Toyota Prius Prime (2020 year). Owner's manual — part 7

104

2-1. Plug-in hybrid system

NOTICE

■

Hybrid battery (traction battery) air vents

●

Make sure not to block the air intake vent with anything, such as a seat
cover, plastic cover, or luggage. If the vents are blocked, the charging/dis-
charging of the hybrid battery (traction battery) may become limited.

●

When dust etc. has accumulated in the air intake vent, clean it with a vac-
uum cleaner to prevent the vent from clogging.

●

Do not wet or allow foreign substances to enter the air vents as this may
cause a short circuit and damage the hybrid battery (traction battery).

●

Do not carry large amounts of water such as water cooler bottles in the
vehicle. If water spills onto the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery
may be damaged. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.

●

A filter is installed to the air intake vent. When the filter remains noticeably
dirty even after cleaning the air intake vent, filter cleaning or replacement
is recommended. When cleaning the filter, refer to P. 570.

■

Notice about fuel

●

For plug-in hybrid vehicles, fuel may remain in the tank for a long time and
undergo changes in quality depending on the how the vehicle is used.
Refuel at least 5.3 gal. (20 L, 4.4 Imp.gal.) of fuel every 12 months (refuel
a total of at least 5.3 gal. [20 L, 4.4 Imp.gal.] over a 12-month period), as
this may affect components of the fuel system or the gasoline engine.

●

If the vehicle has not been refueled for a certain amount of time and it is
possible that the quality of the fuel remaining in the tank has changed, “No
new fuel has been added recently. Please refuel” is displayed on the multi-
information display when the power switch is turned to ON mode. If the
message is displayed, refuel the vehicle immediately.

105

2-1. Plug-in hybrid system

2

Plug-

in hybrid system

Plug-in hybrid vehicle driving tips

◆

Using EV mode and HV mode effectively

Primarily using EV mode when driving in cities and using HV mode
when driving on highways (or freeways) can help conserve fuel and
electricity. (

P. 90)

◆

Using Eco drive mode

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/cooling) will be minimized, improving
fuel and electricity economy. (

P. 419)

◆

Use of Hybrid System Indicator

Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System Indi-
cator within Eco area. (

P. 223)

◆

Shift position operation

Shift the shift position to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving
in heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift position 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 cannot be gener-
ated. Also, when using the air conditioning system, etc., the hybrid
battery (traction battery) power is consumed.

For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:

106

2-1. Plug-in hybrid system

◆

Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
● Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and

deceleration. Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make
more effective use of the electric motor (traction motor) without
having to use gasoline engine power.

● Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes

hybrid battery (traction battery) power, resulting in poor fuel con-
sumption. Battery power can be restored by driving with the
accelerator pedal slightly released.

◆

When braking

Make sure to operate the brakes gently and a timely manner. A
greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slow-
ing down.

◆

Delays

Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at
traffic lights, will lead to high fuel and electricity consumption.
Check traffic 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 accelerator pedal. Doing so can help control exces-
sive 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. If there will be a long distance to the
next external charging point after leaving a freeway, it is recom-
mended to drive in HV mode while on the freeway and change to
EV mode after leaving the freeway.

107

2-1. Plug-in hybrid system

2

Plug-

in hybrid system

◆

Air conditioning

● Turn the “A/C” switch (

*

1

•

*

2

) 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 recir-
culated air mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the
air conditioning system and reduce electricity and fuel consump-
tion as well.
In winter: Avoid excessive and unnecessary use of the heater.
Usage of the heated steering wheel (if equipped) and seat heat-
ers is effective. (

P. 526)

● Using the Remote Air Conditioning System (P. 522) while the

charging cable is connected to the vehicle can reduce electricity
consumption immediately after starting off by operating air condi-
tioning mainly using electricity from an external power source.

● When setting the timer, selecting the start time setting mode and

setting “Climate Prep” to “On” can reduce electricity consumption
immediately after starting off by operating air conditioning before
charging is completed. (

P. 157)

*

1

: Vehicles with 7-inch display

*

2

: Vehicles with 11.6-inch display

◆

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 carry-
ing unnecessary 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.

