
742-1. Electric vehicle system
Owners Manual_USA_M42C01_en
■Charging the traction battery
Be sure to maintain the traction bat-
tery charge level suitable for your 
driving needs.
If the traction battery fully dis-
charges, the vehicle cannot be 
driven at all. When the battery 
becomes low, charge it as soon as 
possible.
■If the traction battery becomes 
low
●If the traction battery becomes 
low, the traction battery charge 
warning light comes on or flashes 
and a message will be displayed 
on the multi-information display. 
(  P.515)
●If the traction batte ry is completely 
discharged, the EV system cannot 
be started and dri ving will not be 
possible. When the traction bat-
tery becomes low, charge it as 
soon as possible.
■Sounds and vibrations specific 
to an battery electric vehicle
Because there is  no engine sound 
or vibration, it is easy to mistake the 
battery electric vehi cle for being off 
when it is actually still running, as 
indicated by the “READY” indicator 
being illuminated. F or safety, make 
sure to always shift the shift position 
to P and apply the parking brake 
when parked.
Before and after the EV system is 
started, the following sounds and 
vibrations may occur. However, 
these sounds and/o r vibrations are 
not signs of malfunctions:
●The brake system operation 
sound may be heard from the 
front of the vehicle when the 
driver’s door is opened.
●Motor sounds may be heard from 
the motor compartment or lug-
gage compartment.
●Electrical relay sounds may be 
heard from the motor compart-
ment when the EV system starts  or stops.
●Relay operating sounds such as a 
snap or soft clank will be emitted 
from the traction b
attery in the fol-
lowing situations:
• When the EV system is started or  stopped
• When charging starts or com-
pletes
• When the vehicle is driven the first  time after the traction battery has 
been charged using DC charging
●Sounds may be heard due to 
regenerative braking when the 
brake pedal is depressed or as 
the accelerator pedal is released.
●Cooling fan operating sounds 
from the radiator.
●The operation sound of the air 
conditioning system  (air condition-
ing compressor, blower motor).
■Maintenance, repair, recycling, 
and disposal
Contact your Toyota dealer regard-
ing maintenance, repair, recycling 
and disposal. Do n ot dispose of the 
vehicle yourself.
A sound which changes in 
accordance with the driving 
speed, will be played in order to 
warn people nearby of the vehi-
cle’s approach. This sound may 
be heard inside the vehicle. The 
sound will stop when the vehicle 
speed exceeds approximately 
23 mph (37 km/h).
■Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Sys-
tem
In the following cases, the Acoustic 
Vehicle Alerting System may be dif-
ficult for surrounding people to hear.
Acoustic Vehicle Alerting 
System 

762-1. Electric vehicle system
Owners Manual_USA_M42C01_enThe illustration is an example fo
r explanation and may differ from the actual 
item.
Warning label
High voltage cables (orange)
ESU: Electricity Supply Unit (built in onboard traction battery  
charger/DC-DC converter)
Service plug
AC charging inlet
Electric Vehicle system precautions
Be careful of the high voltage components (nominal voltage 
at 355.2 V), such as the traction battery, electricity supply 
unit, orange colored high voltage cables, and electric motor, 
as well as high temperature components such as the cooling 
radiator, which are provided on the battery electric vehicle. 
For the high voltage components, warning labels are pro-
vided on them. Read them when they need to be handled.
System components 

772-1. Electric vehicle system
Owners Manual_USA_M42C01_en
2
Electric Vehicle system
DC charging inlet
Traction battery
Electric motor (traction motor)/Inverter (front/rear
*)
Air conditioning compressor
*: AWD models only
■Electromagnetic waves
●High-voltage parts and cables on 
the battery electric vehicles incor-
porate electro-magnetic shield-
ing, and the refore emit 
approximately the same amount 
of electromagnetic waves as con-
ventional gasoli ne-powered vehi-
cles or home electronic 
appliances.
●Your vehicle may cause sound 
interference in so me third party-
produced radio parts.
■Traction battery (Lithium-ion 
battery)
The traction batte ry has a limited 
service life.
The traction battery capacity (the 
ability to store ene rgy) 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 (outside tempera-
ture, etc.) and us age conditions, 
such as how the vehicle is driven 
and how the traction battery is 
charged.
This is a natural characteristic of 
lithium-ion batteries, and is not a 
malfunction. Also, even though the 
driving range decreases when the 
traction battery capacity reduces, 
vehicle performance does not sig-
nificantly become worse. In order to 
reduce the possibility of the capacity 
reducing, follow the directions listed 
on P.103, “Capacity reduction of the 
traction battery”.
■Starting the EV system in an 
extremely cold environment
When the traction battery is 
extremely cold (below approxi-
mately -22°F [-30°C]) due to the 
temperature outside of the vehicle, it 
may not be possible to start the EV 
system. In this case, try to start the 
EV system again after the tempera-
ture of the traction battery increases 
due to the outside temperature 
increasing, etc.
WARNING
■High-voltage precautions
The vehicle has high voltage DC 
and AC systems as well as a 12-
volt system.
DC and AC high voltage systems 
are very dangerous and can 
cause severe burns and electric 
shock that may result in death or 
serious injury.
●Never touch, disassemble, 
remove, or replace the high volt-
age parts, cables (orange) or 
their connectors.
●The EV system will become hot 
after starting as the system 
uses high voltage. Be careful of 
both the high voltage and the 
high temperature, and always 
obey the warning labels 
attached to the vehicle. 

