TOYOTA RAV4 PHEV 2021 Owners Manual
Manufacturer: TOYOTA, Model Year: 2021, Model line: RAV4 PHEV, Model: TOYOTA RAV4 PHEV 2021Pages: 666, PDF Size: 161.28 MB
Page 101 of 666

99
2 
2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Plug-in hybrid system
stops the fuel pump to minimize the  
risk of electrocuti on and fuel leak- 
age. 
If the emergency shut off system 
activates, your vehicle will not 
restart. To restart the hybrid sys - 
tem, contact any authorized Toyota 
retailer or Toyota authorized 
repairer, or any reliable repairer. 
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-informat ion display, read  
the message and follow the instruc - 
tions.
■If a warning light comes on, a warn - ing message is displayed or the 12- 
volt battery is disconnected 
The hybrid system may  not start. In that  
case, try to start the system again. If the  “READY” indicator does not come on,  
contact any authorized Toyota retailer or 
Toyota authorized repairer, or any reli - able repairer.
Primarily using EV mode and  
AUTO EV/HV mode when driving in 
cities and using HV mode when 
driving on highways (or freeways) 
can help conserve fuel and electric - 
ity. ( →P.86) 
When using Eco drive mode, the  
torque corresponding to the accel - 
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/cool - 
ing) will be minim ized, improving  
fuel and electricity economy. 
( →P.434) 
Eco-friendly driving is possible by  
keeping the Hybrid System Indica - 
tor within Eco area. ( →P.177)
Hybrid warning message
Plug-in hybrid vehicle  
driving tips
For economical and ecological  
driving, pay attention to the 
following points:
Using EV mode, AUTO  
EV/HV mode and HV mode 
effectively
Using Eco drive mode
Use of Hybrid System Indi - 
cator 
Page 102 of 666

1002-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Shift the shift lever to D when  
stopped at a traffic light, or driving 
in heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift 
lever to P when parking. When 
using the N, there  is no positive  
effect on fuel consumption. In the 
N, the gasoline engine operates but 
electricity canno t be generated.  
Also, when using the air condition - 
ing system, etc., the hybrid battery 
(traction battery) power is con - 
sumed. 
 Drive your vehicle smoothly.  
Avoid abrupt acceleration and 
deceleration. Gradual accelera - 
tion and deceler ation will make  
more effective use of the electric 
motor (traction motor) without 
having to use gasoline engine 
power. 
 Avoid repeated acceleration.  
Repeated acceleration con - 
sumes hybrid battery (traction 
battery) power, resulting in poor 
fuel consumption. Battery power 
can be restored by driving with 
the accelerator  pedal slightly  
released. 
Make sure to operate the brakes  
gently and a ti mely manner. A  
greater amount of electrical energy  
can be regenerated when slowing 
down. 
Repeated acceler ation and decel- 
eration, as well as long waits at traf - 
fic lights, will lead to high fuel and 
electricity consumption. Check traf - 
fic reports before leaving and avoid 
delays as much as possible. When 
driving in a traffic jam, gently 
release the brake pedal to allow the 
vehicle to move forward slightly 
while avoiding overuse of the accel - 
erator pedal. Doing so can help 
control excessive electricity and 
fuel consumption. 
 Control and maintain the vehicle  
at a constant speed. Before stop - 
ping 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 regener - 
ated when slowing down. 
 Electricity consumption will  
increase significantly when driv - 
ing at high speeds in EV mode or 
AUTO EV/HV mode. If there will 
be a long distance to the next 
external charging point after 
leaving a freewa y, it is recom- 
mended to drive in HV mode 
while on the freeway and change 
Shift lever operation
Accelerator pedal/brake  
pedal operation
When braking
Delays
Highway driving 
Page 103 of 666