108

2-1. Plug-in hybrid system

EV driving range

The value displayed on the multi-information display etc. (

P. 212,

228, 235, 252) is estimated from the following information.
● The amount of hybrid battery (traction battery) charge currently

remaining

● The electricity consumption (the estimated distance that can be

driven in EV mode per unit of electrical energy) based on the
recorded value

● Past air conditioning system electricity consumption amount
The electricity consumption 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 range 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 range may change significantly with each charging
until the electricity consumption based on the recorded value is stable
(for approximately the first month or two). However, this does not indi-
cate a malfunction.
When the air conditioning system is turned on, the EV driving range
(with using the air conditioning system) is estimated based on the past
air conditioning electricity consumption amount considering that the
electricity consumption may become higher.

The EV driving range displayed on the multi-information display
etc. shows the reference distance that EV driving (driving using
only the electric motor) is possible, and the actual distance that
can be driven may differ from that displayed.

Even if the EV driving range is displayed, EV driving may be can-
celed and both gasoline engine and electric motor are used depend-
ing on the situation. (

P. 95)

Displayed value

109

2-1. Plug-in hybrid system

2

Plug-

in hybrid system

The distance that can be driven in EV mode varies significantly
depending on how the vehicle is driven, road conditions, the weather,
the outside temperature, usage conditions of electrical components
and the number of occupants.
The distance that can be driven in EV mode can be extended if the fol-
lowing is performed:
● Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front and avoid unnec-

essary acceleration and deceleration

● Accelerate and decelerate the vehicle as smoothly as possible
● Drive at moderate speeds as much as possible and maintain a con-

stant speed

● Set the air conditioning to a moderate temperature and turn the “A/C”

switch (

*

1

•

*

2

) off when it is not needed

● Use tires of the specified size and maintain the specified tire pres-

sure

● Use the EV/HV mode selection switch to drive in HV mode when

driving on a highway
Electricity consumption will increase substantially when driving on a
highway in EV mode.

● Do not add unnecessary weight to the vehicle

*

1

: Vehicles with 7-inch display

*

2

: Vehicles with 11.6-inch display

The following indicate that charging has been carried out properly.
● The charging indicator turns off
● The Hybrid battery (traction battery) status indicators illuminate for

approximately 15 seconds. (

P. 112)

● “Charging Complete” is displayed on the multi-information display

when starting off (

P. 140)

Regardless of the type of power source or whether the charging timer
function is used, charging is completed if the above can be confirmed.
Charging-related messages:

P. 185

Tips for extending the EV driving range

Display when charging is completed

110

2-2. Charging

Charging equipment

*

: If equipped

This vehicle features equipment for connecting to an external
power source.

Charging equipment and names

Charging inlet
Charging inlet light
Charging port lid
(

P. 111, 122)

Charging indicator (

P. 114)

Charging

connector

lock

switch

*

(

P. 125)

Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) status indicator (

P. 112)

Charging cable (

P. 115)

Charging port

1
2
3

4
5

6

7
8

111

2-2. Charging

2

Plug-

in hybrid system

■

Opening the charging port lid
Vehicles without smart lid &
connector locking system:
Press the rear edge of the
charging port lid (the position
shown in the illustration).

Push and take your hand away
to slightly open the charging port
lid. Then open the lid fully by
hand.

Vehicles with smart lid & con-
nector locking system:
Press the rear edge of the
charging port lid (the position
shown in the illustration) with
the doors unlocked.

Push and take your hand away
to slightly open the charging port
lid. Then open the lid fully by
hand.
While the doors are locked, only the charging port lid can be unlocked
by carrying an electronic key and pressing the charging port lid.
(

P. 122)

Opening and closing the charging port lid

112

2-2. Charging

■

Closing the charging port lid
Close the charging port lid and
press the rear edge of the
charging port lid (the position
shown in the illustration).

Vehicles with smart lid & con-
nector locking system:

• When the doors are locked

with the smart key system,
wireless remote control or
door lock switch, the charging
port lid is also locked.
(

P. 279, 281)

• If the charging port lid is

closed with the doors locked,
the charging port lid locks.

