862-1. Plug-in hybrid system
engine and electric motor. (P.89)
• If electricity needed for EV driv-
ing in EV mode or AUTO EV/HV
mode is not remaining, the oper-
ation mode will be automatically
switched to HV mode.
• The operation mode can be
switched to HV mode at any tim-
ing by operating the switch to
keep electricity for EV driving
etc.
* (P.86). Switching to HV
mode when driving on a highway
or when driving uphill is recom-
mended in order to conserve bat-
tery power.
When in HV mode, the HV drive mode
indicator illuminates.
*: The EV driving range may reduce
even after switching to HV mode.
QHybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) charge mode (P.87)
Electricity generated in the gasoline
engine can be charged in the hybrid
battery (traction battery) by switch-
ing to the hybrid battery (traction
battery) charge mode when elec-
tricity needed for EV driving is not
remaining.
*
• The system may not be able to switch to the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) charge mode due to
the state of the plug-in hybrid
system. (P.88)
• Charging time differs depending
on the driving state of the vehicle
when driving in hybrid battery
(traction battery) charge mode.
When in the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) charge mode, the hybrid battery
charge mode indicator illuminates.
*: When in the hybrid battery (traction
battery) charge mode, the hybrid bat-
tery can be charged while driving.
However, the gasoline engine runs to
charge the battery and fuel consump-
tion becomes higher compared with
driving in HV mode.
The plug-in hybrid system opera-
tion modes can be switched using
the switches.
QSwitching the plug-in hybrid
system operation modes
Press the AUTO EV/HV mode
switch or EV/HV mode selection
switch to change modes as the fol-
lowing table shows.
When in EV mode, the EV drive mode
indicator illuminates.
When in AUTO EV/HV mode, the
AUTO EV/HV mode indicator illumi-
nates.
When in HV mode, the HV drive mode
indicator illuminates.
Switching the plug-in hybrid
system operation modes
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.179)
QWhen 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 is 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.179)
QWhen in HV mode
The vehicle can be used in the
same way as a standard Plug in
Hybrid Electric 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 charging or the engine
is warming up, etc., the gasoline
engine will not automatically stop.
(P.91)
QWhen 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).