Page 81 of 592

811-4. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
■Regenerative braking
In the following situations, kinetic energy is converted to electric energy and
deceleration force can be obtained in conjunction with the rech arging of the
hybrid battery (traction battery).
● The accelerator pedal is released while driving with the shift lever in D or S.
● The brake pedal is depressed while driving with the shift lever in D or S.
■ EV indicator
■ 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 (tr action battery) charging
● When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) i s high or low
● When the heater is switched on
■ Charging the hybrid batt ery (traction battery)
As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid battery (traction bat tery), the bat-
tery does not need to be charged from an outside source. Howeve r, if the
vehicle is left parked for a long time the hybrid battery (trac tion battery) will
slowly discharge. 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). I f the hybrid
battery (traction battery) becomes fully discharged and you are unable to start
the hybrid system, contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Charging the 12-volt battery
P. 510
■ After the 12-volt battery has discharged or when the terminal h as been
removed and installed during exchange, etc.
The gasoline engine may not stop even if the vehicle is being driven by the
hybrid battery (traction battery). If this continues for a few days, contact your
Toyota dealer. The EV indicator comes on when the
vehicle is driven using only the electric
motor (traction motor) or the gasoline
engine is stopped.
Page 82 of 592

821-4. Hybrid system
■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 lever to P when parked.
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) under the
rear seats 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), under the rear seats, when the hybrid sys-
tem is started or stopped.
● Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the trunk lid 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. 84)
■ 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.
■ Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal
Contact your Toyota dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recyc ling and dis-
posal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.
■ Customization
Some functions can be customized. ( P. 547)
Page 83 of 592
831-4. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the
actual item.
Hybrid system precautions
Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it is a high volt -
age system (about 650 V at maximum) as well as contains parts
that become extremely hot when the hybrid system is operating.
Obey the warning labels attached to the vehicle.
Warning label
Service plug
Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery)
High voltage cables (orange) Electric motor (traction motor)
Power control unit
Air conditioning compressor1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Page 84 of 592

841-4. Hybrid system
There is an air intake vent under
the right side of the rear seat for
the purpose of cooling the hybrid
battery (traction battery). If the
vent becomes blocked, the hybrid
battery (traction battery) may
overheat, leading to a reduction in
the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) output.
When a certain level of impact is detected by the impact sensor , the
emergency shut off system blocks the high voltage current and stops
the fuel pump to minimize the ri sk of electrocution and fuel leakage. If
the emergency shut off system activates, your vehicle will not restart.
To restart the hybrid system , contact your Toyota dealer.
A message is automatically displ ayed when a malfunction occurs in
the hybrid system or an improper operation is attempted.
If a warning message is shown on
the multi-information display, read
the message and follow the
instructions. ( P. 485)
Hybrid battery (traction battery) air intake vent
Emergency shut off system
Hybrid warning message
Page 85 of 592

851-4. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
■If a warning light comes on, a warning message is displayed, or the 12-
volt battery is disconnected
The hybrid system may not start. In this case, try to start the system again. If
the “READY” indicator does not come on, contact your Toyota dea ler.
■ Running out of fuel
When the vehicle has run out of fuel and the hybrid system cann ot be started,
refuel the vehicle with at least enough gasoline to make the lo w fuel level
warning light ( P. 478) go off. If there is only a small amount of fuel, the
hybrid system may not be able to start. (The standard amount of fuel is about
2.3 gal. [8.8 L, 1.9 Imp. gal.] when the vehicle is on a level surface. This value
may vary when the vehicle is on a slope. Add extra fuel when th e vehicle is
inclined.)
■ Electromagnetic waves
●High voltage parts and cables on hybrid vehicles incorporate el ectromag-
netic shielding, and therefore emit approximately the same amou nt of elec-
tromagnetic waves as conventional gasoline powered vehicles or home
electronic appliances.
● Your vehicle may cause sound interference in some third party-p roduced
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.
■ Starting the hybrid system in an e xtremely cold environment (AXVH70
model
*)
When the hybrid battery (traction battery) is extremely cold (b elow approxi-
mately -22°F [-30°C]) under the influence of the outside temper ature, it may
not be possible to start the hybrid system. In this case, try to start the hybrid
system again after the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery)
increases due to the outside temperature increase etc.
*: The model code is indicated on the Certification Label. ( P. 523)
Page 86 of 592
861-4. Hybrid system
WARNING
■High voltage precautions
This vehicle has high voltage DC and AC systems as well as a 12 -volt sys-
tem. DC and AC high voltage is very dangerous and can cause sev ere
burns and electric shock that may result in death or serious in jury.
● Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage pa rts,
cables or their connectors.
● The hybrid system will become hot after starting as the system uses high
voltage. Be careful of both the high voltage and the high tempe rature, and
always obey the warning labels attached to the vehicle.
● Do not touch the service plug located
under the right side of the rear seat. The
service plug is used only when the vehi-
cle is serviced and is subject to high
voltage.
Page 87 of 592

