ECO mode TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID 2015 1.G Owners Manual

19
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(U)
Air conditioning system P. 364
Rear window and outside rear view
mirror defoggers switch
P. 381
D
EV/HV mode selection switch
P. 37
Emergency flasher switch P. 528
Shift lever P. 249
P position switch P. 252
: If equipped
Eco drive mode switch
Power mode switch P. 251
P. 251

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Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(U)
■
When in EV mode
Driving using only the electric motor (traction motor) is possible
(excluding certain situations, su ch as when accelerating sud-
denly), but if the amou nt 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 distance that
can be driven in EV mode will reduce considerably at high
speeds.

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Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(U)
EV/HV mode selection switch
You can manually switch between EV mode and HV mode when you
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 8 )
*: The estimated 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.

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PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(U)
Charging (P. 85)
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), it is possible
that the vehicle cannot be driven
in EV mode or the distance that
can be driven in EV mode will
become shorter.
Vehicle proximity notification system
When driving with the gasoline engine stopped, a sound, which
changes in accordance with the dr iving speed, will be played in order
to warn people nearby of the vehicle’s approach. The sound will stop
when the vehicle speed exceeds a pproximately 15 mph (25 km/h).

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PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(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
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. 178)
■ 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. 58, 273) is being displayed
on the multi-information display etc., the gasoline engine may operate auto-
matically in the following circumstances (EV driving will be returned to auto-
matically 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.
● 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, the vehicle is driven up a
hill, etc.
● When the outside temperature is low (less than about 14°F [-10°C])
The gasoline engine may also operate in circumstances other than those
listed above, depending on conditions.

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Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(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. 601)
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.)

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Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(U)
■
Electromagnetic waves
●High voltage parts and cables on the hybrid vehicles incorporate electro-
magnetic shielding, and therefore emit approximately the same amount
of electromagnetic waves as conventional gasoline powered vehicles or
home electronic appliances.
● Your vehicle may cause sound interference in some third party-produced
radio parts.
■ 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 rechargeable batteries.
The extent at which capacity reduces changes drastically 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 malfunc-
tion. Also, even though the distance that can be driven in EV mode
decreases when the hybrid battery (traction battery) capacity reduces, vehi-
cle performance does not significantly become worse.
In order to reduce the possibility of the capacity reducing, follow the direc-
tions listed on P. 98, “Capacity reduction of the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery)”.

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PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(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 a nd electricity economy. ( P. 251)
■ Use of Hybrid System Indicator
Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( P. 273)
■ 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 l eaving 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 electric ity and fuel consumption.

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Before driving
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47A11U_(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 reta ined when slowing down.
Electricity consumptio n will increase substantially when driving
at high speeds in EV mode. If ther e will be a long distance to the
next external charging point afte r 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 cont rol 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 gasoli ne 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 Remo te Air Conditioning System
before departing while the c harging cable is connected.

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■Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. If there
is improper tire inflation pressure in the tires, the driving range
when in EV mode will become shorter, and fuel consumption
when in HV mode will increase.
Also, as snow tires can cause lar ge amounts of friction, their use
on dry roads can lead to increas ed fuel and electricity consump-
tion.
■ Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage can require excessive energy. Avoid
leaving unnecessary lu ggage in the vehicle.
Also, equipping a large roof rack can cause excessive energy
consumption in the same way as carrying heavy luggage.
■ Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically,
warming up is not necessary.