2021 TOYOTA RAV4 PLUG-IN HYBRID traction control

8
WARNING
■General precautions while driv-
ing
Driving under the influence: Never drive your vehicl e when under the
influence of alcohol or drugs that have
impaired your abili ty to operate your vehicle. Alcohol and certain drugs
delay reaction time , impair judgment
and reduce coordination, which could
lead to an accident that could result in death or serious injury.
Defensive driving: Always drive
defensively. Antici pate mistakes that other drivers or pedestrians might
make and be ready to avoid acci -
dents.
Driver distraction: Always give your
full attention to driving. Anything that
distracts the driver , such as adjusting controls, talking on a cellular phone or
reading can result in a collision with
resulting death or serious injury to you, your occupants or others.
■General precaution regarding children’s safety
Never leave children unattended in
the vehicle, and never allow children to have or use the key.
Children may be able to start the vehi -
cle or shift the vehi cle into neutral. There is also a danger that children
may injure themselves by playing with
the side windows, the panoramic moon roof, or other features of the
vehicle. In addition, heat build-up or
extremely cold temperatures inside the vehicle can be fatal to children.

842-1. Plug-in hybrid system
2-1.Plug-in hybrid system
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)
Plug-in hybrid system features
The plug-in hybrid system is a system excellent in both economi cal
efficiency of electric vehicles and practicality of hybrid vehicles.
 EV driving can be performed using electricity charged from an external
power source.*
 If the amount of electricity remaining in the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) becomes low, the vehicle is automatically controlled in such a
way that it can be driven as a hybrid vehicle through the joint use of the
gasoline engine.
*: The EV driving range will vary i n accordance with conditions such as vehicle
speed, the amount of c harge remaining in the hybrid battery (traction battery)
and the usage of the air conditioning system. The gasoline engi ne may also be
used simultaneously in accordan ce with driving conditions.
System components
A
B
C

882-1. Plug-in hybrid system
be changed even if the AUTO EV/HV
mode switch or EV/HV mode selection switch is pressed. ( In this case, the
warning message is displayed on the
multi-information display when the switch is pressed.)
●When electricity needed for EV driving is not remaining (when in EV mode or
AUTO EV/HV mode)
●When the traction battery is almost
completely charged (hybrid battery
[traction battery] charge mode)
■When switching from EV mode to another mode using the switch
●After switching from EV mode to HV
mode or hybrid battery (traction bat - tery) charge mode and the power
switch is turned off, the system
returns to EV mode the next time the
vehicle is started.*
●After switching from EV mode to
AUTO EV/HV mode and the power switch is turned o ff, the system does
not return to EV mode the next time
the vehicle is started.*
*: If there is not enough charge remain-
ing in the hybrid battery (traction bat -
tery) to allow EV dr iving, the system
switches to HV mode.
■Hybrid battery (tr action battery) charge mode
●The following may occur to protect the system, etc.
• Cannot switch to hybrid battery (trac -
tion battery) char ge mode or cannot cancel it
• Gasoline engine does not start or
stops even after s witching to hybrid battery (traction battery) charge mode
●If a load to the syst em is large, such
as when the power consumption of the air conditioning system is large or
when the temperatur e of the engine
coolant is high, it may take longer time than usual to charge using the hybrid
battery (traction battery) charge
mode, or charging to the hybrid bat - tery (traction battery) may not be per -
formed.
■When in EV mode
In EV mode, EV driving (driving
using only the electric motor)* is
possible. Howeve r, depending on
the situation, EV driving may be
canceled and both gasoline engine
and electric motor are used
( →P.90). Also, if a little electricity is
remaining in the hybrid battery
(traction battery) , HV mode is auto-
matically selected. To drive in EV
mode long, observe the followings.
 Avoid sudden acceleration and
sudden deceleration, and be
sure to drive smoothly.
If you repeatedly accelerate, the
hybrid battery (traction battery)
WARNING
■When using the hybrid battery (traction battery ) charge mode
Observe the following precautions
when using the hybrid battery (trac - tion battery) char ge mode while park-
ing.
Failure to do so may lead to death or
serious health hazard, as the gasoline engine operates when in the hybrid
battery (traction battery) charge
mode.
●Do not stop the vehicle near flam -
mable materials.
●Do not use the hybrid battery (trac -
tion battery) charge mode in a
closed area where ventilation is insufficient, such a s in a garage or
area with snow buildup.
Control when driving in
each mode

