TOYOTA RAV4 PLUG-IN HYBRID 2023 Owners Manual

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2 2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Plug-in hybrid system
hybrid battery (traction battery)
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.187, 193)
■When 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.187, 193)
■When 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)
■When 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).

902-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Moreover, as fuel consumption is
also reduced when in HV mode, the
regenerative braking system can be
used effectively.
■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 lever in D or
S.
●The brake pedal is depressed while
driving with the shift lever in D or S.
■EV driving range
●The EV driving range is displayed on
the multi-information display.
(P.187, 193)
●The EV driving range changes in
accordance with the charge status of
the hybrid battery (traction battery),
the speed of the vehicle, etc.
●Even if there is enough charge
remaining in the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery), EV driving may be can-
celed and both gasoline engine and
electric motor are used depending on
the situation. (P.90)
■EV indicator
The EV indicator comes on when the
vehicle is driven using only the electric
motor (traction motor) or the gasoline
engine is stopped.
The on/off operation of the EV indicator
can be changed. (P.206, 217)
■After EV mode has switched to HV
mode due to low hybrid battery
(traction 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-infor-
mation display and EV mode will be
automatically switched to.
If EV mode is not switched to even
though EV driving range is being dis-
played, EV mode can be switched to by
pressing the EV/HV mode selection
switch.
■Gasoline engine operation in EV
mode or AUTO EV/HV mode
Even if there is a sufficient amount of
electricity remaining in the hybrid battery
(traction battery) and EV driving range
(P.201, 213) is being displayed on the
multi-information display, EV driving
(driving using only the electric motor)
may be canceled and both gasoline
engine and 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 automati-
cally in the following circumstances
*1:
●When vehicle speed is more than
approximately 135 km/h (84 mph).
●When power is needed temporarily,
for example when the accelerator
pedal is depressed firmly or when
accelerating suddenly.
*2
●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 -10°C (14°F).
●When the windshield defogger switch
is pressed. (P.431)
●When the system determines that the

91
2 2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Plug-in hybrid system
gasoline engine needs to be started.*1: The gasoline engine may also oper-
ate in circumstances other than those
listed above, depending on condi-
tions.
*2: When driving in AUTO EV/HV mode.
Even in EV mode, the gasoline
engine may start, depending on the
condition of the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery).
■If “Engine Started to Protect Sys-
tem EV driving unavailable” is dis-
played on the multi-information
display
EV driving may be canceled in order to
protect the hybrid system, etc.
In this case, perform driving with the
gasoline engine until EV driving will be
returned to automatically.
■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 condi-
tions
*:
●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.431)
*: Depending on the circumstances, the
gasoline engine may also not stop
automatically in situations other than
those above.
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
There may be no engine sound or vibra-
tion even though the vehicle is able to
move with the “READY” indicator is illu-
minated. For safety, apply the parking
brake and make sure to shift the shift
lever to P when parked.The following sounds or vibrations may
occur when the hybrid system is operat-
ing and are not a malfunction.
●Motor sounds may be heard from the
engine compartment.
●Sounds may be heard from the hybrid
battery (traction battery) when the
hybrid system starts or stops.
●Relay operating sounds such as a
snap or soft clank will be emitted from
the hybrid battery (traction battery),
under the rear seats or under the
floor, when the hybrid system is
started or stopped.
●Sounds from the hybrid system may
be heard when the back door is open.
●Sounds may be heard from the trans-
mission when the gasoline engine
starts or stops, when driving at low
speeds, or during idling.
●Engine sounds may be heard when
accelerating sharply.
●Sounds may be heard due to regener-
ative braking when the brake pedal is
depressed or as the accelerator pedal
is released.
●Vibration may be felt when the gaso-
line engine starts or stops.
●Cooling fan sounds may be heard
from the air intake vent under the rear
seat. (P.99)
●Sounds may be heard from near the
hybrid battery (traction battery) in
accordance with the operation of the
air conditioning system or battery
cooler. (P.128)
■Maintenance, repair, recycling, and
disposal
Contact any authorized Toyota retailer
or Toyota authorized repairer, or any
reliable repairer regarding mainte-
nance, repair, recycling and disposal.
Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.
In order to make EV mode or AUTO
Charging (P.106)