101
2 
2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Plug-in hybrid system
to EV mode or AUTO EV/HV  
mode after leaving the freeway. 
( →P.86) 
 Turn the “A/C” switch off when it  
is not needed. Doing so can help 
reduce excessive e lectricity and  
fuel consumption.
In summer: When the ambient tem - 
perature is high, use the recirculated air 
mode. Doing so will help to reduce the 
burden on the air co nditioning system  
and reduce electricity and fuel con - 
sumption as well. 
In winter: Avoid  excessive and unnec- 
essary use of the heater. Usage of the 
heated steering w heel (if equipped)  
( →P.462) and seat heaters (→P.463)  
are effective.
 Using the Remote Air Condition- 
ing System ( →P.460) while the  
AC charging cable is connected 
to the vehicle can reduce elec - 
tricity consumption immediately 
after starting off by operating air 
conditioning mainly using elec - 
tricity from an external power 
source. 
 When setting the charging  
schedule, setting the charging 
mode to “Departure” and “Cli - 
mate Prep” to on can reduce 
electricity consumption immedi - 
ately after starting off by operat - 
ing air conditioning before 
charging is completed. ( →P.144) 
Make sure to check the tire inflation  
pressure frequen tly. If there is  
improper tire inflation pressure in 
the tires, the EV driving range will 
become shorter,  and fuel consump- 
tion when in HV mode will increase. 
Also, as snow tires can cause large  
amounts of friction, their use on dry 
roads can lead to increased fuel 
and electricity consumption. 
Carrying heavy luggage will lead to  
poor fuel economy. Avoid carrying 
unnecessary lugga ge. Installing a  
large roof rack will also cause poor 
fuel economy. 
Since the gasoline engine starts up  
and cuts out automatically, warm - 
ing up is not necessary.
Air conditioning
Checking tire inflation pres - 
sure
Luggage
Warming up before driving 
Page 104 of 666

1022-1. Plug-in hybrid system
The value displayed on the SOC  
(State of Charge) gauge ( →P.174)  
is estimated from the following 
information. 
 The amount of hybrid battery  
(traction battery) charge cur - 
rently remaining 
 The electricity consumption (the  
estimated distan ce that EV driv- 
ing is possible pe r unit of electri- 
cal energy) based on the 
recorded value 
 Past air conditioning system  
electricity consumption amount 
The electricity co nsumption varies  
depending on how the vehicle is 
driven. The vehicle automatically 
records the electricity consumption 
when being charged and uses the  
electricity consumption for estimat - 
ing the EV driving range. Therefore, 
the EV driving ra nge displayed  
when the hybrid battery (traction 
battery) is fully charged may differ 
from the previous EV driving range 
depending on how the vehicle was 
driven. 
The EV driving r ange may change  
significantly with each charging 
until the electricity consumption 
based on the recorded value is sta - 
ble (for approximately the first 
month or two). However, this does 
not indicate a malfunction. 
When the air conditioning system is  
turned on, the EV driving range 
(with using the air conditioning sys - 
tem) is estimated based on the past 
air conditioning electricity con - 
sumption amount considering that 
the electricity  consumption may  
become higher. 
The distance that EV driving is pos - 
sible varies signi ficantly depending  
on how the vehicle is driven, road 
conditions, the weather, the outside 
temperature, usage  conditions of  
electrical components and the num - 
ber of occupants. 
The distance that EV driving is pos - 
sible can be extended if the follow - 
ing is performed:
EV driving range
The EV driving range displayed 
on the multi-information dis - 
play shows the reference dis - 
tance that EV driving (driving 
using only the electric motor) 
is possible, and  the actual dis- 
tance that can be driven may 
differ from that displayed. 
Even if the EV dr iving range is  
displayed, EV driving may be 
canceled and both gasoline 
engine and electric motor are 
used depending on the situation. 
( →P.90)
Displayed value
Tips for extending the EV  
driving range 
Page 105 of 666

