Electric Vehicle system features Battery electric vehicles are considerably different from conventional vehicles. They use electricity charged in a traction battery, to drive the electric motor. Since battery electric vehicles are driven using electricity, they do not emit any emissions such as CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) and NOx (Nitrogen Oxides). Battery electric vehicles are environmentally friendly vehicles. Battery (traction battery) Location Battery (traction battery) Electric motor (traction motor) Location Traction battery Location Traction batterySystem components The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the actual item. ESU: Electricity Supply Unit (built in onboard traction battery charger/DC-DC converter) Electric motor (traction motor)/Inverter (front/rear^*) Traction battery Provides electricity to the electric motor. Charging port 12-volt battery Provides electricity to various vehicle systems such as the SRS airbags, headlights, wipers, etc. ^*AWD models only Brake Regenerative braking EV system Regenerative braking Regenerative brakingWhen braking (regenerative braking) The electric motor (traction motor) charges the traction battery. The driving range can be extended by actively using this regenerative braking to store electricity in the traction battery. Charging The battery electric vehicle is driven using electricity, which is received from an external power source and stored in the traction battery. Not only public charging stations, but also household outlets can be used for charging. Procedures are different from refueling a conventional vehicle. Therefore, make sure to read the following thoroughly. Charging equipment (Charging equipment) AC charging cable (AC charging cable*) Power sources that can be used (Things to know before charging) Things to know before charging (Things to know before charging) How to charge your vehicle (How to use AC charging, How to use DC charging) When charging cannot be performed normally (When charging cannot be carried out) Note: 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 traction battery. The accelerator pedal is released while driving with the shift position in D. The brake pedal is depressed while driving with the shift position in D. Charging the 12-volt battery The 12-volt battery is charged from the traction battery when the EV system is operated or while the traction battery is being charged. If the vehicle has not been used for a long time, the 12-volt battery may become low due to self-discharge. If this occurs, follow the correct procedures. (If the 12-volt battery is discharged) When not using the vehicle for an extended period of time When the vehicle will not be used for an extended period of time, charge the traction battery once a month. This protects the traction battery from extreme voltage decline due to self discharging. When the vehicle will not be used for an extended period of time, the 12-volt battery will be charged from the traction battery to reduce the risk of the 12-volt battery discharged. In this case, the cooling fan may operate, however it is not a malfunction. To prevent the 12-volt battery from being discharged, do not leave the charging port lid open or the charging cable connected to the vehicle. Charging the traction battery Be sure to maintain the traction battery charge level suitable for your driving needs. If the traction battery fully discharges, the vehicle cannot be driven at all. When the battery becomes low, charge it as soon as possible. If the traction battery becomes low If the traction battery becomes low, the traction battery charge warning light comes on or flashes and a message will be displayed on the multi-information display. (Traction battery charge warning light) If the traction battery is completely discharged, the EV system cannot be started and driving will not be possible. When the traction battery becomes low, charge it as soon as possible. Sounds and vibrations specific to an battery electric vehicle Because there is no engine sound or vibration, it is easy to mistake the battery electric vehicle for being off when it is actually still running, as indicated by the “ READY” indicator being illuminated. For safety, make sure to always shift the shift position to P and apply the parking brake when parked. Before and after the EV system is started, the following sounds and vibrations may occur. However, these sounds and/or vibrations are not signs of malfunctions: The brake system operation sound may be heard from the front of the vehicle when the driver’s door is opened. Motor sounds may be heard from the motor compartment or luggage compartment. Electrical relay sounds may be heard from the motor compartment when the EV system starts or stops. Relay operating sounds such as a snap or soft clank will be emitted from the traction battery in the following situations: When the EV system is started or stopped When charging starts or completes When the vehicle is driven the first time after the traction battery has been charged using DC charging Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal is depressed or as the accelerator pedal is released. Cooling fan operating sounds from the radiator. The operation sound of the air conditioning system (air conditioning compressor, blower motor). Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal Contact your Toyota dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and disposal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself. EV system Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System Acoustic Vehicle Alerting SystemAcoustic Vehicle Alerting System A sound which changes in accordance with the driving speed, will be played in order to warn people nearby of the vehicle’s approach. This sound may be heard inside the vehicle. The sound will stop when the vehicle speed exceeds approximately 23 mph (37 km/h). Note: Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System In the following cases, the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System may be difficult for surrounding people to hear. In very noisy areas In the wind or the rain Also, as the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System is installed on the front of the vehicle, it may be more difficult to hear from the rear of the vehicle compared to the front.