Prius User-Guide (2010-2012)
Battery Info
The SOC (state-of-charge) level of the battery-pack is indicated by this
illustration on the Multi-Information Display. Only the usable capacity
is shown. So even when no bars are visible, there is still electricity
available. When all 8 bars are filled, the battery-pack isn’t completely
full.
6 bars is the most common level. Drivers won’t often see the top two
filled. Seeing less than the bottom doesn’t often happen either. The
hybrid system attempts to keep the SOC within those 4 middle bars for
maximum longevity of the battery-pack.
Empty is no reason to panic, though new owners sometimes do when
the SOC level gets down to just 1 bar. The engine will simply start up
to replenish the electricity supply. There is no need to alter the way
you drive while that occurs.
Remember, that’s actually about 40 percent of the battery-pack SOC
remaining, even when only 1 bar is showing.
Within the charge-port area on the outside of the Prius is this indicator.
If the timer is set, it will immediately illuminate to confirm connection
to the charger is complete then shut off shortly afterward. Later when
the timer starts charging, this symbol will illuminate again.
If the timer is not set, this symbol will immediately illuminate to
confirm connection to the charger and remain that way until charging
has completed.
When there is an ample supply of electricity available, the symbol for
the battery on the various display screens will appear solid like this. As
the supply lowers, this image of the battery will too.
Below the image of the battery is a rough estimate of the EV distance
available stated in terms of miles. Remember, this number will drop
faster when acceleration is needed and slower when very little power is
needed.
Also, the numeric value is based upon recent travel. If you travel long
distances with few opportunities to recharge, the miles represented will
be lower. If you travel short distance recharging frequently, the miles
represented will be higher. It’s only an estimate using observation,
which will vary over time, not an indicator of actual battery capacity.
As the supply of electricity reaches the depletion point at which EV
will switch over to HV driving, the solid interior of the battery image
will change to bars. This is done as a visual convenience; otherwise, all
you’d ever see following depletion would be an empty battery.
The value will up and down as you continue to drive in HV mode.
Sometimes, there will be enough electricity regenerated to change the
battery image back to solid. This is normal expected operation.
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