Toyota 2012 Prius Owner's Manual page 64

Plug-in hybrid system control
The plug-in hybrid system features both EV mode and HV mode,
which are switched automatically. When a sufficient amount of elec-
tricity is remaining in the hybrid battery (traction battery) the vehicle
can be driven as an electric vehicle in EV mode; and when only a lit-
tle electricity is remaining in the hybrid battery (traction battery), HV
mode is automatically selected and the vehicle can be used in the
same manner as a hybrid vehicle.
The modes can also be switched using the EV/HV mode selection
switch. (→P. 37)
■
EV mode
PRIUS PHV_OM_OM47818U_(U)
1-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Using the electricity stored in the
hybrid battery (traction battery),
the vehicle can be driven using
only the electric motor (traction
motor).
The gasoline engine may also be
used temporarily at the same
time in accordance with the
speed and load of the vehicle,
and with heater usage.
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