When the charging cable is con-
nected to the charging inlet, the
user is informed of the charging
status of the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) by the statuses of 3
indicators (turned off, illuminated
or flashing).

■

During charging

Hybrid battery (traction battery) status indicator

Charging status of the

hybrid battery

(traction battery)

Hybrid battery (traction battery) status indicator

About less than half

Flashes

Not illuminated Not illuminated

About more than half

Illuminated

Flashes

Not illuminated

Full

Illuminated

Illuminated

Flashes

1

2

3

113

2-2. Charging

2

Plug-

in hybrid system

■

Except during charging
The hybrid battery (traction battery) status indicators illuminate

*

1

while the charging port lid is open and any of the followings are per-
formed.
● When an electronic key is carried near the effective range

*

2, 3

(

P. 291)

● When the doors are unlocked

*

1

: The indicators illuminate for a maximum of approximately 15 seconds.

*

2

: Excluding the effective range of the charging port lid.

*

3

: Vehicles with smart lid & connector locking system only

■

When the hybrid battery (traction battery) is fully charged
When the charging cable is connected, all 3 hybrid battery (traction battery)
status indicators illuminate to inform the user that the hybrid battery (traction
battery) is fully charged.

*

*

: If the push lifter (

P. 152) is pushed in, the hybrid battery (traction battery)

status indicators may flash.

Charging status of the

hybrid battery

(traction battery)

Hybrid battery (traction battery) status indicator

About less than half

Illuminated

Not illuminated Not illuminated

About more than half

Illuminated

Illuminated

Not illuminated

Full

Illuminated

Illuminated

Illuminated

1

2

3

114

2-2. Charging

The illumination/flashing pattern
changes to inform the user of the
charging status in the following
ways.

*

1

: Flashes for approximately 15 seconds.

*

2

: Flashes for approximately 10 seconds.

■

Charging indicator
When a system malfunction occurs while charging or using the Remote Air
Conditioning System, the charging indicator rapidly flashes for approximately
10 seconds, and then turns off.
If this occurs, the next time the hybrid system is started, a message is dis-
played on the multi-information display. When a message is displayed, follow
the instructions displayed on the screen.

Charging indicator

Illumination/flashing

pattern

Vehicle condition

Illuminated

• Charging is in progress
• Charging is possible
• “Traction Battery Heater” (

P. 135) is operating

• “Traction Battery Cooler” (

P. 136) is operating

Flashing
(normally)

*

1

When charge schedule is registered (

P. 157) and

charging cable is connected to vehicle

Rapidly flashing

*

2

When charging cannot be carried out due to mal-
function in a power source or the vehicle etc.
(

P. 182)

Not illuminated

• Charging connector is not inserted into charging

inlet

• When the charging timer (

P. 157) is on standby

• When charging is completed

115

2-2. Charging

2

Plug-

in hybrid system

Charging cable

The function, correct operating, etc. of the charging cable are
written.

The names of each part of the charging cable

Charging connector
Latch release button
Plug
Plug-cord
CCID (Charging Circuit Inter-
rupting Device)

Power indicator (

P. 117)

Charging indicator (

P. 117)

Error warning indicator
(

P. 117)

1
2
3
4
5

6
7
8

116

2-2. Charging

The CCID (Charging Circuit Interrupting Device) has the following
safety features.

■

Electrical leakage detection function
If an electrical leakage is detected during charging, the power
source will be automatically interrupted, thus preventing fires or
electrical shocks caused by electrical leakage.

If the power source is interrupted, the error warning indicator flashes.
If the power source is interrupted:

P. 118

■

Automatic check function
This is an automatic system check that is run before charging
begins to check for problems in the operation of the electrical leak-
age detection function.

If a malfunction is found in the electrical leakage detection function as a
result of the check, the error warning indicator flashes to inform the
user. (

P. 118)

■

Temperature detection function
A temperature detection function is equipped to the plug. While
charging, if heat is generated due to looseness on the outlet side
etc., this function suppresses heat by controlling the charging cur-
rent.

