Toyota RAV4 Prime (2023 year). Manual in english

2-1. Plug-in hybrid system



When the accelerator pedal is
depressed heavily, drive force
from both the gasoline engine
and the electric motor (trac-
tion motor) is used to acceler-
ate.

: When the hybrid battery (traction

battery) requires charging or the
engine is warming up, etc., the
gasoline engine will not automati-
cally stop. (



P.81)

■

When braking (regenera-
tive braking)

The electric motor (traction
motor) charges the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery).
The EV driving range can be
extended by actively using this
regenerative braking to store
electricity in the hybrid battery
(traction battery).
Moreover, as fuel consumption
is also reduced when in HV
mode, the regenerative braking
system can be used effectively.

■

Regenerative braking

In the following situations, kinetic

energy is converted to electric

energy and deceleration force can

be obtained in conjunction with the

recharging of the hybrid battery

(traction battery).

●

The accelerator pedal is released

while driving with the shift lever in

D or S.

●

The brake pedal is depressed

while driving with the shift lever in

D or S.

■

EV driving range

●

The EV driving range is displayed

on the multi-information display.

(



P.173, 178)

●

The EV driving range changes in

accordance with the charge status

of the hybrid battery (traction bat-

tery), the speed of the vehicle, etc.

●

Even if there is enough charge

remaining in the hybrid battery

(traction battery), EV driving may

be canceled and both gasoline

engine and electric motor are

used depending on the situation.

(



P.80)

■

EV indicator

The EV indicator comes on when

the vehicle is driven using only the

electric motor (traction motor) or the

gasoline engine is stopped.
The on/off operation of the EV indi-
cator can be changed. (



P.191,

203)

■

After EV mode has switched to

HV mode due to low hybrid bat-

tery (traction battery) charge

If the hybrid battery (traction battery)

is regenerated by driving continu-

ously down a long slope, the EV

driving range etc. will be displayed

on the multi-information display and

EV mode will be automatically

switched to.
If EV mode is not switched to even

though EV driving range is being

displayed, EV mode can be

switched to by pressing the EV/HV

mode selection switch.

■

Gasoline engine operation in

EV mode or AUTO EV/HV mode

Even if there is a sufficient amount

of electricity remaining in the hybrid

2-1. Plug-in hybrid system

Plug-in

hybri
d

battery (traction battery) and EV

driving range (



P.186, 199) is

being displayed on the multi-infor-

mation display, EV driving (driving

using only the electric motor) may

be canceled and both gasoline

engine and electric motor are used

depending on the situation (EV driv-

ing will be returned to automatically

after EV driving becomes possible

again).
EV driving may be canceled auto-

matically in the following circum-
stances

●

When vehicle speed is more than

approximately 84 mph (135 km/h).

●

When power is needed temporar-

ily, for example when the acceler-

ator pedal is depressed firmly or
when accelerating suddenly.

●

When the temperature of the

hybrid system is high.

The vehicle has been left in the

sun, driven on a hill, driven at high

speeds, etc.

●

When the temperature of the

hybrid system is low.

●

When the heater is switched on

when the outside temperature is

below about 14°F (-10°C).

●

When the windshield defogger

switch is pressed. (



P.424)

●

When the system determines that

the gasoline engine needs to be

started.

:The gasoline engine may also

operate in circumstances other
than those listed above, depend-
ing on conditions.

:When driving in AUTO EV/HV

mode. Even in EV mode, the gas-
oline engine may start, depend-
ing on the condition of the hybrid
battery (traction battery).

■

If “Engine Started to Protect

System EV driving unavailable”

is displayed on the multi-infor-

mation display

EV driving may be canceled in order

to protect the hybrid system, etc.
In this case, perform driving with the

gasoline engine until EV driving will

be returned to automatically.

■

Conditions in which the gaso-

line engine may not stop

The gasoline engine starts and

stops automatically. However, it

may not stop automatically in the
following conditions

●

During gasoline engine warm-up

●

During hybrid battery (traction bat-

tery) charging

●

When the temperature of the

hybrid battery (traction battery) is

high or low

●

When the windshield defogger

switch is pressed. (



P.424)

: Depending on the circumstances,

the gasoline engine may also not
stop automatically in situations
other than those above.

