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.