■

Conditions for supplying current to the vehicle
The CCID (Charging Circuit Interrupting Device) is designed to pre-
vent electrical current from being supplied to the charging connec-
tor when it is not connected to the vehicle, even if the plug is
inserted into the outlet.

Safety functions

117

2-2. Charging

2

Plug-

in hybrid system

■

Indicator operation
3 indicators are used to indicate the following conditions.

Power indicator

Illuminates when electricity is
flowing to the CCID (Charging
Circuit Interrupting Device).

Charging indicator

Illuminates when charging is in
progress.

Error warning indicator

Flashes when there is an electri-
cal leakage or when a malfunc-
tion occurs in the CCID
(Charging Circuit Interrupting
Device).

CCID (Charging Circuit Interrupting Device) indicator

1

2

3

118

2-2. Charging

■

When a malfunction occurs during charging
The indicators on the CCID (Charging Circuit Interrupting Device)
use a combination of different statuses (not illuminated, illuminated
or flashing) to inform the user of internal malfunctions.

When the error warning indicator is illuminated or flashing, temporarily
remove the plug from the outlet and then reconnect it to check if the
error indicator turns off.
If the error warning indicator turns off, charging is now possible.
If it does not turn off, perform the correction procedure in the following
chart.

*

1

: When this occurs, charging is carried out without a limited charging current.

*

2

: When this occurs, charging is carried out with a limited charging current.

Status

Power

indicator

Error

warning

indicator

Cause/Correction procedure

Charging

system error

Not

illuminated

Not

illuminated

or

illuminated

An

electrical

leakage

is

detected and charging is can-
celed, or there is a malfunction
in the charging cable.

 Consult your Toyota dealer

Illuminated

Flashes

Plug

temperature

detection

malfunction

Flashes

Flashes

There is a malfunction in the
plug temperature detection
part.

*

1

 Consult your Toyota dealer

Plug

temperature

increase

detection

Flashes

Not

illuminated

An increase in the temperature
of the plug is detected due to an
improper connection between
the outlet and plug.

*

2

 Check that the plug is

securely connected to the
outlet.

Charging

cable life

span notice

Illuminated

Flashes

The number of charges using
the charging cable is nearing
the end of its usable life span.

 Consult your Toyota dealer

Charging

cable life

span

Illuminated

Illuminated

The number of charges using
the

charging

cable

has

exceeded its usable number of
charges.

 Consult your Toyota dealer

119

2-2. Charging

2

Plug-

in hybrid system

WARNING

■

When using the charging cable and CCID (Charging Circuit Interrupt-
ing Device)
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may cause an unexpected accident, resulting in death or
serious injury.

●

Do not attempt to disassemble or repair the charging cable, charging con-
nector, plug or CCID (Charging Circuit Interrupting Device).
If a problem arises with the charging cable or the CCID (Charging Circuit
Interrupting Device), stop charging immediately and contact your Toyota
dealer.

●

Do not subject the charging cable, charging connector, plug or CCID
(Charging Circuit Interrupting Device) to strong force or impact.

●

Do not apply excessive force to the charging cable by forcefully folding,
twisting, pulling or dragging the charging cable.

●

Do not damage the charging cable with sharp objects.

●

Do not fold the charging connector or plug or insert foreign objects into
them.

●

Do not put the charging connector and plug into water.
If they are dropped into water, contact your Toyota dealer.

●

Do not bring the charging cable to a high-temperature item such as a heat-
ing device.

●

Do not apply a load to the charging cable and plug-cord (such as wrapping
the charging cable around the CCID (Charging Circuit Interrupting Device)
and the charging connector).

●

Do not use or leave the charging cable in situations where a load is
applied to the outlet and the plug (such as when the CCID (Charging Cir-
cuit Interrupting Device) is hanging in the air without contacting the
ground).

NOTICE

■

When use the charging cable and related parts
P. 155

■

Precautions for low temperatures
In low temperatures, the charging cable and plug-cord may become hard.
Therefore, make sure to not apply excessive force when they are hard. If
excessive force is applied to the hardened charging cable and plug-cord,
they may be damaged.