2021 LEXUS ES300h battery

1454-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
4-2.Driving procedures
1Press the parking brake switch to
check that the parking brake is set.
(P.157)
Parking brake indicator will come on.
2 Check that the shift lever is in P.
3 Firmly depress the brake pedal.
and a message will be displayed on
the multi-information display.
If it is not displayed, the hybrid system can-
not be started.
4 Press the power switch shortly and
firmly.
When operating the power switch, one
short, firm press is enough. It is not neces-
sary to press and hold the switch.
If the “READY” indicator turns on, the
hybrid system will operate normally.
Continue depressing the brake pedal until
the “READY” indicator is illuminated.
The hybrid system can be started from any
power switch mode.
5Check that the “READY” indicator
is illuminated.
The vehicle will not move when the
“READY” indicator is off.
■Power switch illumination
According to the situation, the power
switch illumination operates as follows.
●When a door is opened, or the power
switch mode is changed from ACCES-
SORY or ON mode to off, the power
switch illumination slowly blinks.
●When depressing the brake pedal with
carrying the electronic key on your per-
son, the power switch illumination rapidly
blinks.
●When the power switch is in ACCES-
SORY or ON mode, the power switch
illumination illuminates.
■If the hybrid system does not start
●The immobilizer system may not have
been deactivated. ( P.69)
Contact your Lexus dealer.
●If a message related to start-up is shown
on the multi-information display, read the
message and follow the instructions.
●If the door is unlock ed with the mechani-
cal key, the hybrid system cannot be
started using the sm art access system
with push-button start. Refer to P.390 to
start the hybrid system. However, if the
electronic key is carried inside the vehi-
cle and the doors are locked ( P.103),
the hybrid system can be started.
■When the ambient temperature is low,
such as during winter driving conditions
(for vehicles sold in except Canada)
●When starting the hybrid system, the
flashing time of the “READY” indicator
may be long. Leave the vehicle as it is
until the “READY” indicator is steady on,
as steady means the vehicle is able to
move.
●When the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) is extremely cold (below approxi-
mately -22°F [-30°C]) under the
influence of the outside temperature, it
may not be possible to start the hybrid
Power (ignition) switch
Performing the following opera-
tions when carryin g the electronic
key on your person starts the hybrid
system or changes power switch
modes.
Starting the hybrid system

1464-2. Driving procedures
system. In this case, try to start the hybrid
system again after the temperature of the
hybrid battery increases due to the out-
side temperature increase etc.
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a
hybrid vehicle
 P.62
■If the 12-volt battery is discharged
The hybrid system cannot be started using
the smart access system with push-button
start. Refer to P.391 to restart the hybrid
system.
■Electronic key battery depletion
 P.98
■Conditions affe cting operation
 P.114
■Notes for the entry function
 P.114
■Steering lock function
●After turning the power switch off and
opening and closing the doors, the steer-
ing wheel will be lock ed due to the steer-
ing lock function. Operating the power
switch again automatically cancels the
steering lock.
●When the steering lock cannot be
released, “Push Power Switch while
Turning Steering Whee l in Either Direc-
tion” will be displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display.
Check that the shift leve r is set in P. Press
the power switch shortly and firmly while
turning the steering wheel left and right.
●To prevent the steering lock motor from
overheating, the motor may be sus-
pended if the hybrid system is turned on
and off repeatedly in a short period of
time. In this case, refrain from operating
the power switch. After about 10 sec- onds, the steering lock
motor will resume
functioning.
■If there is a malfunction in the smart
access system with push-button start
If “Access System with Elec. Key Malfunc-
tion See Owner’s Manu al” is displayed on
the multi-information display, the system
may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer immedi-
ately.
■If the “READY” indicator does not
come on
In the event that the “READY” indicator
does not come on even after performing
the proper procedures for starting the vehi-
cle, contact your Lexus dealer immediately.
■If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
 P.67
■Electronic key battery
 P.347
■Operation of the power switch
●If the switch is no t pressed shortly and
firmly, the power switch mode may not
change or the hybrid system may not
start.
●If attempting to restart the hybrid system
immediately after turning the power
switch off, the hybrid system may not start
in some cases. After turning the power
switch off, please wait a few seconds
before restarting the hybrid system.
■Customization
If the smart access system with push-button
start has been deactivated in a customized
setting, refer to P.420.
WARNING
■When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sit-
ting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress
the accelerator pedal while starting the
hybrid system under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident result-
ing in death or serious injury.