922-1. Plug-in hybrid system
EV/HV 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 com-
pleted, the vehicle can be driven. How-
ever, if there is not enough charge
remaining, it is possible that the vehicle
cannot be driven in EV mode or AUTO
EV/HV mode, or the EV driving range
will become shorter.
■Refilling fuel
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles can be driven using electricity charged from an
external power source. However, as the gasoline engine is used depending on the situation ( P.90) even if in EV
mode or AUTO EV/HV mode, and the gasoline engine is provided on board as a power source for driving in HV mode,
it is needed to refueling the vehicle.
Check the fuel amount and refill immedi- ately when the fuel level becomes low.
( P.336)
■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.573)
In order to prevent the hybrid battery
(traction battery) from becoming extremely low in charge, charge the hybrid battery (traction battery) from
external power source or 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.)When the 12-volt battery is dis-
charged, refer to “If the 12-volt battery is discharged” ( P.573) and perform the correction procedure.
●When the vehicle is left with the AC charging cable connected, the elec-
tricity consumption amount of the 12- volt battery increases due to controls, such as the system checking, operat-
ing. When the AC charging cable is not needed, remove it from the vehi-cle.
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 25 km/h (15
mph).
■Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System
In the following cases, the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System may be difficult for surrounding people to hear.
●In very noisy areas
Acoustic Vehicle Alerting
System

93
2
2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Plug-in hybrid system
●In the wind or the rain
Also, as the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System is installed on the front of the vehicle, it may be more difficult to hear
from the rear of the vehicle compared to the front.
■When “Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System Malfunction Visit your
Dealer” is displayed on the multi- information display
The Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System
may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or
any reliable repairer immediately.
This system operates based on the
driving situation and traffic informa-
tion to enhance fuel economy.
For details about Predictive efficient
drive, refer to “Multimedia owner’s
manual”.
■Predictive deceleration sup-
port
 When the vehicle approaches to
predictive deceleration support
points registered in the naviga-
tion system, the reference opera-
tion range ( ) of the ECO
Accelerator Guidance ( P.202)
on the multi-information display
will be turned off to encourage
the driver to reduce excessive
acceleration.
With 7-in display:
With 12.3-in display:
 The engine braking force will be
increased according to the driv-
ing conditions to more efficiently
charge the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) after the accelerator
pedal is released.
■Predictive EV Drive
When using route guidance by the
navigation system, the system
automatically switches between EV
driving and HV driving based on
data such as the remaining charge
of the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery), route and traffic information to
ensure that the vehicle efficiently
uses electrical energy from the
traction battery.
For example, the system switches
to HV during high load section such
Predictive efficient drive (if
equipped)
A

942-1. Plug-in hybrid system
as highway, uphill.
■Predictive EV Drive
The system operates only when AUTO
EV/HV mode is selected.

95
2 2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Plug-in hybrid system
The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the actual item.
Caution label
High voltage cables (orange)
Power control unit
DC/DC converter
Rear electric motor (traction motor)
AC charging inlet
Service plug
Onboard traction battery charger
Plug-in hybrid system precautions
Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it contains a high
voltage system (about 650V at maximum) as well as parts that
become extremely hot when the hybrid system is operating. Obey
the caution labels attached to the vehicle.
System components
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H

962-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
Front electric motor (traction motor)
Air conditioning compressor
Junction box
■Running out of fuel
When the vehicle has run out of fuel and
the hybrid system cannot be started, refuel the vehicle with at least enough gasoline to make the low fuel level warn-
ing light ( P.541) go off. If there is only a small amount of fuel, the hybrid sys-tem may not be able to start. (The stan-
dard amount of fuel is about 8.8 L [2.3 gal., 1.9 Imp.gal.], when the vehicle is on a level surface. This value may vary
when the vehicle is on a slope. Add extra fuel when the vehicle is inclined.)
■Electromagnetic waves
●High voltage parts and cables on the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles incor-porate electromagnetic shielding, and
therefore emit approximately the same amount of electromagnetic waves as conventional gasoline pow-
ered vehicles or home electronic appliances.
●Your vehicle may cause sound inter-ference in some third party-produced radio parts.
■Effect of magnetic forces
If objects that generate strong magnetic forces, such as large speakers, are placed inside the luggage compartment
or installed nearby, the generated mag- netic forces may negatively affect the hybrid system.
■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 bat-
tery (traction battery) is charged. This is a natural characteristic of lithium-ion batteries, and is not a malfunction. Also,
even though the EV driving range becomes shorter when the hybrid bat-tery (traction battery) capacity reduces,
vehicle performance does not signifi- cantly become worse.
In order to reduce the possibility of the
capacity reducing, follow the directions listed on P.133, “Capacity reduction of the hybrid battery (traction battery)”.
■Starting the hybrid system in an
extremely cold environment
When the hybrid battery (traction bat- tery) is extremely cold (below approxi-
mately -30°C [-22°F]) under the influence of the outside temperature, it may not be possible to start the hybrid
system. In this case, try to start the hybrid system again after the tempera-ture of the hybrid battery increases due
to the outside temperature increase etc.
■Declaration of conformity
This model conforms to hydrogen emis- sions according to regulation ECE100
(Battery electric vehicle safety).
I
J
K
L
WARNING
■High voltage precautions
The vehicle has high voltage DC and AC systems as well as a 12-volt sys-tem. DC and AC high voltage is very
dangerous and can cause severe burns and electric shock that may result in death or serious injury.

