PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47D13U_(U)
892-1. Plug-in hybrid system
2
Plug-in hybrid system
■Switching to the hybrid battery (traction battery) charge mode
Press and hold the switch.
Take your hand off the switch
once the hybrid battery charge
mode indicator starts to blink.
The hybrid battery charge mode
indicator illuminates when the
switch to hybrid battery (traction
battery) charge mode is com-
plete.
When the hybrid battery (traction battery) is fully charged
*, the hybrid
battery (traction battery) charge mode is automatically cancele d and the
operation mode will be switched to HV mode.
The hybrid battery (traction battery) charge mode will be cance led by
pressing EV/HV mode selection switch or EV auto mode switch.
*: The maximum charge amount in the hybrid battery (traction batt ery)
charge mode is approximately 80% of the fully charged capacity for the
charging from an external power source.
■ If the plug-in hybrid system ope ration mode cannot be changed
In the following situations, the plug-in hybrid system operation mode cannot
be changed even if the EV/HV mode selection switch or EV auto mode switch
is pressed. (In this case, the warning message is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display when the switch is pressed.)
● When electricity needed for EV driving is not remaining (when in EV/EV
auto mode)
● When the traction battery is almost completely charged (hybrid battery [trac-
tion battery] charge mode)
■ When switching from EV mode to another mode using the switch
When the power switch is turned of f, operation mode switching is canceled
and the system returns to EV mode the next time the vehicle is started.
■ Hybrid battery (traction battery) charge mode
●The following may occur to protect the system, etc.
• Cannot switch to hybrid battery (traction battery) charge mode or cannot
cancel it
• Gasoline engine does not start or stops even after switching to hybrid bat- tery (traction battery) charge mode
● If a load to the system is large, such as when the power consumption of the
air conditioning system is large or when the temperature of the engine cool-
ant is high, it may take longer time than usual to charge using the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) charge mode, or charging to the hybrid battery
(traction battery) may not be performed.
90
PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47D13U_(U)
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 gaso line engine and electric motor
are used ( P. 93). Also, if a little electricity is remaining in the
hybrid battery (traction battery), HV mode is automatically sel ected.
To drive in EV/EV auto mode l ong, observe the followings.
● Avoid sudden acceleration and sudden deceleration, and be sure
to drive smoothly.
If you repeatedly accelerate, the hybrid battery (traction batt ery)
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 will reduce considerably at high
speeds.
*: The EV driving range can be checked using the multi-informatio n dis-
play etc. ( P. 207, 223, 230, 247)
■
When in HV mode
The vehicle can be used in the same way as a standard hybrid
vehicle.
In HV mode, controls are primarily carried out as follows in ac cor-
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) operates as an electrical gener ator
to charge the hybrid battery (traction battery).
● When the accelerator pedal is depressed 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 automa tically
stop. ( P. 93)
Control when driving in each mode
PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47D13U_(U)
912-1. Plug-in hybrid system
2
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 ext ended by actively using this regen-
erative braking to store electricity in the hybrid battery (tra ction 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 gasolin e 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).
Charging (P. 108)
Vehicle proximity notification system
PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47D13U_(U)
932-1. Plug-in hybrid system
2
Plug-in hybrid system
■Gasoline engine operation 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. 207, 223, 230, 247) is being
displayed on the multi-information display etc., EV driving (dr iving using only
the electric motor) may be canceled and both gasoline engine an d electric
motor are used depending on the situation (EV driving will be returned to
automatically after EV driving becomes possible again).
EV driving may be canceled automatically in the following circu mstances:
● When vehicle speed is more than approximately 84 mph (135 km/h) .
● When power is needed temporarily, for example when the accelera tor 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. 500, 510)
● When the system determines that the gasoline engine needs to be started.
The gasoline engine may also operate in circumstances other tha n 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. 500, 510)
*: Depending on the circumstances, the gasoline engine may also not stop
automatically in situations other than those above.
94
PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47D13U_(U)
2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
■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. 593)
In order to prevent the hybrid battery (traction battery) from becoming
extremely low in charge, charge the hybrid battery (traction ba ttery) 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 pass ed 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 cont rols, such
as the system checking, operating. When the charging cable is n ot needed,
immediately remove it from the vehicle.
■ Sounds and vibrations sp ecific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sound or vibration even though the vehic le is able to
move with the “READY” indicator is illuminated. For safety, app ly the parking
brake and make sure to shift the shift position to P when parke d.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid sy stem 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 emi tted 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. 97)
■ Vehicle proximity notification system
In the following cases, the vehicle proximity notification syst em 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.
96
PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47D13U_(U)
2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Plug-in hybrid system precautions
The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the
actual item.
Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it contains a high
voltage system (about 600V at maximum) as well as parts that
become extremely hot when th e hybrid system is operating.
Obey the caution labels attached to the vehicle.
Caution label
Charging inlet
Service plug
Air conditioning compressor
Power control unit and DC/DC
converter Electric motor (traction motor)
High voltage c
ables (orange)
Battery charger
Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery)1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
104
PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47D13U_(U)
2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
●Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and
deceleration. Gradual accelerat ion and deceleration will make
more effective use of the electric motor (traction motor) witho ut
having to use gaso line engine power.
● Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes
hybrid battery (tracti on battery) power, resulting in poor fuel con-
sumption. Battery power can be restored by driving with the
accelerator pedal slightly released.
◆When braking
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and a timely manner. A
greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slow-
ing down.
◆Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits a t
traffic lights, will lead to high fuel and electricity consumption.
Check traffic reports before leav ing and avoid delays as much a s
possible. When driving in a traffic jam, gently release the brake
pedal to allow the vehicle to mov e forward slightly while avoiding
overuse of the accelerator pedal. Doing so can help control exces-
sive electricity and fuel consumption.
◆Highway driving
● Control and maintain the vehicle at a constant speed. Before
stopping at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to re lease
the accelerator and gently apply the brakes. A greater amount o f
electrical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.
● Electricity consumption will in crease significantly when drivin g at
high speeds in EV mode. If there will be a long distance to the
next external charging point after leaving a freeway, it is rec om-
mended to drive in HV mode while on the freeway and change to
EV mode after leaving the freeway.
PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47D13U_(U)
1052-1. Plug-in hybrid system
2
Plug-in hybrid system
◆Air conditioning
●Turn the “A/C” switch (
*1 • *2) off when it is
not needed. Doing so can help reduce excessive electricity and
fuel consumption.
In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recir-
culated air mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on th e
air conditioning system and reduc e electricity and fuel consump-
tion as well.
In winter: Avoid excessive and unnecessary use of the heater.
Usage of the heated steering w heel (if equipped) and seat heat-
ers is effective. ( P. 5 2 2 )
● Using the Remote Air Conditioning System ( P. 518) while the
charging cable is connected to the vehicle can reduce electrici ty
consumption immediately after st arting off by operating air condi-
tioning mainly using electricity from an external power source.
● When setting the timer, selecting the start time setting mode a nd
setting “Climate Prep” to “On” c an reduce electricity consumption
immediately after starting off by operating air conditioning be fore
charging is completed. ( P. 154)
*1: Vehicles with 7-inch display
*2: Vehicles with 11.6-inch display
◆Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. If t here is
improper tire inflation pressur e in the tires, the EV driving range will
become shorter, and fuel consumption when in HV mode will
increase.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on
dry roads can lead t o increased fuel and electricity consumptio n.
◆Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage will lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carry-
ing unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack will also cause
poor fuel economy.
◆Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically,
warming up is not necessary.