782-1. Electric vehicle system
Owners Manual_USA_M42C01_en
WARNING
●Never try to open the service 
plug access hole located under 
the floor. The service plug is 
used only when the vehicle is 
being serviced and is subject to 
high voltage.
■Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions 
to reduce the risk of death or seri-
ous injury:
●Stop the vehicle i n a safe place 
to prevent subsequent acci-
dents. While depressing the 
brake pedal, apply the parking 
brake and shift the shift position 
to P to stop the EV system. 
Then, slowly release the brake 
pedal.
●Do not touch the high voltage 
parts, cables (orange) and con-
nectors.
●If electric wires are exposed 
inside or outside your vehicle, 
an electric shock may occur. 
Never touch exposed electric 
wires.
●Do not touch the traction battery 
if liquid is leaking from or 
adhered to it. If electrolyte 
(Organic Carbonate-based 
electrolyte) from the 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 
traction battery, do not 
approach the vehicle. 
Even in the unlikely event that 
the traction battery has been 
damaged, the internal construc-
tion of the batter y will prevent a 
large amount of electrolyte from 
leaking out. However, if electro-
lyte leaks, vapors will be emit-
ted. These vapors are 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 battery 
electric vehicle, leave the vehi-
cle as soon as possible. Never 
use a fire extinguisher that is 
not meant for electrical fires. 
Using even a small amount of 
water may be dangerous. 

792-1. Electric vehicle system
Owners Manual_USA_M42C01_en
2
Electric Vehicle system
WARNING
●If your vehicle needs to be 
towed, be sure to transport the 
vehicle with the front wheels 
(2WD models) or four wheels 
(AWD models) raised. If the 
vehicle is towed with the wheels 
which are connected to the 
electric motor (traction motor) 
contacting the ground, electric-
ity generated by the operation of 
the motor may cause a fire to 
occur depending on the nature 
of the damage or malfunction. 
(  P.507)
●Carefully inspect the ground 
under the vehicle. If leaked liq-
uid (other than water from the 
air conditioning) is found on the 
ground, the traction battery may 
have been damaged. Leave the 
vehicle as soon as possible. 
In addition, contact your Toyota 
dealer with regard to the leak-
age found on the ground.
Even in the event of a minor 
accident, the traction battery 
and surrounding parts may be 
damaged. In case of an acci-
dent, have the traction battery 
inspected at a Toyota dealer.
■Traction battery
●Your vehicle contains a sealed 
lithium-ion battery.
●Never resell, hand over or mod-
ify the traction battery. To pre-
vent accidents, traction 
batteries that have been 
removed from a disposed vehi-
cle are collected through your 
Toyota dealer. Do not dispose of 
the battery yourself. Unless the 
battery is properly collected, the 
following may occur, resulting in 
death or serious injury:
• Do not illegally dispose of or 
dump the traction battery, and it 
is hazardous to the environment 
or someone may touch a high 
voltage part, resulting in an 
electric shock.
• The traction battery is intended  to be used exclusively with your 
battery electric vehicle. If the 
traction battery is used outside 
of your vehicle or modified in 
any way, accidents such as 
electric shock, heat generation, 
smoke generation, an explo-
sion and electrolyte leakage 
may occur. When reselling or 
handing over your vehicle, the 
possibility of an accident is 
extremely high because the per-
son receiving the vehicle may 
not be aware of the dangers 
from these modifications.
●If your vehicle is disposed of 
without the traction battery hav-
ing been removed, there is a 
danger of serious electric shock 
if high voltage parts, cables and 
their connectors are touched. In 
the event that your vehicle must 
be disposed of, the traction bat-
tery must be disposed of by 
your Toyota dealer or a qualified 
service shop. If the traction bat-
tery is not disposed of properly, 
it may cause electric shock that 
can result in dea th or serious 
injury.
●For information about traction 
battery collection locations, con-
tact information, or the recycling 
process, contact your Toyota 
dealer. 

