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 electricity
and fuel consumption.
■ Highway driving
● Control and maintain the vehicle at a constant speed. 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 regenerated when
slowing down.
● Electricity consumption will increase significantly when driving 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 freeway, it is recommended to drive in
HV mode while on the freeway and change to EV mode or AUTO EV/HV
mode after leaving the freeway.
■ Air conditioning
Turn the [A/C] switch off when it is not needed. Doing so can help reduce
excessive electricity and fuel consumption.
In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recirculated air mode. Doing so
will help to reduce the burden on the air conditioning system and reduce electricity and fuel
consumption as well.
In winter: Avoid excessive and unnecessary use of the heater. Usage of the heated steering
wheel and seat heaters are effective.
■ Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. If there is improper tire
inflation pressure in the tires, the EV driving range will become shorter, and fuel
consumption 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.
■ Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage will lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carrying unnecessa-
ry luggage. Installing a large roof rack will also cause poor fuel economy.
■ Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically, warming up is not
necessary.
1-2. Important points for the plug-in hybrid system
48
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