
68
1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(U)
Plug-in hybrid vehicle driving tips
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following
points:
■Using EV mode and HV mode effectively
Primarily using EV mode when driving in cities and using HV
mode when driving on highways (or freeways) can help con-
serve fuel and electricity. ( oP. 3 7 )
■Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, a torque corresponding to the
accelerator pedal depression amount can be generated more
smoothly than it is in normal conditions. In addition, the opera-
tion of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling) will be mini-
mized, improving fuel and electricity economy. ( oP. 2 5 1 )
■Use of Hybrid System Indicator
Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( oP. 2 7 3 )
■When braking the vehicle
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in good time. A
greater amount of electrical energy can be retained when slow-
ing down.
■Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at
traffic lights, will lead to high fuel and electricity consumption.
Check traffic reports before leaving and avoid delays as much
as possible. When encountering a delay, gently release the
brake pedal to allow the vehicle to move forward slightly while
avoiding overuse of the accelerator pedal. Doing so can help
control excessive electricity and fuel consumption.

69
1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
1
Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(U)
■Highway driving
Control your speed and keep at a constant speed. Also, before
stopping at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release
the accelerator and gently apply the brakes. A greater amount of
electrical energy can be retained when slowing down.
Electricity consumption will increase substantially when driving
at high speeds in EV mode. If there will be a long distance to the
next external charging point after leaving a freeway, driving in
HV mode while on the freeway and in EV mode after leaving the
freeway is recommended.
■Air conditioning on/off
●Switch the air conditioning ( ) to off when it is not
needed. Doing so can help control excessive electricity and
fuel consumption.
In summer: In high temperatures, use the recirculated air
mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air con-
ditioner and reduce fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically
cut out until the gasoline engine and the interior of the vehicle
are warm, it will consume fuel. Also, fuel consumption can be
improved by avoiding overuse of the heater.
●For efficiency, use the Remote Air Conditioning System
before departing while the charging cable is connected.

85
1
1-2. Charging
Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(U)
How to charge
This vehicle has been designed to allow charging from an external
power source using a charging cable for exclusive use with standard
household AC outlets.
However, the vehicle differs greatly from standard household electri-
cal goods in the following ways, and incorrect usage could cause
fire or electric shock, possibly leading to death or serious injury.
●The charging operation is designed to operate at 12A continu-
ously for the charge duration (up to 3 hours).
●Charging can be conducted outdoors.
To c h a r g e p r o p e r l y, f o l l o w t h e p rocedure after reading the explana-
tion below. Charging is intended to be carried out by licensed driv-
ers only who properly understand the charging procedure. Charging
should not be carried out by children.
When charging with a charging station, follow the procedures for
using the charging station.
■Confirm the following before charging
●The parking brake is applied. ( oP. 2 6 0 )
●Lights such as the headlights, emergency flashers and interior
lights etc. are switched off.
If these light switches are turned ON, then these features will con-
sume electricity, and charging time will increase.
●The “POWER” switch is OFF. ( oP. 2 4 4 )
■Items to be regularly inspected
oP. 1 0 8

153
1
1-5. Adjustable components (seats, mirrors, steering wheel)
Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(U)
Rear seats
Before folding down the seatbacks
Park the vehicle in a safe place.
Apply the parking brake firmly and shift the shift position to P.
( oP. 2 5 2 )
Adjust the position of the front seat and the angle of the seat-
back. ( oP. 1 5 0 )
Depending on the position of the front seat, if the seatback is folded
backward, it may interfere with the operation of the rear seat.
Stow the buckle of the seat belts.
Lower the head restraint of the rear seat. ( oP. 1 5 6 )
Ve h i c l e s w i t h a n a r m r e s t : St o w t h e a r m r e s t o f t h e r e a r s e a t i f i t
is pulled out. ( oP. 4 0 5 )
This step is not necessary when operating the driver’s side seat only.
The seatbacks can be folded down.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5

155
1-5. Adjustable components (seats, mirrors, steering wheel)
1
Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(U)
CAUTION
■When folding the seatbacks down
Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may result in death or
serious injury.
●Do not fold the seatbacks down while driving.
●Stop the vehicle on level ground, set the parking brake and shift the shift
position to P.
●Do not allow anyone to sit on a folded seatback or in the luggage compart-
ment while driving.
●Do not allow children to enter the luggage compartment.
■After returning the seatback to the upright position
Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may result in death or
serious injury.
●Check that the seat belts are not twisted or caught in the seatback.
●Make sure that the seatback is securely
locked in position by lightly pushing it
back and forth.
If the seatbacks is not securely locked,
the red marking will be visible on the
seatback lock release button. Make
sure that the red marking is not visible.

228
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(U)
2-1. Driving procedures
Driving the vehicle
The following procedures should be observed to ensure safe driv-
ing:
■Before starting the hybrid system
Check that the charging cable is disconnected. ( oP. 9 6 )
■Starting the hybrid system
oP. 2 4 2
■Driving
With the brake pedal depressed, shift the shift position to D.
( oP. 2 4 9 )
Check that the shift position indicator shows D. ( oP. 2 6 2 )
Release the parking brake. ( oP. 2 6 0 )
Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the
accelerator pedal to accelerate the vehicle.
■Stopping
With the shift position in D, depress the brake pedal.
If necessary, set the parking brake.
When the vehicle will be stopped for an extended period of time,
shift the shift position to P. ( oP. 2 5 2 )
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 1
STEP 2