■

Sounds and vibrations specific

to a Plug-in Hybrid Electric

Vehicle

There may be no engine sound or

vibration even though the vehicle is

able to move with the “READY” indi-

cator is illuminated. For safety,

apply the parking brake and make

sure to shift the shift lever to P when

parked.
The following sounds or vibrations

may occur when the hybrid system

is operating and are not a malfunc-

tion.

●

Motor sounds may be heard from

the engine compartment.

●

Sounds may be heard from the

hybrid battery (traction battery)

when the hybrid system starts or

stops.

2-1. Plug-in hybrid system

●

Relay operating sounds such as a

snap or soft clank will be emitted

from the hybrid battery (traction

battery), under the rear seats or

under the floor, when the hybrid

system is started or stopped.

●

Sounds from the hybrid system

may be heard when the back door

is open.

●

Sounds may be heard from the

transmission when the gasoline

engine starts or stops, when driv-

ing at low speeds, or during idling.

●

Engine sounds may be heard

when accelerating sharply.

●

Sounds may be heard due to

regenerative braking when the

brake pedal is depressed or as

the accelerator pedal is released.

●

Vibration may be felt when the

gasoline engine starts or stops.

●

Cooling fan sounds may be heard

from the air intake vent under the

rear seat. (



P.89)

●

Sounds may be heard from near

the hybrid battery (traction battery)

in accordance with the operation

of the air conditioning system or

battery cooler. (



P.114)

■

Maintenance, repair, recycling,

and disposal

Contact your Toyota dealer regard-

ing maintenance, repair, recycling

and disposal. Do not dispose of the

vehicle yourself.

In order to make EV mode or
AUTO EV/HV mode available,
charge the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) from an external
power source before using the
vehicle.

Even if charging the hybrid battery
(traction battery) has not been com-

pleted, the vehicle can be driven.
However, if there is not enough
charge remaining, it is possible that
the vehicle cannot be driven in EV
mode or AUTO EV/HV mode or the
EV driving range will become
shorter.

■

Refilling fuel

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles can

be driven using electricity charged

from an external power source.

However, as the gasoline engine is

used depending on the situation

(



P.80) even if in EV mode or

AUTO EV/HV mode, and the gaso-

line engine is provided on board as

a power source for driving in HV

mode, it is needed to refueling the

vehicle.
Check the fuel amount and refill

immediately when the fuel level

becomes low. (



P.332)

■

If the vehicle is not used for a

long time

●

The 12-volt battery may dis-

charge. In this event, charge the

12-volt battery. (



P.569)

In order to prevent the hybrid bat-

tery (traction battery) from becom-

ing extremely low in charge,

charge the hybrid battery (traction

battery) from external power

source or start the hybrid system

Charging (



P.97)

2-1. Plug-in hybrid system

Plug-in

hybri
d

at least once every 2 or 3 months,

and turn the power switch off after

the gasoline engine has stopped

automatically. (If the gasoline

engine does not start up even

after approximately 10 seconds

have passed since the “READY”

indicator came on, the power

switch can be turned to off without

any further action.)

When the 12-volt battery is dis-

charged, refer to P.569, “If the 12-

volt battery is discharged” and

perform the correction procedure.

●

When the vehicle is left with the

AC charging cable connected, the

electricity consumption amount of

the 12-volt battery increases due

to controls, such as the system

checking, operating. When the AC

charging cable is not needed,

remove it from the vehicle.

When driving with the gasoline
engine stopped, a sound, which
changes in accordance with the
driving speed, will be played in
order to warn people nearby of
the vehicle’s approach. The
sound will stop when the vehicle
speed exceeds approximately
22 mph (35 km/h).

■

Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Sys-

tem

In the following cases, the Acoustic

Vehicle Alerting System may be dif-

ficult for surrounding people to hear.

●

In very noisy areas

●

In the wind or the rain

Also, as the Acoustic Vehicle Alert-

ing System is installed on the front

of the vehicle, it may be more diffi-

cult to hear from the rear of the vehi-

cle compared to the front.

■

When “Acoustic Vehicle Alert-

ing System Malfunction Visit

your Dealer” is displayed on the

multi-information display

The Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Sys-

tem may be malfunctioning. Have

the vehicle inspected by your

Toyota dealer immediately.

: This function can only be used in

the mainland U.S.A. It cannot be
used in other states and territo-
ries, including Alaska and Hawaii.