97
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2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Plug-in hybrid system
WARNING
●Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts,
cables or their connectors.
●The hybrid system will become hot
after starting as the system uses high voltage. Be careful of both the high voltage and the high tempera-
ture, and always obey the caution labels attached to the vehicle.
●Never try to open the service plug access hole located in the luggage compartment. The service plug is
used only when the vehicle is ser- viced and is subject to high voltage.
■Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of death or serious
injury:
●Pull your vehicle off the road, apply
the parking brake, shift the shift lever to P, and turn the hybrid sys-tem off.
●Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables and connectors.
●If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electric
shock may occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
●Do not touch the battery if liquid is leaking from or adhering to it.If electrolyte (carbonic-based
organic electrolyte) from the hybrid battery (traction battery) comes into contact with the eyes or skin, it
could cause blindness or skin wounds. In the unlikely event that it comes into contact with the eyes or
skin, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water, and seek immediate medical attention.
●If electrolyte is leaking from the hybrid battery (traction battery), do
not approach the vehicle. Even in the unlikely event that the hybrid battery (traction battery) is
damaged, the internal construction of the battery will prevent a large amount of electrolyte from leaking
out. However, any electrolyte that does leak out will give off a vapor. This vapor is an irritant to skin and
eyes and could cause acute poi- soning if inhaled.
●Do not bring burning or high-tem-perature items close to the electro-lyte. The electrolyte may ignite and
cause a fire.
●If a fire occurs in the Plug-in Hybrid
Electric Vehicle, leave the vehicle as soon as possible. Never use a fire extinguisher that is not meant
for electric fires. Using even a small amount of water may be danger-ous.
●If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with front wheels raised. If the
wheels connected to the electric motor (traction motor) are on the ground when towing, the motor may
continue to generate electricity. This may cause a fire. ( P.529)

982-1. Plug-in hybrid system
WARNING
●Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid
has leaked onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leave the vehicle as soon as possi-
ble.
■Hybrid battery (traction battery)
●Your vehicle contains a sealed lith- ium-ion battery.
●Never resell, hand over or modify the hybrid battery. To prevent acci-dents, hybrid batteries that have
been removed from a disposed vehicle are collected through any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota
authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer. Do not dispose of the bat-tery yourself. Unless the battery is
properly collected, the following may occur, resulting in death or serious injury:
• The hybrid battery may be illegally disposed of or dumped, and it is
hazardous to the environment or someone may touch a high voltage part, resulting in an electric shock.
• The hybrid battery is intended to be used exclusively with your Plug-in
Hybrid Electric Vehicle. If the hybrid battery is used outside of your vehi-cle or modified in any way, acci-
dents such as electric shock, heat generation, smoke generation, an explosion and electrolyte leakage
may occur. When reselling or handing over your vehicle, the possibility of an
accident is extremely high because the person receiving the vehicle may not be aware of these dangers.
●If your vehicle is disposed of with-out the hybrid battery having been removed, there is a danger of seri-
ous electric shock if high voltage parts, cables and their connectors are touched. In the event that your
vehicle must be disposed of, the hybrid battery must be disposed of by any authorized Toyota retailer or
Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer, or a qualified ser-vice shop. If the hybrid battery is
not disposed of properly, it may cause electric shock that can result in death or serious injury.
■Caution while driving
If the vehicle under floor area
receives strong shock or impact while driving, stop the vehicle in a safe area and check around the bottom of the
vehicle. If there is damage to the hybrid battery (traction battery) or liq-uid leakage, it may lead to a vehicle
fire, etc. Do not touch the vehicle and immediately contact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer.
■Modifications
Do not modify the vehicle to make the height lower.
It is easier for the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) in the under floor area to come in contact with the ground when the vehicle is lowered. If the hybrid
battery (traction battery) is damaged, a vehicle fire may occur which could lead to death or serious injury.