89
2 2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Plug-in hybrid system
charge will deplete quickly. Also,
EV driving may be canceled by
rapid acceleration 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 multi-information display.
(P.179)
QWhen in AUTO EV/HV mode
Only the electric motor is used for
EV driving
* during normal driving,
but when the accelerator pedal is
strongly depressed, the gasoline
engine starts. (P.90)
Also, when the hybrid battery (trac-
tion 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 driv-
ing 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 multi-information display.
(P.179)
QWhen 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 primarily carried out as follows in accor-
dance with the driving conditions.
The gasoline engine stops
* when
the vehicle is stopped.
During start off, the electric
motor (traction motor) drives the
vehicle.
During normal driving, the gaso-
line engine and electric motor
(traction motor) are controlled
effectively, and the vehicle is
driven with optimum fuel effi-
ciency. Also, when necessary,
the electric motor (traction
motor) operates as an electrical
generator to charge the hybrid
battery (traction battery).
When the accelerator pedal is
depressed heavily, drive force
from both the gasoline engine
and the electric motor (traction
motor) is used to accelerate.
*: When the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) requires charging or the engine
is warming up, etc., the gasoline
engine will not automatically stop.
(P.91)
QWhen braking (regenerative
braking)
The electric motor (traction motor)
charges the hybrid battery (traction
battery).
The EV driving range can be
extended by actively using this
regenerative braking to store elec-
tricity in the hybrid battery (traction
battery).