762-1. Plug-in hybrid system
from an external power source.
■If the plug-in hybrid system
operation mode cannot be
changed
In the following situations, the plug-
in hybrid system operation mode
cannot 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 displa y 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 hybrid battery (traction
battery) is almost completely
charged (hybrid battery [traction
battery] charge mode)
■When switching from EV mode
to another mode using the
switch
When the power switch is turned off,
operation mode switching is can-
celed and the system returns to EV
mode the next time the vehicle is
started.
*
*
: If there is not enough charge remaining in the hybrid battery
(traction battery) to allow EV driv-
ing, the system switches to HV
mode.
■Hybrid battery (traction battery)
charge mode
●The following may occur to protect the system, etc.
• Cannot switch to hybrid battery (traction battery) charge mode or
cannot cancel it
• Gasoline engine does not start or stops even after switching to
hybrid battery (traction battery)
charge mode
●If a load to the system is large,
such as when the power con-
sumption of the air conditioning
system is large or when the tem-
perature 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
battery (traction battery) may not
be performed.
■When in EV mode
In EV mode, EV driving (driving
WARNING
■When using the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) charge
mode
Observe the following precautions
when using the hybrid battery
(traction battery) charge mode
while parking.
Failure to do so may lead to death
or serious health hazard, as the
gasoline engine operates when in
the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) charge mode.
●Do not stop the vehicle near
flammable materials.
●Do not use the hybrid battery
(traction battery) charge mode
in a closed area where ventila-
tion is insufficient, such as in a
garage or area with snow
buildup.
Control when driving in
each mode
772-1. Plug-in hybrid system
2
Plug-in hybrid system
using only the electric motor)* is
possible. However, depending
on the situation, EV driving may
be canceled and both gasoline
engine and electric motor are
used ( P.79). Also, if a little
electricity is remaining in the
hybrid battery (traction battery),
HV mode is automatically
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) charge will deplete
quickly. Also, EV driving may
be canceled by rapid acceler-
ation 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 meter.
( P.155)
■When in AUTO EV/HV mode
Only the electric motor is used
for EV driving
* during normal
driving, but when the accelera-
tor pedal is strongly depressed,
the gasoline engine starts.
( P.79)
Also, when the hybrid battery
(traction 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
driving 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 meter.
( P.155)
■When 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 pri-
marily carried out as follows in
accordance with the driving con-
ditions.
The gasoline engine stops
*
when the vehicle is stopped.
During start off, the electric
motor (traction motor) drives
the vehicle.
During normal driving, the
gasoline engine and electric
motor (traction motor) are
controlled effectively, and the
vehicle is driven with optimum
fuel efficiency. Also, when
necessary, the electric motor
(traction motor) operates as
an electrical generator to
charge the hybrid battery
(traction battery).
792-1. Plug-in hybrid system
2
Plug-in hybrid system
■Gasoline engine operation in
EV mode or AUTO EV/HV mode
Even if there is a sufficient amount
of electricity remain ing in the hybrid
battery (traction battery) and EV
driving range ( P.155) is being dis-
played on the meter, EV driving
(driving using only the electric
motor) may be canceled and both
gasoline engine and electric motor
are used depending on the situation
(EV driving will be returned to auto-
matically after EV driving becomes
possible again).
EV driving may be canceled auto-
matically in the following circum-
stances
*1:
●When vehicle speed is more than
approximately 84 mph (135 km/h).
●When power is needed temporar-
ily, for example when the acceler-
ator pedal is depressed firmly or
when accelerating suddenly.
*2
●When the temperature of the
hybrid system is high.
The vehicle has been left in the
sun, driven on a h ill, driven at high
speeds, etc.
●When the temperature of the
hybrid system is low.
●When the heater is switched on
when the outside temperature is
below about 14°F (-10°C).
●When the windshield defogger
switch is pressed. ( P.434)
●When the system determines that
the gasoline engine needs to be
started.
*1: The gasoline engine may also
operate in circumstances other
than those listed above, depend-
ing on conditions.
*2: When driving in AUTO EV/HV mode. Even in EV mode, the gas-
oline engine may start, depend-
ing on the condition of the hybrid
battery (traction battery).
■If “Engine Started to Protect
System EV driving unavailable”
is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display
EV driving may be canceled in order
to protect the hybrid system, etc.
