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2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
■When in EV/EV auto mode
In EV/EV auto mode, EV driving (driving using only the electric
motor)
* is possible. However, depending on the situation, EV driv-
ing may be canceled and both gasoline engine and electric motor
are used ( →P. 87). Also, if a little electricity is remaining in the
hybrid battery (traction battery), HV mode is automatically selected.
To drive in EV/EV auto mode long, observe the followings.
● Avoid sudden acceleration and sudden deceleration, and be sure
to drive smoothly.
If you repeatedly accelerate, the hybrid battery (traction battery)
charge will deplete quickly. Also , EV driving may be canceled by
rapid acceleration or vehicle speed.
● Restrain your speed as much as possible. The distance that can
be driven in EV/EV auto mode wi ll reduce considerably at high
speeds.
*: The EV driving range can be checked using the multi-information dis- play etc. ( →P. 199, 215, 222, 239)
■
When in HV mode
The vehicle can be used in the same way as a standard hybrid
vehicle.
In HV mode, controls are primaril y carried out as follows in accor-
dance with the dr iving conditions.
● The gasoline engine stops
* when the vehicle is stopped.
● During start off, the electric motor (traction motor) drives the vehi-
cle.
● During normal driving, the gasoline engine and electric motor
(traction motor) are controlled effectively, and the vehicle is
driven with optimum fuel efficiency. Also, when necessary, the
electric motor (traction motor) op erates as an electrical generator
to charge the hybrid battery (traction battery).
● When the accelerator pedal is dep ressed heavily, drive force
from both the gasoline engine and the electric motor (traction
motor) is used to accelerate.
*: When the hybrid battery (traction battery) requires charging or the engine is warming up, etc., the gasoline engine will not automatically
stop. ( →P. 87)
Control when driving in each mode
PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47A88U_(U)
852-1. Plug-in hybrid system
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Plug-in hybrid system
■When braking (regenerative braking)
The electric motor (traction motor) charges the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery).
The EV driving range can be extend ed by actively using this regen-
erative braking to store electricity in the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery).
Moreover, as fuel consumption is also reduced when in HV mode,
the regenerative braking system can be used effectively.
In order to make EV/EV auto
mode available, charge the hybrid
battery (traction battery) from an
external power source before
using the vehicle.
Even if charging the hybrid battery
(traction battery) has not been
completed, the vehicle can be
driven. However, if there is not
enough charge remaining, it is pos-
sible that the vehicle cannot be
driven in EV/EV auto mode or the
EV driving range will become
shorter.
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 vehi cle’s approach. The sound will stop
when the vehicle speed exceeds approximately 15 mph (25 km/h).
Charging (→P. 102)
Vehicle proximity notification system
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PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47A88U_(U)
2-1. Plug-in 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 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 multi-information display etc.
(→P. 199, 215, 222, 239)
● The EV driving range changes in accordance with the charge status of the
hybrid battery (traction battery), the speed of the vehicle, etc.
● Even if there is enough charge remaining in the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery), EV driving may be canceled and both gasoline engine and electric
motor are used depending on the situation. ( →P. 87)
■ After EV mode has switched to HV mo de due to low hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) charge
If the hybrid battery (traction battery) is regenerated by driving continuously
down a long slope, the EV driving range etc. will be displayed on the multi-
information 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.
■ Refilling fuel
Plug-in hybrid vehicles can be driven using electricity charged from an exter-
nal power source. However, as the gasoline engine is used depending on the
situation even if in EV mode, and the gasoline engine is provided on board as
a power source for driving in HV mode, it is needed to refueling the vehicle.
Check the fuel amount and refill immediately when the fuel level becomes
low. ( →P. 356)
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872-1. Plug-in hybrid system
2
Plug-in hybrid system
■Gasoline engine operatio n in EV/EV auto mode
Even if there is a sufficient amount of electricity remaining in the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) and EV driving range ( →P. 199, 215, 222, 239) is being
displayed on the multi-information display etc., EV driving (driving using only
the electric motor) may be canceled and both gasoline engine and electric
motor are used depending on the situat ion (EV driving will be returned to
automatically after EV driving becomes possible again).
EV driving may be canceled automatically in the following circumstances:
● When vehicle speed is more than approximately 84 mph (135 km/h).
● When power is needed temporarily, for example when the accelerator pedal
is depressed firmly or when accelerating suddenly.
*
●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.
