2021 TOYOTA PRIUS Owners Manual (in English)

811-3. Emergency assistance
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
1
For safety and security
■Certifications for the Safety Connect

821-3. Emergency assistance
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)

831-3. Emergency assistance
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
1
For safety and security

841-4. Hybrid system
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
Hybrid system features
The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the
actual item.
Gasoline engine
Front electric motor (traction motor)
Rear electric motor (traction motor)
*
*
: AWD models only
Your vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. It has characteristics differ ent
from conventional vehicles. Be sure you are closely familiar wi th
the characteristics of your veh icle, and operate it with care.
The hybrid system combines the use of a gasoline engine and
an electric motor (traction motor) according to driving condi-
tions, improving fuel efficien cy and reducing exhaust emis-
sions.
1
2
3

851-4. Hybrid system
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
1
For safety and security
◆When stopped/during start off
The gasoline engine stops
* when the vehicle is stopped. During
start off, the electric motor (traction motor) drives the vehic le. At
slow speeds or when traveling down a gentle slope, the engine i s
stopped
* and the electric motor (tr action motor) is used.
When shift position is in N, the hybrid battery (traction batte ry) is not
being charged.
*: When the hybrid battery (traction battery) requires charging o r the engine
is warming up, etc., the gasoline engine will not automatically stop.
( P. 86)
◆During normal driving
The gasoline engine is predominantly used. The electric motor
(traction motor) charges the hybr id battery (traction battery) as nec-
essary.
◆When accelerating sharply
When the accelerator pedal is depressed heavily, the power of t he
hybrid battery (traction battery) is added to that of the gasol ine
engine via the electric motor (traction motor).
◆When braking (regenerative braking)
The wheels operate the electric motor (traction motor) as a pow er
generator, and the hybrid battery (traction battery) is charged.
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 22 mph (35 km/h).
Vehicle proximity notification system

861-4. Hybrid system
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
■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 position in D or
B.
● The brake pedal is depressed while driving with the shift posit ion in D or B.
■ Hybrid System 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 (traction battery) charging
● When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high or low
● When the heater is switched on
*: Depending on the circumstances, the gasoline engine may also not stop
automatically in situations other than those above.
■ 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, i f t h e
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. 652
■ 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. Hybrid System Indicator represents the
hybrid system power output and regener-
ative charging. ( P. 129)

871-4. Hybrid system
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
1
For safety and security
■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) 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 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. 89)
■ 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.
■ When “Proximity Notification Syst em Malfunction Visit Your Dealer” is
displayed on the multi-information display
The vehicle proximity notification system may be malfunctioning . Have the
vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
■ Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal
Contact your Toyota dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recyc ling and dis-
posal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.

881-4. Hybrid system
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
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 is a high volt -
age system (about 600 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
Rear inverter (traction motor)
*
Rear electric motor (traction
motor)
*
Hybrid battery (traction battery) High voltage c
ables (orange)
Front electric motor (traction
motor)
Power control unit
Air conditioning compressor*: AWD models only
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9