Lexus ES: EV drive mode

In EV drive mode, electric power is supplied by the hybrid battery (traction battery), and only the electric motor (traction motor) is used to drive the vehicle.

However, when the vehicle proximity notification system is active, the vehicle may produce sound.

Operating instructions

Turns EV drive mode on/off

When EV drive mode is turned on, the EV drive mode indicator will come on. Pressing the switch when in EV drive mode will return the vehicle to normal driving (using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction motor]).

■Situations in which EV drive mode cannot be turned on It may not be possible to turn EV drive mode on in the following situations. If it cannot be turned on, a buzzer will sound and a message will be shown on the multi-information display.

• The temperature of the hybrid system is high.

  The vehicle has been left in the sun, driven on a hill, driven at high speeds, etc.

• The temperature of the hybrid system is low.

  The vehicle has been left in temperatures lower than about 32ºF (0ºC) for a long period of time etc.

• The gasoline engine is warming up.
• The hybrid battery (traction battery) is low.

  The remaining battery level indicated in the energy monitor display is low.

• Vehicle speed is high.
• The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
• The windshield defogger is in use.

■Switching to EV drive mode when the gasoline engine is cold If the hybrid system is started while the gasoline engine is cold, the gasoline engine will start automatically after a short period of time in order to warm up. In this case, you will become unable to switch to EV drive mode.

After the hybrid system has started and the "READY" indicator has illuminated, press the EV drive mode switch before the gasoline engine starts to switch to EV drive mode.

■Automatic cancelation of EV drive mode When driving in EV drive mode, the gasoline engine may automatically restart in the following situations. When EV drive mode is canceled, a buzzer will sound and the EV drive mode indicator will flash and go off.

• The hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes low.

  The remaining battery level indicated in the energy monitor display is low.

• Vehicle speed is high.
• The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.

When it is possible to inform the driver of automatic cancelation in advance, a prior notice screen will appear on the multi-information display.

■Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode EV drive mode's possible driving distance ranges from a few hundred meters to approximately 0.6 mile (1 km). However, depending on vehicle conditions, there are situations when EV drive mode cannot be used.

(The distance that is possible depends on the hybrid battery [traction battery] level and driving conditions.)

■Fuel economy The hybrid system is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy during normal driving (using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction motor]). Driving in EV drive mode more than necessary may lower fuel economy.

■If "EV Mode Unavailable" is shown on the multi-information display The EV drive mode is not available. The reason the EV drive mode is not available (the vehicle is idling, battery charge is low, vehicle speed is higher than the EV drive mode operating speed range or accelerator pedal is depressed too much) may be displayed.

Use the EV drive mode when it becomes available.

■If "EV Mode Deactivated" is shown on the multi-information display The EV drive mode has been automatically canceled. The reason the EV drive mode is not available (the battery charge is low, vehicle speed is higher than the EV drive mode operating speed range or accelerator pedal is depressed too much) may be displayed. Drive the vehicle for a while before attempting to turn on the EV drive mode again.

WARNING

■Caution while driving When driving in EV drive mode, pay special attention to the area around the vehicle.

Because there is no engine noise, pedestrians, people riding bicycles or other people and vehicles in the area may not be aware of the vehicle starting off or approaching them, so take extra care while driving. Therefore, take extra care while driving even if the vehicle proximity notification system is active.

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