2010 Lexus HS 250h Owners Manual - Page 625

n EV drive mode In EV drive mode, the electric motor (traction motor), powered by the hybrid battery (traction battery), is used to drive the vehicle. This mode allows you to drive in residential areas late at night, or in indoor parking lots etc. without concern for noises and exhaust gas emissions. 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]). n 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. • Engine coolant temperature is low. • Vehicle speed is about 19mph (30km/h) or more. • The hybrid battery (traction battery) is low. An "Energy Monitor" display of level 3 or lower may indicate a low battery level. • 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 32°F (0°C) for a long period of time etc. • The gasoline engine is warming up. • The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc. • The windshield defogger is in use. 21