601-4. Hybrid system
QWhen accelerating sharply
When the accelerator pedal is
depressed heavily, the power of the
hybrid battery (traction battery) is
added to that of the gasoline engine via
the electric motor (traction motor).
QWhen braking (regenerative brak-
ing)
The wheels operate the electric motor
(traction motor) as a power generator,
and the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) is charged.
QRegenerative braking
In the following situations, kinetic energy is
converted to electric energy and decelera-
tion force can be obtained in conjunction
with the recharging of the hybrid battery
(traction battery).
OThe accelerator pedal is released while
driving with the shift lever in D or S.
OThe brake pedal is depressed while driv-
ing with the shift lever in D or S.
QEV indicator
The EV indicator comes on when the vehi-
cle is driven using on ly the electric motor
(traction motor) or the gasoline engine is
stopped.
QConditions in which the gasoline engine
may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and stops auto-
matically. However, it may not stop auto-
matically in the following conditions
*:
ODuring gasoline engine warm-up
ODuring hybrid battery (traction battery) charging
OWhen the temperature of the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) is high or low
OWhen the heater is switched on
*: Depending on the circumstances, the
gasoline engine may also not stop auto-
matically in other situations.
QCharging the hybrid battery (traction
battery)
As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid
battery (traction battery), the battery does
not need to be charged from an outside
source. However, if the vehicle is left
parked for a long time the hybrid battery
(traction 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). If the hybrid
battery (traction battery) becomes fully dis-
charged and you are unable to start the
hybrid system, contact your Lexus dealer.
QCharging the 12-volt battery
P.393
QAfter the 12-volt battery has discharged
or when the terminal has 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 Lexus dealer.
QSounds and vibratio ns specific to a
hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sound or vibration
even though the vehicle is able to move with
the “READY” indicator is illuminated. For
safety, apply 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 system is operating
and are not a malfunction:
OMotor sounds may be heard from the
engine compartment.
OSounds may be heard from the hybrid
battery (traction battery) under the rear
seats when the hybrid system starts or
stops.
ORelay operating sounds such as a snap or