89
2
2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Plug-in hybrid system
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 mode will reduce
considerably at high speeds.
*: The EV driving range can be checked
using the multi-information display.
( →P.181)
■When in AUTO EV/HV mode
Only the electric motor is used for
EV driving* during normal driving,
but when the accelerator pedal is
strongly depressed, the gasoline
engine starts. ( →P.90)
Also, when the hybrid battery (trac -
tion battery) level is low, the mode
switches to HV mode automatically
the same as in EV mode.
AUTO EV/HV mode i s suitable for
driving conditions when more
power is required, such as for driv -
ing uphill or accelerating suddenly.
However, because the gasoline
engine will start more easily, it is
recommended to drive in EV mode
usually.
*: The EV driving range can be checked
using the multi-information display.
( →P.181)
■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
vehicle.
 During normal driving, the gaso-
line engine and electric motor
(traction motor) are controlled
effectively, and the vehicle is
driven with optimum fuel effi -
ciency. 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 bat -
tery) requires char ging or the engine
is warming up, etc., the gasoline
engine will not autom atically stop.
( →P.91)
■When braking (regenerative
braking)
The electric motor (traction motor)
charges the hybrid battery (traction
battery).
The EV driving range can be
extended by actively using this
regenerative braking to store elec -
tricity in the hybrid battery (traction
battery).

922-1. Plug-in hybrid system
hybrid battery (traction battery)
from an external power source
before using the vehicle.
Even if charging t he hybrid battery
(traction battery) has not been com-
pleted, the vehicle can be driven. How -
ever, if there is not enough charge
remaining, it is possible that the vehicle
cannot be driven in EV mode or AUTO
EV/HV mode, or the EV driving range
will become shorter.
■Refilling fuel
Plug-in hybrid vehicl es can be driven
using electricity charged from an exter -
nal power source. However, as the gas - oline engine is used depending on the
situation ( →P.90) even if in EV mode or
AUTO EV/HV 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 immedi -
ately when the fuel level becomes low.
( →P.342)
■If the vehicle is not used for a long
time
●The 12-volt battery may discharge. In
this event, charge t he 12-volt battery. ( →P.606)
In order to prevent t he hybrid battery
(traction battery) from becoming
extremely low in c harge, charge the hybrid battery (trac tion battery) 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 sta rt up even after
approximately 10 seconds have
passed since the “READY” indicator came on, the power switch can be
turned to off without any further
action.) When the 12-volt battery is dis -
charged, refer to “If the 12-volt battery
is discharged” ( →P.606) and perform the correction procedure.
●When the vehicle is left with the AC charging cable co nnected, the elec-
tricity consumption amount of the 12-
volt battery increas es due to controls, such as the system checking, operat-
ing. When the AC charging cable is
not needed, immediately remove it from the vehicle.
When driving with the gasoline
engine stopped, a sound, which
changes in accord ance with the
driving speed, wil l be played in
order to warn people nearby of the
vehicle’s approach. The sound will
stop when the vehicle speed
exceeds approximately 25 km/h (15
mph).
■Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System
In the following cases, the Acoustic
Vehicle Alerting System may be difficult for surrounding people to hear.
●In very noisy areas
●In the wind or the rain
Acoustic Vehicle Alerting
System

942-1. Plug-in hybrid system
The illustration is an example fo r explanation and may differ from the actual item.
Caution label
High voltage cables (orange)
Power control unit
DC/DC converter
Rear electric motor (traction motor)
AC charging inlet
Service plug
Onboard traction battery charger
Plug-in hybrid system precautions
Take care when handling the hybr id system, as it contains a high
voltage system (about 650V at maximum) as well as parts that
become extremely hot when the hy brid system is operating. Obey
the caution labels attached to the vehicle.
System components
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H

