ECO mode TOYOTA PRIUS PRIME 2018 Owners Manual (in English)

271-1. For safe use
PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47C17U_(U)
1
For safety and security
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may cause the driver’s floor mat to slip, possibly interfering
with the pedals while driving. An unexpectedly high speed may result or it may
become difficult to stop the vehicle. This could lead to an acc ident, resulting in
death or serious injury.
■ When installing the driver’s floor mat
● Do not use floor mats designed for other models or different mo del year
vehicles, even if they are Toyota Genuine floor mats.
● Only use floor mats designed for the driver’s seat.
● Always install the floor mat securely using the retaining hooks (clips) pro-
vided.
● Do not use two or more floor mats on top of each other.
● Do not place the floor mat bottom-side up or upside-down.
■ Before driving
● Check that the floor mat is securely
fixed in the correct place with all the
provided retaining hooks (clips). Be
especially careful to perform this check
after cleaning the floor.
● With the hybrid system stopped and the
shift position in P, fully depress each
pedal to the floor to make sure it does
not interfere with the floor mat.

691-2. Child safety
PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47C17U_(U)
1
For safety and security
WARNING
■When installing a child restraint system
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
● Do not allow children to play with the seat belt. If the seat b elt becomes
twisted around a child’s neck, it may lead to choking or other serious inju-
ries that could result in death.
If this occurs and the buckle cannot be unfastened, scissors sh ould be
used to cut the belt.
● Ensure that the belt and plate are securely locked and the seat belt is not
twisted.
● Shake the child restraint system left and right, and forward and backward
to ensure that it has been securely installed.
● After securing a child restraint system, never adjust the seat.
● When a booster seat is installed, always ensure that the should er belt is
positioned across the center of the child’s shoulder. The belt should be
kept away from the child’s neck, but not so that it could fall off the child’s
shoulder.
● Follow all installation instructions provided by the child rest raint system
manufacturer.
■ When installing a booster seat
To prevent the belt from going into ALR lock mode, do not fully extend the
shoulder belt. ALR mode causes the belt to tighten only. This c ould cause
injury or discomfort to the child. ( P. 31)
■ Do not use a seat belt extender
If a seat belt extender is used when installing a child restraint system, the
seat belt will not securely hold the child restraint system, which could cause
death or serious injury to the child or other passengers in the event of sud-
den braking, sudden swerving or an accident.

80
PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47C17U_(U)
2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
EV auto mode (P. 8 2 )
When a sufficient amount of elect ricity for EV driving is remaining in
the hybrid battery (traction battery) after charging
*, the operation
mode can be switched to EV auto mode.
Switching to EV auto mode make powerful driving possible by usi ng
both the gasoline engine and elec tric motor in a driving condition
that requires large driving force, such as when passing a vehicle on
a highway or driving on a steep slope.
When in EV auto mode, the EV auto mode indicator illuminates.
*: The amount of remaining charge can be checked on the multi-informa- tion display etc. ( P. 216)
HV mode
When in HV mode, the vehicle is driven using both the gasoline
engine and electric motor. ( P. 84)
● If electricity needed for EV driving in EV mode or EV auto mode
is not remaining, the operation mode will be automatically
switched to HV mode.
● The operation mode can be switched to HV mode at any timing
by operating the switch to keep electricity for EV driving etc.
*
( P. 82). Switching to HV mode when driving on a highway or
when driving uphill is recommended in order to conserve battery
power.
When in HV mode, the EV drive mode indicator and EV auto mode i ndi-
cator turn off.
*: The EV driving range may reduce even after switching to HV mode.
2
3

PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47C17U_(U)
812-1. Plug-in hybrid system
2
Plug-in hybrid system
Hybrid battery (traction battery) charge mode ( P. 83)
Electricity generated in the gas oline engine can be charged in the
hybrid battery (traction battery) by switching to the hybrid battery
(traction battery) charge mode wh en electricity needed for EV driv-
ing is not remaining.
*
● The system may not be able to switch to the hybrid battery (tra c-
tion battery) charge mode due to the state of the plug-in hybri d
system. ( P. 8 3 )
● Charging time differs depending on the driving state of the vehi-
cle when driving in hybrid batte ry (traction battery) charge mode.
When in the hybrid battery (traction battery) charge mode, the hybrid
battery charge mode indicator illuminates.
*: When in the hybrid battery (traction battery) charge mode, the hybrid
battery can be charged while driving. However, the gasoline eng ine runs
to charge the battery and fuel consumption becomes higher compa red
with driving in HV mode.
4

PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47C17U_(U)
852-1. Plug-in hybrid system
2
Plug-in hybrid system
■When braking (regenerative braking)
The electric motor (traction motor) charges the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery).
The EV driving range can be ext ended by actively using this regen-
erative braking to store electricity in the hybrid battery (tra ction bat-
tery).
Moreover, as fuel consumption is also reduced when in HV mode,
the regenerative braking system can be used effectively.
In order to make EV/EV auto
mode available, charge the hybrid
battery (traction battery) from an
external power source before
using the vehicle.
Even if charging the hybrid battery
(traction battery) has not been
completed, the vehicle can be
driven. However, if there is not
enough charge remaining, it is pos-
sible that the vehicle cannot be
driven in EV/EV auto mode or the
EV driving range will become
shorter.
When driving with the gasolin e 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 15 mph (25 km/h).
Charging (P. 102)
Vehicle proximity notification system

86
PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47C17U_(U)
2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
■Regenerative braking
In the following situations, kinetic energy is converted to electric energy and
deceleration force can be obtained in conjunction with the rech arging of the
hybrid battery (traction battery).
● The accelerator pedal is released while driving with the shift position in D or
B.
● The brake pedal is depressed while driving with the shift posit ion in D or B.
■ EV driving range
●The EV driving range is displayed on the multi-information disp lay etc.
( P. 199, 215, 222, 239)
● The EV driving range changes in accordance with the charge status of the
hybrid battery (traction battery), the speed of the vehicle, et c.
● Even if there is enough charge remaining in the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery), EV driving may be canceled and both gasoline engine and electric
motor are used depending on the situation. ( P. 87)
■ After EV mode has switched to HV mode due to low hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) charge
If the hybrid battery (traction battery) is regenerated by driving continuously
down a long slope, the EV driving range etc. will be displayed on the multi-
information display and EV mode will be automatically switched to.
If EV mode is not switched to even though EV driving range is b eing dis-
played, EV mode can be switched to by pressing the EV/HV mode selection
switch.
■ Refilling fuel
Plug-in hybrid vehicles can be driven using electricity charged from an exter-
nal power source. However, as the gasoline engine is used depending on the
situation even if in EV mode, and the gasoline engine is provided on board as
a power source for driving in HV mode, it is needed to refuelin g the vehicle.
Check the fuel amount and refill immediately when the fuel level becomes
low. ( P. 356)

PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47C17U_(U)
872-1. Plug-in hybrid system
2
Plug-in hybrid system
■Gasoline engine operation in EV/EV auto mode
Even if there is a sufficient amount of electricity remaining in the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) and EV driving range ( P. 199, 215, 222, 239) is being
displayed on the multi-information display etc., EV driving (dr iving using only
the electric motor) may be canceled and both gasoline engine an d electric
motor are used depending on the situation (EV driving will be returned to
automatically after EV driving becomes possible again).
EV driving may be canceled automatically in the following circu mstances:
● When vehicle speed is more than approximately 84 mph (135 km/h) .
● When power is needed temporarily, for example when the accelera tor pedal
is depressed firmly or when accelerating suddenly.
*
● When the temperature of the hybrid system is high.
The vehicle has been left in the sun, driven on a hill, 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. 492, 502)
● When the system determines that the gasoline engine needs to be started.
The gasoline engine may also operate in circumstances other tha n those
listed above, depending on conditions.
*: When traveling in the EV auto mode only
■ Conditions in which the gasoline 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 battery) charging
● When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high or low
● When the windshield defogger switch is pressed. ( P. 492, 502)
*: Depending on the circumstances, the gasoline engine may also not stop
automatically in situations other than those above.