103
2 
2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Plug-in hybrid system
■When starting off, depress the  
accelerator pedal smoothly to 
accelerate 
As a guide, acce lerate up to  
approximately 20 km/h (12mph) in 
the first 5 seconds. 
Electrical and fuel efficiency can be  
improved just by using the ECO 
Accelerator Guidance displayed on 
the multi-informat ion display and  
taking care to start off gently. 
( →P.182)
When the driving mode is set to Eco  
drive mode, depressing the accelerator 
pedal generates smooth torque that 
makes it easier to operate the accelera - 
tor gently.
■Maintain sufficient vehicle-to- 
vehicle distance and do not 
accelerate or decelerate  
unnecessarily 
Try to maintain a  fixed speed while  
driving. Driving at a short vehicle-
to-vehicle distance will result in 
repeating wasteful acceleration and 
deceleration, which will worsen the 
electrical and fuel efficiency.
■Release the accelerator pedal 
early before stopping the vehi - 
cle, such as at a traffic light 
The regenerative brake will operate  
to convert the kinetic energy of the 
vehicle into electrical energy, which 
will charge the hyb rid battery (trac- 
tion battery). 
The regeneration status can be  
checked from the Hybrid System 
Indicator. ( →P.177) 
When the brake pedal is depressed  
lightly during deceleration, the 
regeneration amount increases, 
enabling more electrical energy to 
be recovered.
If the brake pedal is depressed too  
strongly, the recovered amount indica - 
tor will reach the maximum level and 
the upper limit of  the recoverable  
energy will be exceeded. Therefore, be 
sure to operate the brake pedal early.
■Use the air co nditioning sys- 
tem appropriately, and also 
utilize the heated steering 
wheel (if equipped) and seat 
heaters 
In EV mode, the vehicle is cooled  
and heated by electrical energy. 
(Except in extremely cold tempera - 
tures of approximately -10°C (14°F)  
or less.) 
Preventing excessive cooling or  
heating of the vehicle will reduce 
power consumption and improve 
electrical efficiency. 
The heated steering wheel (if  
equipped) and seat heaters are effi - 
cient heating device that directly 
warm the body using less electric 
power.
When used together with the air condi - 
tioning system, a low  temperature set- 
ting can be used to improve electrical 
and fuel efficiency.
■Check the tire pressure 
If the tire pressure is lower than the  
specified value, i t will worsen the  
electrical and fuel efficiency. 
Page 106 of 666

1042-1. Plug-in hybrid system 
A pressure level 50 kPa (0.5 kgf/cm2 or  
bar, 7 psi) lower  than the specified  
value will cause a worsening of several 
percentage points.
■When driving on highways,  
use the EV/HV mode selection 
switch to drive in HV mode 
The power consumption will  
increase significantly if the vehicle 
is driven in EV mode on highways.
■Do not load unnecessary 
objects in the vehicle 
Driving with objects weighing 100  
kg (220 lb.) in the vehicle will 
worsen the electrical and fuel effi - 
ciency by approximately 3%. 
Air resistance also  greatly affects  
electrical and fuel efficiency. 
Remove any exterior accessories 
such as a roof luggage carrier when  
they are not being used. 
The running resistance of snow  
tires is high and they will worsen 
electrical and fuel efficiency. 
Replace them with standard tires 
as soon as they are no longer 
needed.
■Know your vehicle’s electrical 
and fuel efficiency 
If you know your vehicle’s daily  
electrical and fuel efficiency, you 
will understa nd the benefits of Eco  
drive. 
Use the Power Consumption/Fuel  
Economy, ECO Accelerator Guid - 
ance/“Eco Score” and other data 
displayed on the multi-information  
display. 
The following indicate that charging  
has been carried out properly. 
 The charging indicator of the  
charging port turns off 
 “Charging Complete” is dis- 
played on the multi-information 
display when a door is opened 
with the power switch off 
( →P.131) 
Regardless of the type of power  
source or whether the charging 
schedule function is used, charging 
is completed if the above can be 
confirmed.
Charging-related messages:  →P.160
Display when charging is  
completed 
Page 107 of 666

105
2 
2-2. Charging
Plug-in hybrid system
2-2.Charging
AC charging inlet 
AC charging inlet light 
Charging indicator ( →P.106) 
AC charging inlet cap
Caution label/identification label
Charging port lid ( →P.106) 
AC charging cable* ( →P.108) 
Charging port
*: The number of equipped AC chargin g cables may differ depending on the target  
region.
Charging equipment
This vehicle features equipment  for connecting to an external  
power source.
Charging equipment and names
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H 
Page 108 of 666