1494-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
*: If the shift lever is in a position other than P when turning off the hybrid system, the
power switch will be turned to ACCES-
SORY mode, not to off.
■Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode
for more than 20 minutes or ON mode (the
hybrid system is not operating) for more
than an hour with the shift lever in P, the
power switch will automatically turn off.
However, this function cannot entirely pre-
vent the 12-volt battery discharge. Do not
leave the vehicle with the power switch in
ACCESSORY or ON mode for long peri-
ods of time when the hybrid system is not
operating.
If the hybrid system is stopped with the
shift lever in a position other than P, the
power switch will not be turned off but
instead be turned to ACCESSORY
mode. Perform the following proce-
dure to turn the switch off:
1 If the parking brake is in manual
mode, set the parking brake.
(P.157)
2 Shift the shift lever to P.
3 Check that “Turn Power Off” is dis-
played on the multi-information dis-
play and then press the power
switch once.
4 Check that “Turn Power Off” on
the multi-information display is off.
When stopping the hybrid sys-
tem with the shift lever in a posi-
tion other than P
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
●Do not leave the power switch in
ACCESSORY or ON mode for long
periods of time without the hybrid sys-
tem on.
●If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION
ON” is displayed on the meter, the
power switch is not off. Exit the vehicle
after turning the power switch off.
●Do not stop the hybrid system when
the shift lever is in a position other than
P. If the hybrid system is stopped in
another shift lever position, the power
switch will not be turned off but instead
be turned to ACCESSORY mode. If
the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY
mode, 12-volt battery discharge may
occur.

1504-2. Driving procedures
Turns EV drive mode on/off
When EV drive mode is turned on, the EV
drive mode indicator will come on. Press-
ing the switch when in EV drive mode will
return the vehicle to normal driving (using
the gasoline engine and electric motor
[traction motor]).
■Situations in which EV drive mode can-
not be turned on
It may not be possible to turn EV drive
mode on in the following situations. If it can-
not be turned on, a buzzer will sound and a
message will be shown on the multi-infor- mation 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 32°F (0°C) for a long
period of time etc.
●The gasoline engine is warming up.
●The hybrid battery (traction battery) is
low.
The remaining battery level indicated in
the energy monitor display is low.
(
 P.90)
●Vehicle speed is high.
●The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly
or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
●The windshield defogger is in use.
■Switching to EV drive mode when the
gasoline engine is cold
If the hybrid system is started while the gas-
oline 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 illuminated, press
the EV drive mode switch before the gaso-
line engine starts to switch to EV drive
mode.
■Automatic cancelation of EV drive
mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the gaso-
line 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.
EV drive mode
In EV drive mode, electric power is
supplied by the hybrid battery
(traction battery), and only the
electric motor (traction motor) is
used to drive the vehicle.
This mode allows you to drive in res-
idential areas early in the morning
and late at night, or in indoor park-
ing lots etc. without concern for
noises and gas emissions.
However, when the acoustic vehi-
cle alerting system is active, the
vehicle may produce sound.
Operating instructions

1514-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
●The hybrid battery (traction battery)
becomes low.
The remaining battery level indicated in
the energy monitor display is low.
( P.90)
●Vehicle speed is high.
●The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly
or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
When it is possible to inform the driver of
automatic cancelation in advance, a prior
notice screen will appear on the multi-infor-
mation display.
■Possible driving distance when driving
in EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving distance
ranges from a few hundred meters to
approximately 0.6 mile (1 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 nor-
mal driving (using the gasoline engine and
electric motor [traction motor]). Driving in
EV drive mode more than necessary may
lower fuel economy.
■If “EV Mode Unavailable” is shown on
the multi-inform ation display
The EV drive mode is not available. The
reason the EV drive mode is not available
(the vehicle is idling, battery charge is low,
vehicle speed is higher than the EV drive
mode operating speed range or accelera-
tor pedal is depressed too much) may be
displayed. Use the EV drive mode when it
becomes available.
■If “EV Mode Deactivated” is shown on
the multi-inform ation display
The EV drive mode has been automatically
canceled. The reason the EV drive mode is
not available (the battery charge is low,
vehicle speed is higher than the EV drive
mode operating speed range or accelera-
tor pedal is depressed too much) may be
displayed. Drive the vehicle for a while before attempting to turn on the EV drive
mode again.
WARNING
■Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode, pay spe-
cial attention to the area around the vehi-
cle. Because there is no engine noise,
pedestrians, people riding bicycles or
other people and vehicles in the area
may not be aware of the vehicle starting
off or approaching them, so take extra
care while driving. Therefore, take extra
care while driving even if the acoustic
vehicle alerting system is active.

