
1022-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47D72E_(EE)
■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 accor-
dance with the driving 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 generator
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 automatically
stop. (P. 105)
■
When braking (regenerative braking)
The electric motor (traction motor) charges the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery).
The EV driving range can be extended 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.

1042-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47D72E_(EE)
■After EV mode has switched to HV mode 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. 401)
■Gasoline engine operation in EV mode
Even if there is a sufficient amount of electricity remaining in the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) and EV driving range (P. 225, 241, 248, 265) 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 situation (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 135 km/h (84 mph).
●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 -10C (14F).
●When the windshield defogger switch is pressed. (P. 577)
●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.

1092-1. Plug-in hybrid system
2
Plug-in hybrid system
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47D72E_(EE)
There are air intake vents on both
sides of the rear seatback for the
purpose of cooling the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery). If the vents
are blocked, charging/discharg-
ing of the hybrid battery (traction
battery) may become limited.
When a certain level of impact is detected by the impact sensor, the
emergency shut off system blocks off the high voltage current and
stops the fuel pump to minimize the risk of electrocution and fuel leak-
age. If the emergency shut off system activates, your vehicle will not
restart. To restart the hybrid system, contact any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
A message is automatically displayed 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.
Hybrid battery (traction battery) air vents
Emergency shut off system
Hybrid warning message

1102-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47D72E_(EE)
■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 that case, try to start the system again. If
the “READY” indicator does not come on, contact any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
■Running out of fuel
When the vehicle has run out of fuel and the hybrid system cannot be started,
refuel the vehicle with at least enough gasoline to make the low fuel level
warning light (P. 717) 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
7.5 L [2.0 gal., 1.7 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 the vehicle is
inclined.)
■Electromagnetic waves
●High voltage parts and cables on the hybrid vehicles incorporate electro-
magnetic shielding, and therefore emit approximately the same amount of
electromagnetic waves as conventional gasoline powered vehicles or home
electronic appliances.
●Your vehicle may cause sound interference in some third party-produced
radio parts.
■Effect of magnetic forces
If objects that generate strong magnetic forces, such as large speakers, are
placed inside the luggage compartment or installed nearby, the generated
magnetic forces may negatively affect the hybrid system.
■Hybrid battery (traction battery) (lithium-ion battery)
The hybrid battery (traction battery) has a limited service life.
The hybrid battery (traction battery) capacity (the ability to hold a charge)
reduces with time and use in the same way as other rechargeable batteries.
The extent at which capacity reduces changes drastically depending on the
environment (ambient temperature, etc.) and usage conditions, such as how
the vehicle is driven and how the hybrid battery (traction battery) is charged.
This is a natural characteristic of lithium-ion batteries, and is not a malfunc-
tion. Also, even though the distance that can be driven in EV mode decreases
when the hybrid battery (traction battery) capacity reduces, vehicle perfor-
mance does not significantly become worse.
In order to reduce the possibility of the capacity reducing, follow the directions
listed on P. 162, “Capacity reduction of the hybrid battery (traction battery)”.
■Starting the hybrid system in an extremely cold environment
When the hybrid battery (traction battery) is extremely cold (below approxi-
mately -30C [-22F]) under the influence of the outside temperature, 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 increases due to the
outside temperature increase etc.

1122-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47D72E_(EE)
WARNING
■Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of death or serious
injury:
● Pull your vehicle off the road, apply the parking brake, shift the shift posi-
tion 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, an electric
shock may occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
● Do not touch the battery if liquid is leaking from or adhering to it.
If electrolyte (carbonic-based organic el ectrolyte) from the hybrid battery
(traction battery) comes into contact with the eyes or skin, it could cause
blindness or skin wounds. In the unlikely event that it comes into contact
with the eyes or skin, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water,
and seek immediate medical attention.
● If electrolyte is leaking from the hybrid battery (traction battery), do not
approach the vehicle.
Even in the unlikely event that the hybrid battery (traction battery) is dam-
aged, the internal construction of the battery will prevent a large 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 eyes and could
cause acute poisoning if inhaled.
● Do not bring burning or high-temperature items close to the electrolyte.
The electrolyte may ignite and cause a fire.
● 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. This may
cause a fire. ( P. 707)
● 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.

1142-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47D72E_(EE)
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. If the vents are blocked, the charging/dis-
charging of the hybrid battery (traction battery) may become limited.
● 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 any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
● 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. 623.
■ 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 20 L (5.3 gal., 4.4 Imp.gal.) of fuel every 12 months (refuel
a total of at least 20 L [5.3 gal., 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.

115
2
2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Plug-in hybrid system
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47D72E_(EE)
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. 98)
◆Using EV City mode
When using EV City mode, the motor output is limited and the oper-
ation of the gasoline engine can be minimized. Therefore, the vehi-
cle can be driven with only electric motor (traction motor) in city
areas, etc. (P. 98)
◆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 (heating/cooling) will be minimized, improving
fuel and electricity economy. (P. 468)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System Indi-
cator within Eco area. (P. 236)
◆Shift position operation
Shift the shift position to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving
in heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift 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 conditioning system, etc., the hybrid
battery (traction battery) power is consumed.
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:

1162-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Prius Plug-in Hybrid_OM_OM47D72E_(EE)
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
●Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and
deceleration. Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make
more effective use of the electric motor (traction motor) without
having to use gasoline engine power.
●Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes
hybrid battery (traction 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 at
traffic lights, will lead to high fuel and electricity consumption.
Check traffic reports before leaving and avoid delays as much as
possible. When driving in a traffic jam, gently release the brake
pedal to allow the vehicle to move 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 release
the accelerator and gently apply the brakes. A greater amount of
electrical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.
●Electricity consumption will increase significantly when driving 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 recom-
mended to drive in HV mode while on the freeway and change to
EV mode after leaving the freeway.