1062-2. Charging
■Opening the charging port lid 
Press the central rear edge of the  
charging port lid (the location 
shown in the illust ration) with the  
doors unlocked.
Push and take your hand away to  
slightly open the charging port lid. Then 
open the lid fully by hand.
■Closing the charging port lid 
Close the charging port lid and  
press the central rear edge of the 
charging port lid (the location 
shown in the illustration).
When the doors are locked, the  
charging port lid i s also locked.  
( →P.121)
The illumination/flashing pattern changes to inform the user of the charging  
status in the following ways.
Opening and closing the  
charging port lid
Charging indicator 
Page 109 of 666

107
2 
2-2. Charging
Plug-in hybrid system
*: Flashes for a certain period  of time, and then turns off.
■Charging indicator of the charging port 
When a system mal function occurs while charging or using the Remote Air Condi- 
tioning System, the charging indicator rapidly flashes for a ce rtain period of time, and  then turns off.  
If this occurs, when a door is o pened with the power switch off, a message is dis- 
played on the multi-information  display. When a message is displayed, follow the  instructions displ ayed on the screen.
Illumination/flashing patternVehicle condition
Illuminated
•Charging is in progress 
• Charging is possible 
• “Battery Heater” (→P.128) is operating 
• “Battery Cooler” (→P.129) is operating
Flashing (normally)*When charging schedule is registered (→P.144) and  
AC charging cable is c onnected to vehicle
Rapidly flashing*When charging cannot be carried out due to malfunc- 
tion in a power source  or the vehicle etc. (→P.158)
Not illuminated
•Charging connector is not inserted into AC  
charging inlet
• When the charging schedule (→P.144) is on  
standby
• When charging is completed 
Page 110 of 666

1082-2. Charging
AC charging cable
The function, correct operating  
procedure, etc. of the AC 
charging cable are explained.
WARNING
■When using the AC charging  
cable and CCID (Charging Circuit 
Interrupting Device) 
Observe the following precautions. 
Failure to do so may cause an unex - 
pected accident, resulting in death or  serious injury.
●Do not attempt to disassemble or  
repair the AC charging cable,  charging connector, plug or CCID  
(Charging Circuit Interrupting 
Device). If a problem arises with the AC  
charging cable or the CCID 
(Charging Circuit Interrupting  Device), stop charging immediately  
and contact any authorized Toyota 
retailer or Toyota authorized  repairer, or any reliable repairer.
●Do not subject the AC charging cable, charging connector, plug or  
CCID (Charging Circuit Interrupting 
Device) to strong force or impact.
●Do not apply excessive force to the 
AC charging cable by forcefully  folding, twisting, pulling or dragging  
the AC charging cable.
●Do not damage t he AC charging  
cable with sharp objects.
●Do not fold the ch arging connector  
or plug or insert foreign objects into 
them.
●Do not put the ch arging connector  
and plug into water.
●Do not bring the AC charging cable 
to a high-temperature item such as  a heating device.
●Do not apply a load to the AC charging cable and plug-cord (such  
as wrapping the AC charging cable 
around the CCID (C harging Circuit  Interrupting Device) and the  
charging connector).
●Do not use or leave the AC 
charging cable in situations where a 
load is applied to the socket and the  plug (such as  when the CCID  
(Charging Circui t Interrupting  
Device) is hanging in the air without  contacting the ground).
●Mode 3 AC charging cable: Do not use outside the ra ted voltage (less  
than 277 V) or rated current (less 
than 20 A).
NOTICE
■Precautions when handling AC  charging cable 
Make sure to observe the following  
precautions. Failure to observe these  precautions may result in damage to  
the AC charging cable and AC 
charging inlet.
●Insert the charging connector 
straight into the AC charging inlet.
●After inserting th e charging connec- 
tor, do not apply  excessive force to  or twist the connec tor. Also, do not  
lean on the connector or hang any 
objects from it.
●Do not step on or trip over the AC 
charging cable.
●Before removing the charging con - 
nector, make sure that it is  unlocked. ( →P.121)
●After removing the AC charging  cable, promptly  return it to its  
proper location.
●After removing the charging con - 
nector, securely install the AC 
charging inlet cap.