802-1. Electric vehicle system
Owners Manual_USA_M42C01_en
When a certain level of impact is 
detected by the impact sensors, 
the emergency shut off system turns off the EV system and 
blocks the high voltage current. 
If the emergency shut off system 
activates, your vehicle will not 
restart. To restart the EV sys-
tem, contact your Toyota dealer.
A message is automatically dis-
played when a malfunction 
occurs in the EV 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. (
P.140, 522)
■If a warning light comes on, a 
warning message  is displayed, 
or the 12-volt battery is discon-
nected
The EV system may not start.
In that case, try to start the system 
again. If the “READY” indicator does 
not come on, contact your Toyota 
dealer.
■When the traction battery is 
completely discharged
When the EV system cannot be 
started due to the  traction battery 
being completely discharged, restart 
the system after AC charging or DC 
charging. When charging, it is rec-
WARNING
■Caution while driving
●Pay special attention to the area 
around the vehicle. Because 
there is no engine noise, pedes-
trians, people riding bicycles or 
other people and vehicles in the 
area may not be aware of the 
vehicle starting off or approach-
ing them, so take extra care 
while driving. Therefore, take 
extra care while driving even if 
the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting 
System is active.
●If the vehicle under floor area 
receives strong shock or impact 
while driving, stop the vehicle in 
a safe place and check around 
the bottom of the vehicle. If 
there is damage  to the traction 
battery or liquid leakage, it may 
lead to a vehicle fire, etc. Do not 
touch the vehicle and immedi-
ately contact your Toyota dealer.
Even if no damage can be seen 
under the floor, the traction bat-
tery may be damaged. If the 
vehicle received an impact 
under the floor, have the traction 
battery inspected at a Toyota 
dealer.
■Modifications
Do not make modifications that 
lower the height of the vehicle. 
The traction battery in the under 
floor area may come into contact 
with the ground when the height 
of vehicle is lowered. If the trac-
tion battery is damaged, a vehicle 
fire may occur, possibly resulting 
in death or serious injury.
Emergency shut off sys-
tem
Warning message 

812-1. Electric vehicle system
Owners Manual_USA_M42C01_en
2
Electric Vehicle system
ommended to charge the traction 
battery until the tr action battery 
charge warning light turns off in 
order to ensure sufficient driving dis-
tance.
Shift the shift position to D when 
stopped at a traffic light, or driv-
ing in heavy traffic, etc. Shift the 
shift position to P when parking. 
When shifting the shift position 
to N while driving, there is no 
positive effect on electricity con-
sumption. In the N, the traction 
Batter y Electric Vehi-
cle driving tips
Unlike the conventional 
vehicles, the electricity con-
sumption efficiency of bat-
tery electric vehicles will 
decline if they continue 
driving on highways (or 
freeways) or at high aver-
age speeds, causing the 
possible driving distance to 
reduce. Therefore, if the 
remaining charge of the 
traction battery is low, avoid 
relying on the displayed 
possible driving distance 
too much as well as driving 
on highways (or freeways). 
Driving the vehicle at mod-
erate speeds, the traction 
battery’s electricity con-
sumption can be controlled.
The following driving tips 
will contribute to reduction 
in the battery consumption 
and increase in the driving 
range.
Shift position operation 

822-1. Electric vehicle system
Owners Manual_USA_M42C01_en
battery cannot be charged. Also, 
when using the air conditioning 
system, etc., the traction battery 
electricity is consumed. 
(P.237)
Repeated acceleration and 
deceleration due to traffic con-
gestion, long waits at traffic 
lights, and driving on steep 
inclines will lead to poor electric-
ity consumption. In order to 
avoid those situations as much 
as possible, check traffic reports 
before leaving. If the vehicle is 
driven in traffic congestion, gen-
tly release the brake pedal to 
allow the vehicle to move for-
ward slightly, avoid overuse of 
the accelerator pedal. Doing so 
can help minimize unnecessary 
electricity consumption.
Make sure to operate the brakes 
gently and a timely manner. A 
greater amount of electrical 
energy can be regenerated 
when slowing down.
Control and maintain the vehicle 
at a constant speed. Before 
stopping at a toll booth or simi-
lar, allow plenty of time to  release the accelerator and gen-
tly apply the brakes. A greater 
amount of electrical energy can 
be regenerated when slowing 
down.
Use the air conditioning only 
when necessary. Doing so 
can help reduce excessive 
electricity consumption.
In summer: When  the ambient tem-
perature is high, use the recircu-
lated air mode. Doing so will help to 
reduce the burden on the air condi-
tioning system and  reduce electric-
ity consumption as well.
In winter: Exce ssive or unneces-
sary heating should be avoided. 
Also, electricity consumption can 
be improved by avoiding overuse of 
the heater.
 When using the Remote Air 
Conditioning System 
( P.409) while the AC 
charging cable is connected 
to the vehicle, electricity con-
sumption immediately after 
starting off will be reduced 
because air conditioning is 
operated mainly using elec-
tricity from an external power 
source.
Make sure to check the tire infla-
tion pressure frequently. 
Delays
When braking
Highway (or freeways) 
driving
Air conditioning
Checking tire inflation 
pressure