Page 195 of 596
1954-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
Turns EV drive mode on/off
When EV drive mode is turned on,
the EV drive mode indicator will
come on.
Pressing the switch when in EV
drive mode will return the vehicle to
normal driving (using the gasoline
engine and electric motor [traction
motor]).
EV drive mode
In EV drive mode, electric power is supplied by the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery), and only the electric motor (traction
motor) is used to drive the vehicle.
This mode allows you to drive in residential areas early in the
morning and late at night, or in indoor parking lots etc. without
concern for noises and exhaust gas emissions.
However, when the vehicle proximity notification system is
active, the vehicle may produce sound.
Page 196 of 596

1964-2. Driving procedures
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
■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 dri ve mode cannot be turned on
It may not be possible to turn EV drive mode on in the following situati\
ons. 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 dis-
played on the meter or multimedia system is low. ( →P. 111 )
● Vehicle speed is high.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
● The windshield defogger is in use.
Page 197 of 596

1974-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)■
Automatic cancelatio n 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 is high.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
■ Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving distance ranges from a few hundred meters
to approximately 1.3 miles (2 km). However, depending on vehicle conditions,
there are situations when EV drive mode cannot be used.
(The distance that is possible depends on the hybrid battery [traction battery]
level and driving conditions.)
■ Fuel economy
The hybrid system is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy
during normal driving (using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction
motor]). Driving in EV drive mode more than necessary may lower fuel econ-
omy.
■ Vehicle Proximity Notification System sound
Even when EV drive mode is turned on, the Vehicle Proximity Notification
System may produce a sound. ( →P. 74)
WARNING
■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.
Page 201 of 596

2014-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
WARNING
■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.
■ To prevent an accident when releasing the shift lock
Before pressing the shift lock override button, make sure to set the parking
brake and depress the brake pedal.
If the accelerator pedal is accidentally depressed instead of the brake pedal
when the shift lock override button is pressed and the shift lever is shifted
out of P, the vehicle may suddenly start, possibly leading to an accident
resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (tract ion battery) charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged even when the engine is running. Therefore, if the vehicle is left
with the shift lever in N for a long period of time, the hybrid battery (traction
battery) will discharge, and this may result in the vehicle not being able to
start.
Page 207 of 596

2074-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)■
Light reminder buzzer
Vehicles without a smart key system
A buzzer sounds when the engine switch is turned to the “LOCK” or “ACC”
position and the driver's door is opened while the lights are turned on.
Vehicles with a smart key system
A buzzer sounds when the “POWER” switch is turned off or turned to
ACCESSORY mode and the driver's door is opened while the lights are
turned on.
■ 12-volt battery-saving function
In the following conditions, the remaining lights will go off automatically after
20 minutes in order to prevent the vehicle battery from being discharged:
●The headlights and/or tail lights are on.
● The engine switch is turned to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position (vehicles with-
out a smart key system) or the “POWER” switch is turned to ACCESSORY
mode or turned off (vehicles with a smart key system).
This function will be canceled in any of the following situations:
● When the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position (vehicles without a
smart key system) or the “POWER” swit ch is turned to ON mode (vehicles
with a smart key system).
● When the light switch is operated.
● When the door is opened or closed.
■ Customization that can be co nfigured at Toyota dealer
Setting (e.g. daytime running light system) can be changed.
(Customizable features: →P. 556)
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when the hybrid system is
off.
Page 270 of 596

270
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
4-7. Driving tips
◆Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accel-
erator pedal depression amount can be generated more smoothly
than it is in normal conditions. In addition, the operation of the air
conditioning system (h eating/cooling) will be minimized, improving
the fuel economy. ( →P. 374)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the needle of Hybrid
System Indicator within Eco area. ( →P. 104)
◆Shift lever operation
Shift the shift lever to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving in
heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift le ver to P when parking. When using
the N, there is no positive effect on fuel consumption. In the N, the
gasoline engine operates but elec tricity cannot be generated. Also,
when using the air conditioning s ystem, etc., the hybrid battery
(traction battery) power is consumed.
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
● Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and
deceleration. Gradual accelerati on and deceleration will make
more effective use of the electric motor (traction motor) without
having to use gasoline engine power.
● Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes
hybrid battery (traction battery) power, resulting in poor fuel con-
sumption. Battery power can be restored by driving with the
accelerator pedal slightly released.
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
For economical and ecological driv ing, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:
Page 287 of 596

2875-2. Basic Operations (Multimedia system)
5
Audio system
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)
Select to change on/off.
Select to change on/off.
■Using cellular phones
Interference may be heard through the multimedia system's speakers if a cel-
lular phone is being used inside or close to the vehicle while the multimedia
system is operating.
■ Certification (caution)
Laser product
This product is a class 1 laser product.
Do not open the cover of the player or attempt to repair the unit yourself.
Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
●Laser products
• Do not take this unit apart or attempt to make any changes yourself.
This is an intricate unit that uses a laser pickup to retrieve information
from the surface of compact discs. The laser is carefully shielded so that
its rays remain inside the cabinet. Therefore, never try to disassemble the
player or alter any of its parts since you may be exposed to laser rays and
dangerous voltages.
• This product utilizes a laser. Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than
those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
THE USE OF OPTICAL INSTRUME NTS WITH THIS PRODUCT WILL
INCREASE EYE HAZARD.
Random playback
Repeat play
NOTICE
■ To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the multimedia system on longer than necessary when the
hybrid system is off.
■ To avoid damaging the multimedia system
Take care not to spill drinks or other fluids on the multimedia system.
Page 381 of 596

3816-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
PRIUS c_U (OM52J11U)■
Air conditioning filter
→P. 446
■ Customization
The air conditioning control of Eco drive mode can be changed to the same
setting as that used in normal drive mode.
(Customizable features →P. 557)
WARNING
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
● Do not use during cool air operation in extremely humid weather.
The difference between the temperature of the outside air and that of the
windshield can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, block-
ing your vision.
■ When the outside rear view mirr or defoggers are on (if equipped)
Do not touch the outside surface of the rear view mirrors, as they can
become very hot and burn you.
NOTICE
■ To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the
hybrid system is off.
● Do not place anything on the instrument
panel which may cover the air outlets.
Otherwise, air flow may be obstructed,
preventing the windshield defoggers
from defogging.