This system operates based on
the driving situation and traffic
information to enhance fuel
economy.
For details about Predictive effi-
cient drive, refer to “MULTIME-
DIA OWNER’S MANUAL”.

■

Predictive deceleration sup-
port



When the vehicle approaches
to predictive deceleration sup-
port points registered in the
navigation system, the refer-
ence operation range (

) of

the ECO Accelerator Guid-
ance (



P.187) on the multi-

information display will be
turned off to encourage the
driver to reduce excessive
acceleration.

With 7-in display:

Acoustic Vehicle Alerting
System

Predictive efficient drive
(if equipped)

2-1. Plug-in hybrid system

Plug-in

hybri
d

The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the actual
item.

Caution label

High voltage cables (orange)

Power control unit

DC/DC converter

Rear electric motor (traction motor)

AC charging inlet

Service plug

Onboard traction battery charger

Hybrid battery (traction battery)

Plug-in hybrid system precautions

Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it contains a
high voltage system (about 650V at maximum) as well as
parts that become extremely hot when the hybrid system is
operating. Obey the caution labels attached to the vehicle.

System components

2-1. Plug-in hybrid system

Front electric motor (traction motor)

Air conditioning compressor

Junction box

■

Running out of fuel

When the vehicle has run out of fuel

and the hybrid system cannot be

started, refuel the vehicle with at

least enough gasoline to make the

low fuel level warning light (



P.547)

go off. If there is only a small

amount of fuel, the hybrid system

may not be able to start. (The stan-

dard amount of fuel is about 2.3 gal.

[8.8 L, 1.9 Imp.gal.], when the vehi-

cle is on a level surface. This value

may vary when the vehicle is on a

slope. Add extra fuel when the vehi-

cle is inclined.)

■

Electromagnetic waves

●

High voltage parts and cables on

the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehi-

cles incorporate electromagnetic

shielding, and therefore emit

approximately the same amount

of electromagnetic waves as con-

ventional gasoline powered vehi-

cles or home electronic

appliances.

●

Your vehicle may cause sound

interference in some third party-

produced radio parts.

■

Effect of magnetic forces

If objects that generate strong mag-

netic forces, such as large speak-

ers, are placed inside the luggage

compartment or installed nearby,

the generated magnetic forces may

negatively affect the hybrid system.

■

Hybrid battery (traction battery)

(lithium-ion battery)

The hybrid battery (traction battery)

has a limited service life.
The hybrid battery (traction battery)

capacity (the ability to hold a

charge) reduces with time and use

in the same way as other recharge-

able batteries. The extent at which

capacity reduces changes drasti-

cally depending on the environment

(ambient temperature, etc.) and

usage conditions, such as how the

vehicle is driven and how the hybrid

battery (traction battery) is charged.

This is a natural characteristic of

lithium-ion batteries, and is not a

malfunction. Also, even though the

EV driving range becomes shorter

when the hybrid battery (traction

battery) capacity reduces, vehicle

performance does not significantly

become worse.
In order to reduce the possibility of

the capacity reducing, follow the

directions listed on P.119, “Capacity

reduction of the hybrid battery (trac-

tion battery)”.

■

Starting the hybrid system in an

extremely cold environment

When the hybrid battery (traction

battery) is extremely cold (below

approximately -22°F [-30°C]) under

the influence of the outside tem-

perature, it may not be possible to

start the hybrid system. In this case,

try to start the hybrid system again

after the temperature of the hybrid

battery increases due to the outside

temperature increase etc.

WARNING

■

High voltage precautions

The vehicle has high voltage DC

and AC systems as well as a 12-

volt system. DC and AC high volt-

age is very dangerous and can

cause severe burns and electric

shock that may result in death or

serious injury.

2-1. Plug-in hybrid system

Plug-in

hybri
d

WARNING

●

Never touch, disassemble,

remove or replace the high volt-

age parts, cables or their con-

nectors.

●

The hybrid system will become

hot after starting as the system

uses high voltage. Be careful of

both the high voltage and the

high temperature, and always

obey the caution labels

attached to the vehicle.

●

Never try to open the service

plug access hole located in the

luggage compartment. The ser-

vice plug is used only when the

vehicle is serviced and is sub-

ject to high voltage.

■

Road accident cautions

Observe the following precautions

to reduce the risk of death or seri-

ous injury:

●

Pull your vehicle off the road,

apply the parking brake, shift

the shift lever to P, and turn the

hybrid system off.

●

Do not touch the high voltage

parts, cables and connectors.

●

If electric wires are exposed

inside or outside your vehicle,

an electric shock may occur.

Never touch exposed electric

wires.

●

Do not touch the battery if liquid

is leaking from or adhering to it.

If electrolyte (carbonic-based

organic electrolyte) from the

hybrid battery (traction battery)

comes into contact with the

eyes or skin, it could cause

blindness or skin wounds. In the

unlikely event that it comes into

contact with the eyes or skin,

wash it off immediately with a

large amount of water, and seek

immediate medical attention.

●

If electrolyte is leaking from the

hybrid battery (traction battery),

do not approach the vehicle.

Even in the unlikely event that

the hybrid battery (traction bat-

tery) is damaged, the internal

construction of the battery will

prevent a large amount of elec-

trolyte from leaking out. How-

ever, any electrolyte that does

leak out will give off a vapor.

This vapor is an irritant to skin

and eyes and could cause acute

poisoning if inhaled.

●

Do not bring burning or high-

temperature items close to the

electrolyte. The electrolyte may

ignite and cause a fire.

●

If a fire occurs in the Plug-in

Hybrid Electric Vehicle, leave

the vehicle as soon as possible.

Never use a fire extinguisher

that is not meant for electric

fires. Using even a small

amount of water may be dan-

gerous.

●

If your vehicle needs to be

towed, do so with front wheels

raised. If the wheels connected

to the electric motor (traction

motor) are on the ground when

towing, the motor may continue

to generate electricity. This may

cause a fire. (



P.538)

2-1. Plug-in hybrid system

WARNING

●

Carefully inspect the ground

under the vehicle. If you find

that liquid has leaked onto the

ground, the fuel system may

have been damaged. Leave the

vehicle as soon as possible.

■

Hybrid battery (traction bat-

tery)

●

Your vehicle contains a sealed

lithium-ion battery.

●

Never resell, hand over or mod-

ify the hybrid battery. To prevent

accidents, hybrid batteries that

have been removed from a dis-

posed vehicle are collected

through Toyota dealer. Do not

dispose of the battery yourself.

Unless the battery is properly

collected, the following may

occur, resulting in death or seri-

ous injury:

• The hybrid battery may be ille-

gally disposed of or dumped,

and it is hazardous to the envi-

ronment or someone may touch

a high voltage part, resulting in

an electric shock.

• The hybrid battery is intended to

be used exclusively with your

Hybrid Electric Vehicle. If the

hybrid battery is used outside of

your vehicle or modified in any

way, accidents such as electric

shock, heat generation, smoke

generation, an explosion and

electrolyte leakage may occur.

When reselling or handing over

your vehicle, the possibility of

an accident is extremely high

because the person receiving

the vehicle may not be aware of

these dangers.

●

If your vehicle is disposed of

without the hybrid battery hav-

ing been removed, there is a

danger of serious electric shock

if high voltage parts, cables and

their connectors are touched. In

the event that your vehicle must

be disposed of, the hybrid bat-

tery must be disposed of by

your Toyota dealer or a qualified

service shop. If the hybrid bat-

tery is not disposed of properly,

it may cause electric shock that

can result in death or serious

injury.

■

Caution while driving

If the vehicle under floor area

receives strong shock or impact

while driving, stop the vehicle in a

safe area and check around the

bottom of the vehicle. If there is

damage to the hybrid battery

(traction battery) or liquid leakage,

it may lead to a vehicle fire, etc.

Do not touch the vehicle and

immediately contact your Toyota

dealer.

■

Modifications

Do not modify the vehicle to make

the height lower.
It is easier for the hybrid battery

(traction battery) in the under floor

area to come in contact with the

ground when the vehicle is low-

ered. If the hybrid battery (traction

battery) is damaged, a vehicle fire

may occur which could lead to

death or serious injury.

2-1. Plug-in hybrid system

Plug-in

hybri
d

There is an air intake vent under
the rear seat for cooling the
DC/DC converter.
Blocking the air intake vent may
prevent the plug-in hybrid sys-
tem from operating properly.

When a certain level of impact is

NOTICE

■

Notice about fuel

●

For Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehi-

cles, 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 refu-

eled 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. If

the message is displayed, refuel

the vehicle immediately.