● When the heater is switched on when the outside temperature is below
about 14°F (-10°C).
● When the windshield defogger switch is pressed. ( →P. 491, 501)
● When the system determines that the gasoline engine needs to be started.\
The gasoline engine may also operate in circumstances other than those
listed above, depending on conditions.
*: When traveling in the EV auto mode only
■ 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
● During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging
● When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high or low
● When the windshield defogger switch is pressed. ( →P. 491, 501)
*: Depending on the circumstances, the gasoline engine may also not stop
automatically in situations other than those above.
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PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47A88U_(U)
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■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. 587)
In order to prevent the hybrid battery (traction battery) from becoming
extremely low in charge, charge the hybrid battery (traction battery) from
external power source or 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.)
● When the vehicle is left with the charging cable connected, the electricity
consumption amount of the 12-volt battery increases due to controls, suc\
h
as the system checking, operating. When the charging cable is not needed,
immediately remove it from the vehicle.
■ Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sound or vibration even though the vehicle is able to
move with the “READY” indicator is illuminated. 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.
●Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.
● Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) when the
hybrid system starts or stops.
● Relay operating sounds such as a snap or soft clank will be emitted from the
hybrid battery (traction battery), behind the rear seats, when the hybrid sys-
tem is started or stopped.
● 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 or as the accelerator pedal is released.
● Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.
● Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vent. ( →P. 91)
■ Vehicle proximity notification system
In the following cases, the vehicle proximity notification system may be diffi-
cult for surrounding people to hear.
●In very noisy areas
● In the wind or the rain
Also, as the vehicle proximity notification system is installed on the front of
the vehicle, it may be more difficult to hear from the rear of the vehicle com-
pared to the front.
PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47A88U_(U)
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Plug-in hybrid system
■Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal
Contact your Toyota dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and dis-
posal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.
WARNING
■When using the hybrid battery (traction battery) charge mode
Observe the following precautions when using the hybrid battery (traction
battery) charge mode while parking.
Failure to do so may lead to death or serious health hazard, as the gasoline
engine operates when in the hybrid battery (traction battery) charge mode.
● Do not stop the vehicle near flammable materials.
● Do not use the hybrid battery (traction battery) charge mode in a closed
area where ventilation is insufficient, such as in a garage or area with
snow buildup.
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NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (traction battery) air vents
● Make sure not to block the air intake vent with anything, such as a seat
cover, plastic cover, or luggage. The hybrid battery (traction battery) may
overheat and be damaged.
● When dust etc. has accumulated in the air intake vent, clean it with a vac-
uum cleaner to prevent the vent from clogging.
● Do not wet or allow foreign substances to enter the air vents as this may
cause a short circuit and damage the hybrid battery (traction battery).
● Do not carry large amounts of water such as water cooler bottles in the
vehicle. If water spills onto the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery
may be damaged. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
● A filter is installed to the air intake vent. When the filter remains noticeably
dirty even after cleaning the air intake vent, filter cleaning or replacement
is recommended. When cleaning the filter, refer to P. 562.
■ Notice about fuel
● For plug-in hybrid vehicles, fuel may remain in the tank for a long time and
undergo changes in quality depending on the how the vehicle is used.
Refuel at least 5.3 gal.(20 L, 4.4 Imp.gal.) of fuel every 12 months (refuel a
total of at least 5.3 gal. [20 L, 4.4 Imp.gal.] over a 12-month period), as this
may affect components of the fuel system or the gasoline engine.
● If the vehicle has not been refueled for a certain amount of time and it is
possible that the quality of the fuel remaining in the tank has changed, “No
new fuel has been added recently. Please refuel” is displayed on the multi-
information display when the power switch is turned to ON mode. If the
message is displayed, refuel the vehicle immediately.
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Plug-in hybrid system
Plug-in hybrid vehicle driving tips
◆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 conserve fuel and
electricity. ( →P. 8 2 )
◆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
fuel and electricity economy. ( →P. 406)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System Indi-
cator within Eco area. ( →P. 210)
◆Shift position operation
Shift the shift position to D when st opped at a traffic light, or driving
in heavy traffic etc. Shift the sh ift position to P when parking. When
using the N, there is no positive effect on fuel consumption. In the
N, the gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be gener-
ated. Also, when using the air cond itioning system, etc., the hybrid
battery (traction batter y) power is consumed.
For economical and ecological driv ing, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points: