Prius User-Guide (2010-2012)
When traveling at speeds faster than 62 mph (100 km/h) in the PHV while in EV mode, the larger
version of the EV symbol will become just an empty outline. This informs you that electricity is
being drawn from the battery-pack at a much faster rate than HV mode to provide much higher
efficiency. It also tells you that EV will automatically resume when the vehicles slows down.
At any time while in EV mode, the gas engine may start up. This can happen when accelerating
hard, more heat from the coolant is needed to warm the cabin, or simply when warmth is needed for
the emission-system. Like with EV-BOOST, electricity continues to be drawn from the battery-
pack at the faster rate and the gas engine will shut off as soon as it is no longer needed. The symbol
will change from that empty online back to EV when warm-up is complete.
Energy Monitor
This screen available on the Multi-Information Display is an educational tool for new owners. It provides real-time information about
what the hybrid system is doing while you drive. Seeing the variety & frequency of gas engine, electric motor, and battery interactions
is a very effective way of understanding how the system achieves such high efficiency.
The mode, also known as “Battery Drive”, is when all thrust is provided by the electric motor and
all power is provided by the battery-pack.
Charge
As you approach a stop or just slow down, the excess kinetic energy is used to turn the generator.
This creates electricity, which is used to charge the battery-pack.
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