In this case, perform driving with the
gasoline engine until EV driving will
be returned to automatically.
Depending on the conditions, driv-
ing that combines the use of the
gasoline engine may continue for a
short while. However, this is not a
malfunction.
■Conditions in which the gaso-
line engine may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and
stops automatically . However, it
may not stop automatically in the
following conditions
*:
●During gasoline engine warm-up
●During hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) charging
●When the temperature of the
hybrid battery (traction battery) is
high or low
●When the windshield defogger
switch is pressed. ( P.434)
*: Depending on the circumstances,
the gasoline engine may also not
stop automatically in situations
other than those above.
■Sounds and vibrations specific
to a Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle
Because there is no engine sound
or vibration, it is easy to mistake the
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle for
being off when it is actually still run-
ning, as indicated by the “READY”
indicator being illuminated. For
safety, make sure to always shift the
shift position to P and apply the
parking brake when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations
may occur when the hybrid system
is operating and are not a malfunc-
tion.
802-1. Plug-in hybrid system
●Motor sounds may be heard from
the engine compartment.
●Sounds may be heard from the
hybrid battery (traction battery)
when the hybrid system starts or
stops.
●Relay operating sounds such as a
snap or soft clank will be emitted
from the hybrid battery (traction
battery), under the rear seats or
under the floor, when the hybrid
system is started or stopped.
●Sounds from the hybrid system
may be heard when the back door
is open.
●Sounds may be heard from the
transmission when the gasoline
engine starts or stops, when driv-
ing at low speeds, or during idling.
●Engine sounds may be heard
when accelerating sharply.
●Sounds may be heard due to
regenerative braking when the
brake pedal is depressed or as
the accelerator pedal is released.
●Vibration may be felt when the
gasoline engine starts or stops.
●Sounds may be heard from near
the hybrid battery (traction battery)
in accordance with the operation
of the air conditioning system or
battery cooler. ( P.109)
■Maintenance, repair, recycling,
and disposal
Contact your Toyota dealer regard-
ing maintenance, repair, recycling
and disposal. Do not dispose of the
vehicle yourself.
In order to make EV mode or
AUTO EV/HV mode available,
charge the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) from an external
power source before using the
vehicle.
Even if charging the hybrid battery
(traction battery) has not been com-
pleted, the vehicle can be driven.
However, 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 Electric Vehicles can
be driven using electricity charged
from an external power source.
However, as the gasoline engine is
used depending on the situation
( P.79) even if in EV mode or
AUTO EV/HV mode, and the gaso-
line 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
immediately when the fuel level
becomes low. ( P.279)
■If the vehicle is not used for a
long time
●The 12-volt battery may dis-
charge. In this event, charge the
12-volt battery. ( P.589)
In order to prevent the hybrid bat-
tery (traction batt ery) from becom-
ing extremely low in charge,
Charging ( P.94)
812-1. Plug-in hybrid system
2
Plug-in hybrid system
charge the hybrid battery (traction
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 start 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 P.589, “If the 12-
volt battery is discharged” and
perform the correction procedure.
●When the vehicle is left with the
AC charging cable connected, the
electricity consumption amount of
the 12-volt battery increases due
to controls, such as the system
checking, operating. When the AC
charging cable is not needed,
remove it from the vehicle.
When driving with the gasoline
engine stopped, a sound, which
changes in accordance with the
driving speed, will be played in
order to warn people nearby of
the vehicle’s approach. The
sound will stop when the vehicle
speed exceeds approximately
22 mph (35 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.
●In very noisy areas
●In the wind or the rain
Also, as the Acoustic Vehicle Alert- ing System is installed on the front
of the vehicle, it may be more diffi-
cult to hear from the rear of the vehi-
cle compared to the front.
■When “Acoustic Vehicle Alert-
ing System Malfunction Visit
your Dealer” is displayed on the
multi-information display
The Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Sys-
tem may be malfunctioning. Have
the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately.
*: This function can only be used in the mainland U.S.A. It cannot be
used in other states and territo-
ries, including Alaska and Hawaii.
This system operates based on
the driving situation and traffic
information to enhance fuel
economy.
For details about Predictive effi-
cient drive, refer to “MULTIME-
DIA OWNER’S MANUAL”.
■Predictive deceleration sup-
port
When the vehicle approaches
to predictive deceleration sup-
port points registered in the
navigation system, the refer-
ence operation range ( ) of
the ECO Accelerator Guid-
ance ( P.163) on the multi-
information display will be
turned off to encourage the
driver to reduce excessive
acceleration.
Acoustic Vehicle Alerting
System
Predictive efficient drive
(vehicles with navigation
system)
*
A
832-1. Plug-in hybrid system
2
Plug-in hybrid system
The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the actual
item.
Caution label
High voltage cables (orange)
AC charging inlet
Onboard traction battery charger
Service plug
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
Electric motor (traction motor)
Power control unit and DC/DC converter
Air conditioning compressor
Plug-in hybrid system precautions
Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it contains a
high voltage system (about 650V at maximum) as well as
parts that become extremely hot when the hybrid system is
operating. Obey the caution labels attached to the vehicle.
System components
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
842-1. Plug-in hybrid system
■Running out of fuel
When the vehicle has run out of fuel
and the hybrid system cannot be
started, refuel th e vehicle with at
least enough gasoline to make the
low fuel level warning light ( P.562)
go off. If there is only a small
amount of fuel, the hybrid system
may not be able to start. (The stan-
dard amount of fuel is about 2.1 gal.
[8.0 L, 1.8 Imp.gal.], when the vehi-
cle is on a level surface. This value
may vary when the vehicle is on a
slope. Add extra fuel when the vehi-
cle is inclined.)
■Electromagnetic waves
●High voltage parts and cables on
the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehi-
cles incorporate electromagnetic
shielding, and therefore emit
approximately the same amount
of electromagnetic waves as con-
ventional gasoline powered vehi-
cles or home electronic
appliances.
●Your vehicle may cause sound
interference in some third party-
produced radio parts.
■Effect of magnetic forces
If objects that generate strong mag-
netic forces, such as large speak-
ers, are placed inside the luggage
compartment or installed nearby,
the generated magnetic forces may
negatively affect the hybrid system.
■Hybrid battery (traction battery)
(lithium-ion battery)
The hybrid battery (traction battery)
has a limited service life.
The hybrid battery (traction battery)
capacity (the ability to hold a
charge) reduces with time and use
in the same way as other recharge-
able batteries. The extent at which
capacity reduces changes drasti-
cally depending on the environment
(ambient temperature, etc.) and
usage conditions, such as how the
vehicle is driven and how the hybrid battery (traction battery) is charged.
This is a natural characteristic of
lithium-ion batteries, and is not a
malfunction. Also, even though the
EV driving range becomes shorter
when the hybrid battery (traction
battery) capacity reduces, vehicle
performance does not significantly
become worse.
In order to reduce the possibility of
the capacity reducing, follow the
directions listed on P.113, “Capacity
reduction of the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery)”.
■Starting the hybrid system in an
extremely cold environment
When the hybrid battery (traction
battery) is extremely cold (below
approximately -22°F [-30°C]) under
the influence of the outside tem-
perature, it may not be possible to
start the hybrid system. In this case,
try to start the hybrid system again
after the temperature of the hybrid
battery increases due to the outside
temperature increase 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 volt-
age is 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 or their con-
nectors.
●The hybrid 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 caution labels
attached to the vehicle.
872-1. Plug-in hybrid system
2
Plug-in hybrid system
When a certain level of impact is
detected by the impact sensor,
the emergency shut off system
blocks off the high voltage cur-
rent and stops the fuel pump to
minimize the risk of electrocu-
tion and fuel leakage.
If the emergency shut off system
activates, your vehicle will not
restart. To restart the hybrid sys-
tem, contact your Toyota dealer.
A message is automatically dis-
played when a malfunction
occurs in the hybrid 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.
■If a warning light comes on, a
warning message is displayed
or the 12-volt battery is discon-
nected
The hybrid 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.
NOTICE
●If the vehicle has not been refu-
eled for a certain amount of time
and it is possible that the quality
of the fuel remaining in the tank
has changed, “No New Fuel has
been Added Recently Please
refuel” is displayed on the multi-
information display when the
power switch is turned to ON. If
the message is displayed, refuel
the vehicle immediately.
Emergency shut off sys-
tem
Hybrid warning message