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PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47C17U_(U)
2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (traction battery) air vents
● Make sure not to block the air intake vent with anything, such as a seat
cover, plastic cover, or luggage. The hybrid battery (traction battery) may
overheat and be damaged.
● When dust etc. has accumulated in the air intake vent, clean it with a vac-
uum cleaner to prevent the vent from clogging.
● Do not wet or allow foreign substances to enter the air vents a s this may
cause a short circuit and damage the hybrid battery (traction b attery).
● Do not carry large amounts of water such as water cooler bottle s in the
vehicle. If water spills onto the hybrid battery (traction batt ery), the battery
may be damaged. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota deale r.
● A filter is installed to the air intake vent. When the filter r emains noticeably
dirty even after cleaning the air intake vent, filter cleaning or replacement
is recommended. When cleaning the filter, refer to P. 566.
■ Notice about fuel
● For plug-in hybrid vehicles, fuel may remain in the tank for a long time and
undergo changes in quality depending on the how the vehicle is used.
Refuel at least 5.3 gal.(20 L, 4.4 Imp.gal.) of fuel every 12 m onths (refuel a
total of at least 5.3 gal. [20 L, 4.4 Imp.gal.] over a 12-month period), as this
may affect components of the fuel system or the gasoline engine .
● If the vehicle has not been refueled for a certain amount of ti me 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 mode. If the
message is displayed, refuel the vehicle immediately.

97
PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47C17U_(U)
2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
2
Plug-in hybrid system
Plug-in hybrid vehicle driving tips
◆Using EV mode and HV mode effectively
Primarily using EV mode when driving in cities and using HV mod e
when driving on highways (or freeways) can help conserve fuel a nd
electricity. ( P. 8 2 )
◆Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the acce l-
erator pedal depression amount can be generated more smoothly
than it is in normal conditions. In addition, the operation of the air
conditioning system (heating/coo ling) will be minimized, improving
fuel and electricity economy. ( P. 406)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System I ndi-
cator within Eco area. ( P. 210)
◆Shift position operation
Shift the shift position to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving
in heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift position to P when parkin g. When
using the N, there is no positiv e effect on fuel consumption. In the
N, the gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be gener -
ated. Also, when using the air conditioning system, etc., the h ybrid
battery (traction batt ery) power is consumed.
For economical and ecological dri ving, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:

PRIUS PRIME_OM_OM47C17U_(U)
992-1. Plug-in hybrid system
2
Plug-in hybrid system
◆Air conditioning
●Turn the “A/C” switch (
*1 • *2) off when it is
not needed. Doing so can help reduce excessive electricity and
fuel consumption.
In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recir-
culated air mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on th e
air conditioning system and reduc e electricity and fuel consump-
tion as well.
In winter: Avoid excessive and unnecessary use of the heater.
Usage of the heated steering w heel (if equipped) and seat heat-
ers is effective. ( P. 5 1 4 )
● Using the Remote Air Conditioning System ( P. 510) while the
charging cable is connected to the vehicle can reduce electrici ty
consumption immediately after st arting off by operating air condi-
tioning mainly using electricity from an external power source.
● When setting the timer, selecting the start time setting mode a nd
setting “Climate Prep” to “On” c an reduce electricity consumption
immediately after starting off by operating air conditioning be fore
charging is completed. ( P. 147)
*1: Vehicles with 7-inch display
*2: Vehicles with 11.6-inch display
◆Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. If t here is
improper tire inflation pressur e in the tires, the EV driving range will
become shorter, and fuel consumption when in HV mode will
increase.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on
dry roads can lead t o increased fuel and electricity consumptio n.
◆Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage will lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carry-
ing unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack will also cause
poor fuel economy.
◆Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically,
warming up is not necessary.