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 cannot 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 deceleration 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 timely manner. A greater amount of electrical energy
can be regenerated when slowing
down.
Repeated acceleration 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 freeway, 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
101
2 2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Plug-in hybrid system
to EV mode or AUTO EV/HV
mode after leaving the freeway.
(P.86)
Turn the “A/C” switch off when it
is not needed. Doing so can help
reduce excessive electricity and
fuel consumption.
In summer: When the ambient tem-
perature is high, use the recirculated air
mode. Doing so will help to reduce the
burden on the air conditioning system
and reduce electricity and fuel con-
sumption as well.
In winter: Avoid excessive and unnec-
essary use of the heater. Usage of the
heated steering wheel (if equipped)
(P.416) and seat heaters (P.417)
are effective.
Using the Remote Air Condition-
ing System (P.414) while the
AC charging cable is connected
to the vehicle can reduce elec-
tricity consumption immediately
after starting off by operating air
conditioning mainly using elec-
tricity from an external power
source.
When setting the charging
schedule, setting the charging
mode to “Departure” and “Cli-
mate Prep” to on can reduce
electricity consumption immedi-
ately after starting off by operat-
ing air conditioning before
charging is completed. (P.143)Make sure to check the tire inflation
pressure frequently. If there is
improper tire inflation pressure in
the tires, the EV driving range will
become shorter, and fuel consump-
tion when in HV mode will increase.
Also, as snow tires can cause large
amounts of friction, their use on dry
roads can lead to increased fuel
and electricity consumption.
Carrying heavy luggage will lead to
poor fuel economy. Avoid carrying
unnecessary luggage. Installing a
large roof rack will also cause poor
fuel economy.
Since the gasoline engine starts up
and cuts out automatically, warm-
ing up is not necessary.
Air conditioning
Checking tire inflation pres-
sure
Luggage
Warming up before driving