Important points for the hybrid system
Hybrid system features
Your vehicle is a hybrid electric vehicle. It has characteristics different from con-
ventional vehicles. Be sure you are closely familiar with the characteristics of your
vehicle, and operate it with care. The hybrid system combines the use of a gasoline
engine and an electric motor (traction motor) according to driving conditions,
improving fuel efficiency and reducing exhaust emissions.
WARNING
The driver should pay extra attention to pedestrians when the vehicle is powered only
by the electric motor (traction motor). As there is no engine noise, the pedestrians may
misjudge the vehicle's movement. Even though the vehicle is equipped with the acoustic
vehicle alerting system, drive with care as pedestrians in the vicinity may still not notice
the vehicle if the surrounding area is noisy.
■ When stopped/during start off
The gasoline engine stops
*1
when the vehicle is stopped.
During start off, the electric motor (traction motor) drives the vehicle.
At slow speeds or when traveling down a gentle slope, the engine is stopped
*1
and
the electric motor (traction motor) is used.
When the shift position is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) is not being
charged.
■ During normal driving
The gasoline engine is predominantly used.
The electric motor (traction motor) charges the hybrid battery (traction battery) as
necessary.
INFORMATION
■ Conditions in which the gasoline engine may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically.
*2
● 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 heater is switched on
*1 :
When the hybrid battery (traction battery) requires charging or the engine is warming
up, etc., the gasoline engine will not automatically stop.
*2 :
Depending on the circumstances, the gasoline engine may also not stop automatical-
ly in other situations.
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