1002-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Shift the shift lever to D when
stopped at a traffic light, or driving
in heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift
lever 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 canno t be generated.
Also, when using the air condition -
ing system, etc., the hybrid battery
(traction battery) power is con -
sumed.
 Drive your vehicle smoothly.
Avoid abrupt acceleration and
deceleration. Gradual accelera -
tion and deceler ation will make
more effective use of the electric
motor (traction motor) without
having to use gasoline engine
power.
 Avoid repeated acceleration.
Repeated acceleration con -
sumes hybrid battery (traction
battery) power, resulting in poor
fuel consumption. Battery power
can be restored by driving with
the accelerator pedal slightly
released.
Make sure to operate the brakes
gently and a ti mely manner. A
greater amount of electrical energy
can be regenerated when slowing
down.
Repeated acceler ation and decel-
eration, as well as long waits at traf -
fic lights, will lead to high fuel and
electricity consumption. Check traf -
fic 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 accel -
erator pedal. Doing so can help
control excessive electricity and
fuel consumption.
 Control and maintain the vehicle
at a constant speed. Before stop -
ping 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 regener -
ated when slowing down.
 Electricity consumption will
increase significantly when driv -
ing at high speeds in EV mode or
AUTO EV/HV mode. If there will
be a long distance to the next
external charging point after
leaving a freewa y, it is recom-
mended to drive in HV mode
while on the freeway and change
Shift lever operation
Accelerator pedal/brake
pedal operation
When braking
Delays
Highway driving

129
2
2-2. Charging
Plug-in hybrid system
■Hybrid battery (traction bat -
tery) warming control (Green -
land only)
This control operates after the AC
charging cable remains connected
to the vehicle for 3 days and “Bat -
tery Heater” autom atically stops. It
automatically insulates the hybrid
battery (traction battery) in
extremely low temperatures.
 This control stops 31 days after
the AC charging cable is con -
nected, even if it is still con -
nected to the vehicle.
 When this control operates,
charging schedule settings are
ignored and charging starts.
■“Battery Cooler”
When the hybrid battery (traction
battery) is hot and the AC charging
cable is connected to the vehicle,
this function cools the hybrid bat -
tery (traction battery) before
charging is carried out.
“Battery Cooler” will operate when
the “Battery Cooler” of the
“Charging Settings” on the multi-
information di splay is on. (→P.187)
■Traction battery heating and cool-
ing system (“Battery Heater” and “Battery Cooler”)
●The system operates when the hybrid battery (traction battery) is below or
above a certain temperature.
●The system may operate when
charging is not being performed.
●When the charging schedule is used
( →P.144), this function will operate
according to the charging schedule.
■“Battery Heater”
●When “Battery Heat er” is operating,
the charging indi cator illuminates.
●When the AC charging cable is
removed from the v ehicle or remains
connected to the ve hicle for approxi- mately 3 days, t he system automati-
cally stops.
●When “Battery Heat er” is operating
during charging, the charging time
may be longer than normal.
●If the outside temperature becomes
high while “Batter y Heater” is operat- ing, charging may complete earlier
than the “Departure” time set.
( →P.144)
●When the traction battery is almost
completely charged , “Battery Cooler” may not be implemented.
●When the following operations are performed while “Battery Heater” is
operating, the hybrid battery (traction
battery) heating operation stops. • The shift lever is changed to any posi-
tion other than P
• The Remote Air Conditioning System is operated ( →P.460)
●“Battery Heater” may operate even when the hybrid battery (traction bat -
tery) is fully charged depending on the
temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery).
• The remaining charge of the hybrid
battery (traction battery) decreases when “Battery Heater” operates. The
charging operation may start again to
charge the hybrid battery (traction bat - tery).
• “Charging Stopped Due to Pulled
Charging Connector” may be shown
when the charging connector is removed while recharging. ( →P.160)
■“Battery Cooler”
●The charging indicator is illuminated while “Battery Cooler” is on standby or
operating.
●“Battery Cooler” is i mplemented for a