ECO Score” or the
basic display of “ECO Savings” is
selected. ( P. 189)

27
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
■
Charging the hybrid battery (traction battery)
●As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid battery (traction battery), the
battery does not need to be charged from an outside source. However, if
the vehicle is left parked for a long time the hybrid battery will slowly dis-
charge. For this reason, be sure to drive the vehicle at least once every
few months for at least 30 minutes or 10 miles (16 km). If the hybrid bat-
tery becomes fully discharged and you are unable to jump-start the vehi-
cle with the 12-volt battery, contact your Toyota dealer.
● If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged. Always put the shift lever in P when the vehicle is stopped.
When driving in heavy traffic, operate the vehicle with the shift lever in D
or B to avoid discharging the battery.
■ Charging the 12-volt battery
P. 479
■ After the 12-volt battery has di scharged or has been changed or
removed
The gasoline engine may not stop even if the vehicle is running on the hybrid
battery (traction battery). If this continues for a few days, contact your Toyota
dealer.

28 1-1. Hybrid system
■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
lever to P when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is
operating and are not a malfunction:
●Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.
● Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) behind
the rear seats when the hybrid system starts or stops.
● Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the back door is
open.
● 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 the brake pedal
is depressed.
● Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.
● Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vent on the side of
the lower part of the rear left seat.
■ Vehicle Proximity Notification System
In the following cases, the Vehicle Proximity Notification System sound may
be difficult for pedestrians, people riding bicycles or other people and vehi-
cles in the surrounding area to hear:
●When there is a lot of noise in the vicinity
● When it is raining or during strong winds
● When in the area surrounding the rear of the vehicle, rather than in front
of the vehicle
■ Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal
Contact your Toyota dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and dis-
posal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.

29
1
1-1. Hybrid system
Before driving
Hybrid system precautions
Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it contains a high
voltage system (about 520 V at maximum) as well as parts that
become extremely hot when the hybrid system is operating. Obey
the caution labels attached to the vehicle.
Caution label
Service plug
Air conditioning compressor
Electric motor (traction motor) Power control unit with DC/
DC converter
Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery)
High voltage cables (orange)

31
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
■
If a warning light comes on, a warn ing message is displayed, or the 12-
volt battery has been disconnected
The hybrid system may not start. In that case, try to start the system again. If
the “READY” indicator does not come on, contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Running out of fuel
When the vehicle has run out of fuel and the hybrid system cannot be
started, refuel the vehicle with at least enough gasoline to make the low fuel
level warning light ( P. 435) stop flashing. If there is only a small amount of
fuel, the hybrid system may not be able to start. (The minimum amount of
fuel to add to make the low fuel level warning light stop flashing is about 1.3
gal. [5.0 L, 1.1 Imp. gal.] when the vehicle is on a level surface. This value
may vary when the vehicle is on a slope.)
■ Electromagnetic waves
●High voltage parts and cables on the hybrid vehicles incorporate electro-
magnetic shielding, and therefore emit approximately the same amount
of electromagnetic waves as conventional gasoline powered vehicles or
home electronic appliances.
● Your vehicle may cause sound interference in some third party-produced
radio parts.
■ Hybrid battery (traction battery)
The hybrid battery (traction battery) has a limited service life. The lifespan of
the hybrid battery (traction battery) can change in accordance with driving
style and driving conditions.

33
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
CAUTION
■
Road accident cautions
If your vehicle is involved in an accident, observe the following precautions
to reduce the risk of death or serious injury:
●Stop the vehicle in a safe place to prevent subsequent accidents, shift the
shift lever to P, apply the parking brake, and turn the hybrid system off.
( P. 148)
● Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables or connectors. Carefully check
to see if there are exposed high voltage parts or cables.
● If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electric
shock may occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
● If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch the fluid as it may be strong alkaline
electrolyte from the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it comes into contact
with your skin or eyes, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water
or, if possible, boric acid solution. Seek immediate medical attention.
● If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, leave the vehicle as soon as possible.
Never use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using even
a small amount of water may be dangerous.
● If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with the front wheels raised. If the
wheels connected to the electric motor (traction motor) are on the ground
when towing, the motor may continue to generate electricity. This may
cause a fire. ( P. 427)
● Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid has
leaked onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leave
the vehicle as soon as possible and contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Nickel-metal hydride battery
Your vehicle contains a sealed nickel-metal hydride battery. If disposed of
improperly, it is hazardous to the environment and there is a risk of severe
burns and electrical shock that may result in death or serious injury.

35
1
1-1. Hybrid system
Before driving
Energy monitor/consumption screen
Energy monitorDisplay Audio system (if equipped) Press “CAR”.
If the “Trip Information” is dis-
played, touch “Energy”.
Multi-information displayPush the “DISP” switch on the
steering wheel several times to
select the energy monitor dis-
play.
You can view the status of your hybrid system on the multi-informa-
tion display and Display Audio system.
Display Audio system (if
equipped)
Multi-information display

37
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before drivingThese images are examples only, and may vary slightly from actual condi-
tions.
Hybrid battery
(traction bat-
tery) status
LowFull
Low Full
Display Audio systemMulti-information
display