Lexus NX450H+ (2022 year). Manual in english - page 2

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle driving tips

For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following points:

■

Using EV mode, AUTO EV/HV mode and HV mode effectively

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

■

Using Eco drive mode

When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accelerator pedal
depression amount can be generated more smoothly than it is in normal condi-
tions. In addition, the operation of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling) will
be minimized, improving fuel and electricity economy.

■

Use of Hybrid System Indicator

The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicate of Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area.

■

Changing the shift position

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 position, there
is no positive effect on fuel consumption. In the N position, the gasoline engine
operates but electricity cannot be generated. Also, when using the air conditioning
system, etc., the hybrid battery (traction battery) power is consumed.

■

Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation

●

Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and deceleration. Grad-
ual 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 consumption. Battery power can
be restored by driving with the accelerator pedal slightly released.

■

When braking

Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner.
A greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slowing 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

1-2. Important points for the plug-in hybrid system

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

Befor

e driving

EV driving range

The EV driving range displayed on the multi-information display shows the refer-
ence 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 canceled and both gasoline
engine and electric motor are used depending on the situation.
The value displayed on EV driving range is estimated from the following informa-
tion.

●

The amount of hybrid battery (traction battery) charge currently remaining

●

The electricity consumption (the estimated distance that EV driving is possible
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 estimating 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 elec-
tricity consumption based on the recorded value is stable (for approximately the
first month or two). However, this does not indicate a malfunction.
As the power consumption becomes high when the air conditioning system is on,
based on previous air conditioning system power consumption data, the EV driving
range when the air conditioning system is operating will be estimated.

Tips for extending the EV driving range

The distance that EV driving is possible 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 EV driving is possible can be extended if the following is per-
formed:

■

When starting off, accelerate using gradual accelerator pedal operation

As a guide, accelerate up to approximately 12 mph (20 km/h) in the first 5
seconds.
Electrical and fuel efficiency can be improved just by taking care to start off gently.

1-2. Important points for the plug-in hybrid system

When the driving mode is set to Eco drive mode, depressing the accelerator pedal
generates smooth torque that makes it easier to operate the accelerator gently.
At the same time the air conditioning system will change to Eco air conditioning mode and
the air conditioning system operation will become moderate.

■

Maintain sufficient vehicle-to-vehicle distance to prevent unnecessary accel-
eration/deceleration

Try to maintain a fixed speed while driving. Driving at a short vehicle-to-vehicle
distance will result in repeating wasteful acceleration and deceleration, which will
worsen the electrical and fuel efficiency.

■

Release the accelerator pedal well before stopping

The regenerative brake will operate to convert the kinetic energy of the vehicle
into electrical energy, which will charge the hybrid battery (traction battery).
The regeneration status can be checked from the Hybrid System Indicator.
When the brake pedal is depressed lightly during deceleration, the regeneration
amount increases, enabling more electrical energy to be recovered.

If the brake pedal is depressed too strongly, the recovered amount indicator will reach the
maximum level and the upper limit of the recoverable energy will be exceeded. Therefore,
be sure to operate the brake pedal early.

■

Use the air conditioning system appropriately, and also utilize the heated
steering wheel and seat heaters

In EV mode, the vehicle is cooled and heated by electrical energy.

Preventing excessive cooling or heating of the vehicle will reduce power consump-
tion and improve electrical efficiency.
The heated steering wheel and seat heaters are efficient heating device that
directly warm the body using less electric power.

When used together with the air conditioning system, a low temperature setting can be
used to improve electrical and fuel efficiency.

■

Checking tire inflation pressure

If the tire pressure is lower than the specified value, it will worsen the electrical and
fuel efficiency.

A pressure level 7 psi (50 kPa, 0.5 kgf/cm

or bar) lower than the specified value

will cause a worsening of several percentage points.

■

Use HV mode when driving on highways

The power consumption will increase significantly if the vehicle is driven in EV
mode on highways.

*1 :

Except in extremely cold temperatures of approximately 14°F (-10°C) or less.

1-2. Important points for the plug-in hybrid system

Befor

e driving

HV mode can be entered by operating the EV/HV mode selection switch.

■

Carry only necessary items

Driving with objects weighing 220 lb. (100 kg) in the vehicle will worsen the
electrical and fuel efficiency by approximately 3%.
Air resistance also greatly affects electrical and fuel efficiency. Remove any exteri-
or accessories such as a roof luggage carrier when they are not being used.
The running resistance of snow tires is high and they will worsen electrical and fuel
efficiency. Replace them with standard tires as soon as they are no longer needed.

■

Understand power/fuel consumption

If you know your vehicle’s daily electrical and fuel efficiency, you will understand the
benefits of Eco drive.
Use the Power Consumption/Fuel Economy and other data displayed on the
multi-information display.