1524-2. Driving procedures
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise, set the shift lever in D for normal
driving. You can choose shift range
suitable for your driving situation by
operating the paddle shift switches.
*2: By selecting shift ranges using S mode,
you can control accelerating force and
engine braking forces.
■When driving with dynamic radar cruise
control with full-speed range activated
Even when performing the following
actions with the intent of enabling engine
braking, engine braking will not activate
because dynamic radar cruise control with
full speed range will not be canceled.
●While driving in the D position or S mode,
downshifting to 5 or 4. ( P.198)
●When switching the driving mode to
sport mode while driving in the D posi-
tion. ( P.213)
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start
Control)
 P.137
■AI-SHIFT
The AI-SHIFT automatica lly selects the suit-
able gear according to driver performance
and driving conditions.
The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when
the shift lever is in D. (Shifting the shift lever
to S cancels the function.)
Hybrid transmission
Select the shift position depending
on your purpose and situation.
Shift position purpose and func-
tions
Shift posi-
tionObjective or function
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving*2 ( P.155)
WARNING
■When driving on slippery road sur-
faces
Do not accelerate or shift gears sud-
denly.
Sudden changes in engine braking may
cause the vehicle to sp in or skid, resulting
in an accident.
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (t raction battery)
charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery
(traction battery) will not be charged
even when the engine is running. There-
fore, if the vehicle is left with the shift
lever in N for a certain period of time, the
hybrid battery (traction battery) will dis-
charge, and this may re sult in the vehicle
not being able to start.

1624-3. Operating the lights and wipers
■Automatic light off system
●When the headlights come on: The head-
lights and tail lights turn off 30 seconds
after the driver’s door is opened and
closed if the power switch is turned to
ACCESSORY mode or turned off. (The
lights turn off immediately if on
the key is pressed after all the doors are
locked.)
●When only the tail lights come on: The tail
lights turn off automatically if the power
switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode
or turned off and the driver’s door is
opened.
For the U.S.A.: To turn the lights on again,
turn the power switch to ON mode, or turn
the light switch off once and then back to
or .
For Canada: To turn the lights on again, turn
the power switch to ON mode, or turn the
light switch to position once and then
back to or .
■Light reminder buzzer
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.
■Automatic headlight leveling system (if
equipped)
The level of the headlights is automatically
adjusted according to the number of pas-
sengers and the loading condition of the
vehicle to ensure that the headlights do not
interfere with other road users.
■Windshield wiper linked headlight illu-
mination
When driving during daytime with the
headlight switch turned to , if the wind-
shield wipers are used, the headlights will
turn on automatically after several seconds
to help enhance the visibility of your vehicle.
■12-volt battery-saving function
In order to prevent the 12-volt battery of the
vehicle from discharging, if the headlights
and/or tail lights are on when the power
switch is turned off the 12-volt battery sav-
ing function will operate and automatically
turn off all the lights after approximately 20
minutes.
When the power switch is turned to ON
mode, the 12-volt battery-saving function
will be disabled.
When any of the following are performed,
the 12-volt battery-saving function is can-
celed once and then reactivated. All the
lights will turn off automatically 20 minutes
after the 12-volt battery-saving function has
been reactivated:
●When the headlight switch is operated
●When a door is opened or closed
■Welcome light illumination control
The parking lights, tail lights and license
plate lights automatically turn on at night
when the doors are unlocked using the
entry function or wireless remote control if
the light switch is in the position.
■Customization
Settings (e.g. light sensor sensitivity) can be
changed.
(Customizable features: P.420)
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than
necessary when the hybrid system is not
operating.

1834-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
Each function is operational at the following speed
●Pre-collision warning
●Pre-collision brake assist
●Pre-collision braking
The system may not operate in the following situations:
●If a 12-volt battery terminal has been disco nnected and reconnected and then the vehicle
has not been driven for a certain amount of time
●If the shift lever is in R
●When the VSC OFF indicator is illuminated (only the pre-collision warning function will
be operational)
■Object detection function
The system detects ob jects based on their
size, profile, motion, etc. However, an
object may not be detected depending on
the surrounding brightness and the motion,
posture, and angle of the detected object,
preventing the system from operating
properly. ( P.185) The illustration shows
an image of dete ctable objects.
■Cancelation of the pre-collision braking
If either of the following occur while the
Detectable objectsVehicle speedRelative speed between your vehicle and object
VehiclesApprox. 7 to 110 mph (10 to 180 km/h)Approx. 7 to 110 mph (10 to 180 km/h)
Bicyclists and pedestriansApprox. 7 to 50 mph (10 to 80 km/h)Approx. 7 to 50 mph (10 to 80 km/h)
Detectable objectsVehicle speedRelative speed between your vehicle and object
VehiclesApprox. 20 to 110 mph (30 to 180 km/h)Approx. 20 to 110 mph (30 to 180 km/h)
Bicyclists and pedestriansApprox. 20 to 50 mph (30 to 80 km/h)Approx. 20 to 50 mph (30 to 80 km/h)
Detectable objectsVehicle speedRelative speed between your vehicle and object
VehiclesApprox. 7 to 110 mph (10 to 180 km/h)Approx. 7 to 110 mph (10 to 180 km/h)
Bicyclists and pedestriansApprox. 7 to 50 mph (10 to 80 km/h)Approx. 7 to 50 mph (10 to 80 km/h)