DC/DC converter air
intake vent

NOTICE

■

DC/DC converter air intake

vent

●

Make sure not to block the air

intake vent with anything, such

as a seat cover, plastic cover, or

luggage. Blocking the air intake

vent may prevent the plug-in

hybrid system from operating

properly.

●

When dust etc. has accumu-

lated in the air intake vent, clean

it with a vacuum cleaner to pre-

vent the vent from clogging.

●

Do not wet or allow foreign sub-

stances to enter the air vent as

this may cause a short circuit

and damage the DC/DC con-

verter.

●

Do not carry large amounts of

water such as water cooler bot-

tles in the vehicle. If water spills

onto the DC/DC converter, the

converter 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 replace-

ment is recommended. When

cleaning the filter, refer to

P.515.

●

If “Maintenance required for

DCDC converter cooling parts

See Owner’s Manual” is shown

on the multi-information dis-

play, the air intake vent and fil-

ter may be clogged. Refer to

P.515 for information on how to

clean the air intake vent.

Emergency shut off sys-
tem

2-1. Plug-in hybrid system

detected by the impact sensor,
the emergency shut off system
blocks off the high voltage cur-
rent and stops the fuel pump to
minimize the risk of electrocu-
tion and fuel leakage.
If the emergency shut off system
activates, your vehicle will not
restart. To restart the hybrid sys-
tem, contact your Toyota dealer.

A message is automatically dis-
played when a malfunction
occurs in the hybrid system or
an improper operation is
attempted.
If a warning message is shown
on the multi-information display,
read the message and follow the
instructions.

■

If a warning light comes on, a

warning message is displayed

or the 12-volt battery is discon-

nected

The hybrid system may not start. In

that case, try to start the system

again. If the “READY” indicator does

not come on, contact your Toyota

dealer.

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



P.76)

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



P.404)

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



P.175, 181)

Hybrid warning message

Plug-in Hybrid Elec-

tric Vehicle driving

tips

For economical and ecolog-
ical driving, pay attention to
the following points:

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

Using Eco drive mode

Use of Hybrid System
Indicator

2-1. Plug-in hybrid system

Plug-in

hybri
d

Shift the shift lever to D when
stopped at a traffic light, or driv-
ing in heavy traffic etc. Shift the
shift lever to P when parking.
When using the N, there is no
positive effect on fuel consump-
tion. In the N, the gasoline
engine operates but electricity
cannot be generated. Also,
when using the air conditioning
system, etc., the hybrid battery
(traction battery) power is con-
sumed.



Drive your vehicle smoothly.
Avoid abrupt acceleration and
deceleration. Gradual accel-
eration 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 con-
sumes hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) power, resulting
in poor fuel consumption. Bat-
tery power can be restored by
driving with the accelerator
pedal slightly released.

Make sure to operate the brakes
gently and a timely manner. A

greater amount of electrical
energy can be regenerated
when slowing down.

Repeated acceleration and
deceleration, as well as long
waits at traffic lights, will lead to
high fuel and electricity con-
sumption. Check traffic reports
before leaving and avoid delays
as much as possible. When driv-
ing 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 excessive
electricity and fuel consumption.



Control and maintain the vehi-
cle 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

Shift lever operation

Accelerator pedal/brake
pedal operation

When braking

Delays

Highway driving

2-1. Plug-in hybrid system

HV mode while on the free-
way and change to EV mode
or AUTO EV/HV mode after
leaving the freeway. (



P.76)



Turn the “A/C” switch off
when it is not needed. Doing
so can help reduce excessive
electricity and fuel consump-
tion.

In summer: When the ambient tem-
perature is high, use the recircu-
lated air mode. Doing so will help to
reduce the burden on the air condi-
tioning system and reduce electric-
ity and fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Avoid excessive and
unnecessary use of the heater.
Usage of the heated steering wheel
(if equipped) and seat heaters are
effective. (



P.433)



Using the Remote Air Condi-
tioning System (



P.431)

while the AC charging cable is
connected to the vehicle can
reduce electricity consump-
tion immediately after starting
off by operating air condition-
ing mainly using electricity
from an external power
source.



When setting the charging
schedule, setting the charging
mode to “Departure” or
“Departure time” and “Climate
Prep” or “Climate preparation”
to on can reduce electricity
consumption immediately

after starting off by operating
air conditioning before
charging is completed.
(



P.128)

Make sure to check the tire infla-
tion pressure frequently. If there
is improper tire inflation pres-
sure 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.

