ECO mode TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN 2012 Owners Manual

12
1. Charging operation
PLUG-IN QG_U (OM47747U)
■Displays shown on the multi-information display
Each type of information related to recharging is displayed on the
multi-information display.
Time until charging is complete
If the “POWER” switch is turned
to ON mode during charging, the
current charging status and the
amount of time needed until
charging is complete will be dis-
played on the energy monitor.
After confirming, switch the
“POWER” switch to OFF and turn
off the display. The “POWER”
switch will turn off automatically
after several tens of seconds.
Charging messages
The first time the “POWER”
switch is turned to ON mode
after charging is completed, a
message detailing the results of
the charging will be displayed.
Also, if an operation which can-
not be carried out is attempted
during charging, a warning mes-
sage will be displayed.
Comply with the instructions in
the message and carry out any
necessary operations.
The message may not be dis-
played if the Remote Air Condi-
tioning System has been used.

34
PLUG-IN QG_U (OM47747U)
4. Things you must know
■Regenerative braking
In the following situations, kinetic energy is converted to electric energy and
deceleration force can be obtained in conjunction with the recharging 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 position in D or
B.
■Gasoline engine operation in EV mode
Even if there is a sufficient amount of electricity remaining in the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) and EV driving range is being displayed, the gasoline
engine may operate automatically in the following circumstances (EV driving
will be returned to automatically after EV driving becomes possible again):
●When the heater etc. is in use.
●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.
The vehicle has been left in temperatures lower than about 32 °F (0 °C)
for a long period of time etc.
●When power is needed temporarily, for example when accelerating sud-
denly.
●When vehicle speed is more than approximately 62 mph (100 km/h).
●When the accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill
etc.
●When the outside temperature is low (less than 14 °F [-10 °C])
The gasoline engine may also operate in circumstances other than those
listed above, depending on conditions.

19
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Air conditioning system P. 358
Rear window and outside rear view
mirror defoggers switch P. 375
D
EV/HV mode selection switch
Eco drive mode switch
Power mode switch
P. 37
P. 247
P. 247
Emergency flasher switch P. 524
Shift lever P. 245
P position switch P. 248
∗: If equipped

33
1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
1
Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■When in EV mode
Driving using only the electric motor (traction motor) is possible
(excluding certain situations, such as when accelerating sud-
denly), but if the amount of charge remaining in the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) becomes low, EV mode will be canceled.
In order to prolong EV mode driving, observe the following:
●Check the EV driving range using the energy monitor or
Hybrid System Indicator.
●Avoid sudden acceleration and sudden deceleration, and be
sure to drive smoothly.
If you repeatedly accelerate, the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) charge will deplete quickly. Also, the gasoline engine will
start, depending on acceleration or the vehicle speed.
●Restrain your speed as much as possible. The EV driving
range will reduce considerably at high speeds.

37
1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
1
Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
EV/HV mode selection switch
Yo u c a n m a n u a l l y s w i t c h b e t w e e n E V m o d e a n d H V m o d e w h e n y o u
want to conserve battery power in preparation for EV driving in city
areas.
Switching to HV mode when driving on a highway or when driving
uphill is recommended in order to conserve battery power.* (→P. 6 7 )
*:The EV driving range may reduce even after switching to HV mode.
Press the switch
EV mode and HV mode will be
switched between with each
press.
If there is not enough charge
remaining in the hybrid battery
(traction battery) to allow EV driv-
ing, EV mode will not be select-
able.

38
1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Charging (→P. 8 0 )
In order to drive in EV mode,
charge the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) from an external
power source before using your
vehicle.
If there is not enough charge
remaining in the hybrid battery
(traction battery), the EV driving
range will become shorter.
Vehicle proximity notification system
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 15 mph (25 km/h).

40
1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■Refilling fuel
Plug-in hybrid vehicles can be driven using electricity charged from an exter-
nal power source, however the gasoline engine that is provided on board as
an auxiliary power source and as a power source for driving in HV mode
needs to be filled with fuel. Check the fuel amount and refill immediately
when the fuel level becomes low. (→P. 1 7 4 )
■Gasoline engine operation in EV mode
Even if there is a sufficient amount of electricity remaining in the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) and EV driving range (→P. 5 8 , 2 6 8 ) i s b e i n g d i s p l a y e d ,
the gasoline engine may operate automatically in the following circum-
stances (EV driving will be returned to automatically after EV driving
becomes possible again):
●When the heater etc. is in use.
●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.
The vehicle has been left in temperatures lower than about 32 °F (0 °C)
for a long period of time etc.
●When power is needed temporarily, for example when accelerating sud-
denly.
●When vehicle speed is more than approximately 62 mph (100 km/h).
●When the accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill
etc.
●When the outside temperature is low (less than 14 °F [-10 °C])
The gasoline engine may also operate in circumstances other than those
listed above, depending on conditions.

41
1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
1
Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■When continually using EV mode only
After driving for approximately 124 miles (200 km) with the gasoline engine
off, the gasoline engine may start for a short amount of time in order to pro-
tect the system.
■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
●When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high or
low
●During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging
●When the heater is switched on
*:Depending on the circumstances, the gasoline engine may also not stop
automatically in situations other than those above.
■If the vehicle is not used for a long time
The 12-volt battery may discharge. In this event, charge the 12-volt battery.
(→P. 5 9 4 )
In order to prevent the hybrid battery (traction battery) from becoming
extremely low in charge, 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.)

67
1
1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
Plug-in hybrid vehicle driving tips
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following
points:
■Using EV mode and HV mode effectively
Primarily using EV mode when driving in cities and using HV
mode when driving on highways (or freeways) can help con-
serve fuel and electricity. (→P. 3 7 )
■Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, a torque corresponding to the
accelerator pedal depression amount can be generated more
smoothly than it is in normal conditions. In addition, the opera-
tion of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling) will be mini-
mized, improving fuel and electricity economy. (→P. 2 4 7 )
■Use of Hybrid System Indicator
Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. (→P. 2 6 8 )
■When braking the vehicle
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in good time. A
greater amount of electrical energy can be retained when slow-
ing down.
■Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at
traffic lights, will lead to high fuel and electricity consumption.
Check traffic reports before leaving and avoid delays as much
as possible. When encountering a delay, gently release the
brake pedal to allow the vehicle to move forward slightly while
avoiding overuse of the accelerator pedal. Doing so can help
control excessive electricity and fuel consumption.

68
1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
■Highway driving
Control your speed and keep at a constant speed. Also, before
stopping 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 retained when slowing down.
Electricity consumption will increase substantially when driving
at high speeds in EV mode. If there will be a long distance to the
next external charging point after leaving a freeway, driving in
HV mode while on the freeway and in EV mode after leaving the
freeway is recommended.
■Air conditioning on/off
●Switch the air conditioning ( ) to off when it is not
needed. Doing so can help control excessive electricity and
fuel consumption.
In summer: In high temperatures, use the recirculated air
mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air con-
ditioner and reduce fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically
cut out until the gasoline engine and the interior of the vehicle
are warm, it will consume fuel. Also, fuel consumption can be
improved by avoiding overuse of the heater.
●For efficiency, use the Remote Air Conditioning System
before departing while the charging cable is connected.