1-2. Important points for the plug-in hybrid system

Charging with the plug-in hybrid system

Important points for charging the hybrid battery (traction battery) of the
plug-in hybrid system

Make sure to read the following precautions before connecting the AC charging
cable to the vehicle and charging the hybrid battery (traction battery).

INFORMATION

■

Safety functions

●

The hybrid system will not start while the AC charging cable is attached to the vehicle,
even if the power switch is operated.

●

If the AC charging cable is connected while the "READY" indicator is illuminated, the
hybrid system will stop automatically and driving will not be possible.

WARNING

■

Caution when charging

People with implantable cardiac pacemakers or cardiac resynchronization therapy-pace-
makers should not carry out the charging procedure. Ask someone else to do it.

●

Do not approach the charger and AC charging cable while charging. Charging
procedure may affect the operation of such devices.

●

Do not remain in the vehicle during charging. Charging procedure may affect the
operation of such devices.

●

Do not enter the vehicle even to take something out of the luggage compartment.
Charging procedure may affect the operation of such devices.

■

When the AC charging cable is connected to the vehicle

Do not operate the shift lever. In the unlikely event that the AC charging cable has been
damaged, the shift position may change from P to another position and the vehicle could
move, possibly leading to an accident.

This vehicle can be connected to a standard household AC outlet in order to
charge the hybrid battery (traction battery), however, it differs greatly from normal
electric appliances as follows. Therefore, improper use may result in fire or electro-
cution.

●

When charging using a 240 V power source, a large amount of current will flow
for a long time.

●

Charging can be conducted outdoors.
To charge properly, follow the procedure after reading the explanation below.
Charging is intended to be carried out by licensed drivers only who properly
understand the charging procedure.

1-3. Charging with the plug-in hybrid system

Befor

e driving

●

Do not allow children to use the AC charging cable without supervision. Also,
keep the AC charging cable out of reach of infants.

●

When charging with a charger, follow the procedures for using each charger.

●

When charging using a public charging station, check the setting of the charging
schedule function.

•

When the charging schedule is registered, temporarily turn off the function or turn
[Charge now] on.

•

When the charging schedule is set to on, charging will not start even if the AC
charging cable is connected. Also, charging fee may occur due to connection of the
AC charging cable.

Related Links

How to charge(P. 68)

Confirm the following before charging

Before charging, always check the following items.

●

The parking brake is applied.

●

Lights such as the headlights, emergency flashers and interior lights etc. are
turned off.

If these light switches are turned on, then these features will consume electricity, and
charging time will increase.

●

The power switch is turned to OFF.

●

Each part of the AC charging cable is in good condition.

INFORMATION

■

During charging

●

The charging starting time may differ depending on the state of the vehicle, but this
does not indicate a malfunction.

●

Cooling fan sounds may be heard from near the rear seat.

●

During charging, sounds may be heard from near the hybrid battery (traction battery)
in accordance with the operation of the air conditioning system or traction battery
cooler.

●

During and after charging, the rear seat and its surrounding area in which the onboard
traction battery charger is installed may get warm.

●

The surface of the CCID (Charging Circuit Interrupting Device) may become hot, but
this does not indicate a malfunction.

●

Depending on radio wave conditions, interference may be heard on the radio.

1-3. Charging with the plug-in hybrid system

●

The current charging condition and the estimated time until charging will complete
can be checked on the multi-information display.

■

Capacity reduction of the hybrid battery (traction battery)

The capacity of the hybrid battery (traction battery) will decline gradually when the
hybrid battery (traction battery) is in use. The rate at which it declines will differ in
accordance with environmental conditions and the way in which the vehicle is used.
Observing the following can help suppress battery capacity decline.

●

Avoid parking the vehicle in areas with a high temperature under direct sunlight when
the hybrid battery (traction battery) is fully charged.

●

Avoid accelerating and decelerating frequently and suddenly when EV driving.

●

Avoid frequent driving near the top speed for EV driving.

●

Leave a low level of charge in the hybrid battery (traction battery) when leaving the
vehicle undriven for a long period of time.
After confirming that EV mode or AUTO EV/HV mode has switched to HV mode,
turn the power switch off.

●

Use the charging schedule function as much as possible in order to fully charge the
hybrid battery (traction battery) immediately before starting off.

Also, if the hybrid battery (traction battery) capacity reduces, the distance that can be
driven in EV mode or AUTO EV/HV mode decreases. However, vehicle performance
does not significantly become worse.

■

When the remaining charge of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is low after
charging

In the following situations, the remaining charge of the hybrid battery (traction battery)
after charging completes may be less than normal in order to protect the system (the EV
driving range after the battery is fully charged may be shorter).

●

Charging is carried out when the outside temperature is low or high.

●

Charging is carried out immediately after high-load driving or in extreme heat.