Carrying heavy luggage will lead
to poor fuel economy. Avoid car-
rying unnecessary luggage.
Installing a large roof rack will
also cause poor fuel economy.

Since the gasoline engine starts
up and cuts out automatically,
warming up is not necessary.

Air conditioning

Checking tire inflation
pressure

Luggage

Warming up before driv-
ing

2-1. Plug-in hybrid system

Plug-in

hybri
d

The value displayed on the SOC
(State of Charge) gauge
(



P.173, 178) is estimated from

the following information.



The amount of hybrid battery
(traction battery) charge cur-
rently 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 var-
ies depending on how the vehi-
cle is driven. The vehicle

automatically records the elec-
tricity 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 dif-
fer 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 con-
sumption based on the recorded
value is stable (for approxi-
mately the first month or two).
However, this does not indicate
a malfunction.
When the air conditioning sys-
tem is turned on, the EV driving
range (with using the air condi-
tioning system) is estimated
based on the past air condition-
ing electricity consumption
amount considering that the
electricity consumption may
become higher.

The distance that EV driving is
possible varies significantly
depending on how the vehicle is
driven, road conditions, the
weather, the outside tempera-
ture, usage conditions of electri-
cal components and the number

EV driving range

The EV driving range dis-
played on the multi-informa-
tion display shows the
reference distance that EV
driving (driving using only
the electric motor) is possi-
ble, and the actual distance
that can be driven may dif-
fer 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 situa-
tion. (



P.80)

Displayed value

Tips for extending the EV
driving range

2-1. Plug-in hybrid system

of occupants.
The distance that EV driving is
possible can be extended if the
following is performed:

■

When starting off, depress
the accelerator pedal
smoothly to accelerate

As a guide, accelerate up to
approximately 12mph (20 km/h)
in the first 5 seconds.
Electrical and fuel efficiency can
be improved just by using the
ECO Accelerator Guidance dis-
played on the multi-information
display and taking care to start
off gently. (



P.187)

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 condition-
ing control is switched to eco air
conditioning mode (



P.423) to

reduce the strength of the air condi-
tioning operation.

■

Maintain sufficient vehicle-
to-vehicle distance and do
not accelerate or decelerate
unnecessarily

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 early before stopping
the vehicle, such as at a
traffic light

The regenerative brake will
operate to convert the kinetic
energy of the vehicle into electri-
cal energy, which will charge the
hybrid battery (traction battery).
The regeneration status can be
checked from the Hybrid Sys-
tem Indicator. (



P.175)

When the brake pedal is
depressed lightly during decel-
eration, 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 steer-
ing wheel (if equipped) and
seat heaters

In EV mode, the vehicle is
cooled and heated by electrical
energy. (Except in extremely
cold temperatures of approxi-
mately 14°F (-10°C) or less.)
Preventing excessive cooling or
heating of the vehicle will reduce
power consumption and
improve electrical efficiency.

2-1. Plug-in hybrid system

Plug-in

hybri
d

When eco air conditioning mode
is used, the air conditioning con-
trol is switched automatically to
a lower setting. (



P.423)

The heated steering wheel (if
equipped) 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 tem-
perature setting can be used to
improve electrical and fuel effi-
ciency.

■

Check the tire 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 spec-

ified value will cause a worsening of
several percentage points.

■

When driving on highways,
use the EV/HV mode selec-
tion switch to drive in HV
mode

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

■

Do not load unnecessary
objects in the vehicle

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 effi-
ciency. Remove any exterior
accessories such as a roof lug-
gage 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 lon-
ger needed.

■

Know your vehicle’s electri-
cal and fuel efficiency

If you know your vehicle’s daily
electrical and fuel efficiency, you
will understand the benefits of
Eco drive.
Use the Power Consump-
tion/Fuel Economy, ECO Accel-
erator Guidance/“Eco Score”
and other data displayed on the
multi-information display.

The following indicate that
charging has been carried out
properly.



The charging indicator of the
charging port turns off



“Charging Complete” is dis-
played on the multi-informa-
tion display when a door is
opened with the power switch
off (



P.117)

Regardless of the type of power

Display when charging is
completed

Toyota RAV4 Prime (2023 year). Manual in english - page 5