Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle driving tips For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following points: Using EV mode, AUTO EV/HV mode and HV mode effectively Primarily using EV mode and AUTO EV/HV mode when driving in cities and using HV mode when driving on highways (or freeways) can help conserve fuel and electricity. (Plug-in hybrid system operation mode selection switches) Using Eco drive mode 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 operation of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling) will be minimized, improving fuel and electricity economy. (Driving mode select switch) Use of Hybrid System Indicator Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System Indicator within Eco area. (Hybrid System Indicator) Changing the shift position 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 generated. Also, when using the air conditioning system, etc., the hybrid battery (traction battery) power is consumed. 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 consumption. 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 slowing 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 excessive 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 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 HV mode while on the freeway and change to EV mode or AUTO EV/HV mode after leaving the freeway. (Plug-in hybrid system operation mode selection switches) Air conditioning Turn the “ A/C” switch 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 recirculated air mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air conditioning system and reduce electricity 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 (if equipped) are effective. (Heated steering wheel*/seat heaters*/seat ventilators*) 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 carrying 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.