When none of the above situations apply and there is a drastic drop in the remaining
charge of the hybrid battery (traction battery) after charging completes, have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer.

■

When the charging amount sent to the hybrid battery (traction battery) decreases

When the amount of power supplied by the charger is low or operation of traction
battery heater, etc., reduces the charging power sent to the hybrid battery (traction
battery), the charging amount sent to the hybrid battery (traction battery) may decrease.

*1 :

When this occurs, even if the remaining charge display of the hybrid battery (traction

battery) shows that it is fully charged, the remaining charge rapidly decreases faster

than normal.

1-3. Charging with the plug-in hybrid system

Befor

e driving

■

Certification

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.

1-3. Charging with the plug-in hybrid system

Plug-in hybrid system charging equipment

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

AC charging inlet

AC charging inlet light

Charging indicator

AC charging inlet cap

Charging port lid

AC charging cable

Charging port

Locking and unlocking the charging port lid and charging connector

The charging port lid and charging connector can be locked/unlocked by the
smart access system with push-button start or the wireless remote control.If the
smart access system with push-button start or the wireless remote control does not
operate properly, use the mechanical key.

Locking the charging port lid

Close the charging port lid and lock the doors using the smart access system with
push-button start or wireless remote control.

The charging port lid will be locked.

1-3. Charging with the plug-in hybrid system

Befor

e driving

INFORMATION

If the charging port lid is closed after the doors are locked, the lid will not be locked. In
this case, close the lid and then lock the doors again.

Unlocking the charging port lid

Unlock the doors using the smart access system with push-button start or
wireless remote control.

Press the central rear edge of the charging port lid (the location shown in the
illustration) and open it.

INFORMATION

If the charging port lid is closed when the doors are locked by the security function,
the charging port lid will also be locked.

Locking the charging connector

NOTICE

Observe the following when locking the charging connector. Failure to do so may cause
the charging connector lock system to malfunction.

●

Check that the charging connector is compatible with this vehicle.
A charging connector of the different type or a charging connector with damaged or
deformed insertion part may not be locked.

●

Do not apply excessive force to the charging connector after the charging connector
is inserted.
When removing the charging connector, make sure to unlock the charging connector.

Insert the charging connector into the AC charging inlet.

When the charging connector is inserted, it will be locked automatically.

1-3. Charging with the plug-in hybrid system

WARNING

Observe the following when connecting the charging connector to the AC charging
inlet.

●

Do not insert hand into the connector lock portion. A hand may be caught in the
connector lock pin, resulting in an injury.

●

Be careful not to touch the charging port lid lock portion. When the connector lock
operates, the charging port lid lock will also operate. The charging port lid lock pin
may hit a hand, resulting in an injury.

INFORMATION

■

Charging connector lock function

●

The charging connector lock function does not guarantee that theft of the AC charg-
ing cable will be prevented, and is not necessarily effective for all mischiefs.

●

If the AC charging connector is connected and disconnected repeatedly, the AC
charging connector lock function may temporarily not work to protect the system. In
this case, wait a short time before connecting the AC charging connector to the AC
charging inlet again.

Unlocking the charging connector

Unlock the doors using the smart access system with push-button start or wireless
remote control.

The charging connector will be unlocked

1-3. Charging with the plug-in hybrid system

Befor

e driving

INFORMATION

■

Unlocking the charging connector using the smart access system with push-button
start

If the charging connector is locked while the doors are unlocked, lock and then unlock
the doors to unlock the charging connector.

■

Security function for unlocking

If a door or charging port lid is notopened within approximately 60 seconds after the
vehicle isunlocked, the security feature automatically locks the lid again when the doors
are automatically locked.

■

When the charging connector cannot be inserted into the AC charging inlet

Check that the connector lock pin is not lowered.
If the connector lock pin is lowered, the connector lock is operating. Unlock the doors
using the smart access system with push-button start or wireless remote control and
unlock the charging connector lock and check that the connector lock pin is not lowered.

Changing the charging connector lock settings

The method for locking and unlocking the charging connector can be changed on
the

screen on the center display.

Select

Select [Vehicle customize].

Select [Charging].

Select [Connector lock] and then change the lock/unlock method to your
preferred setting.

The charging connector lock/unlock method can be changed as follows.

Setting

Operation description

"Auto Lock" (De-

fault setting)

The charging connector is automatically locked when the charg-
ing connector is connected.

1-3. Charging with the plug-in hybrid system

Setting

Operation description

"Auto Lock &

Unlock"

The charging connector is automatically locked when the charg-
ing connector is connected and automatically unlocked when
charging is completed.

*1*2

"OFF"

The charging connector lock system does not operate.

INFORMATION

■

Changing the charging connector lock settings

The charging connector lock settings cannot be changed when the AC charging
cable is connected to the vehicle.