871-4. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
WARNING
■Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of death o r serious
injury:
● Pull your vehicle off the road, apply the parking brake, shift the shift lever
to P, and turn the hybrid system off.
● Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables and connectors.
● If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, a n electric
shock may occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
● 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 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. Th is may
cause a fire. ( P. 471)
● 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.
● If electrolyte is leaking from the hybrid battery (traction bat tery), do not
approach the vehicle.
Even in the unlikely event that the hybrid battery (traction ba ttery) is dam-
aged, the internal construction of the battery will prevent a l arge amount
of electrolyte from leaking out. However, any electrolyte that does leak out
will give off a vapor. This vapor is an irritant to skin and ey es and could
cause acute poisoning if inhaled.
AXVH70 model*
● Do not touch the hybrid battery (traction battery) if liquid is leaking from or
adhering to it. If electrolyte (carbonic-based organic electrol yte) from the
hybrid battery (traction battery) comes into contact with the e yes or skin, it
could cause blindness or skin wounds. In the unlikely event tha t it comes
into contact with the eyes or skin, wash it off immediately with a large
amount of water, and seek immediate medical attention.
● Do not bring burning or high-tem perature items close to the electrolyte.
The electrolyte may ignite and cause a fire.
*: The model code is indicated on the Certification Label. ( P. 523)
AXVH71 models*
●If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch the fluid as it may be str ong alkaline
electrolyte from the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it c omes into contact
with your skin or eyes, wash it off immediately with a large am ount of water
or, if possible, boric acid solution. Seek immediate medical attention.
*: The model code is indicated on the Certification Label. ( P. 523)
Page 88 of 592

881-4. Hybrid system
WARNING
■Hybrid battery (traction battery)
● AXVH70 model
*: Your vehicle contains a sealed lithium-ion battery.
● Never resell, hand over or modify the hybrid battery. To preven t accidents,
hybrid batteries that have been removed from a disposed vehicle are col-
lected through Toyota dealer. Do not dispose of the battery yourself.
Unless the battery is properly collected, the following may occ ur, resulting
in death or serious injury:
• The hybrid battery may be illegally disposed of or dumped, and it is haz-
ardous to the environment or someone may touch a high voltage p art,
resulting in an electric shock.
• The hybrid battery is intended to be used exclusively with you r hybrid
vehicle. If the hybrid battery is used outside of your vehicle or modified
in any way, accidents such as electric shock, heat generation, smoke
generation, an explosion and electrolyte leakage may occur.
When reselling or handing over your vehicle, the possibility of an accident
is extremely high because the person receiving the vehicle may not be
aware of these dangers.
● If your vehicle is disposed of without the hybrid battery havin g been
removed, there is a danger of serious electric shock if high vo ltage parts,
cables and their connectors are touched. In the event that your vehicle
must be disposed of, the hybrid battery must be disposed of by your
Toyota dealer or a qualified service shop. If the hybrid batter y is not dis-
posed of properly, it may cause electric shock that can result in death or
serious injury.
*: The model code is indicated on the Certification Label. ( P. 523)