2013 Lexus ES 350 Owners Manual - Page 50

1-2. Hybrid system 71 ◆ When stopped/during start off The gasoline engine stops when the vehicle is stopped. During start off, the electric motor (traction motor) drives the vehicle. At slow speeds or when traveling down a gentle slope, the engine is stopped and the electric motor (traction motor) is used. ◆ During normal driving The gasoline engine is predominantly used. The electric motor (traction motor) charges the hybrid battery (traction battery) as necessary. 1 For safety and security ◆ When accelerating sharply When the accelerator pedal is depressed heavily, the power of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is added to that of the gasoline engine via the electric motor (traction motor). ◆ When braking (regenerative braking) The electric motor (traction motor) charges the hybrid battery (traction battery). Vehicle proximity notification system When driving with the gasoline engine stopped, a sound, which changes in accordance with the driving speed, will be played in order to warn people nearby of the vehicle's approach. The sound will stop when the vehicle speed exceeds approximately 15 mph (25 km/h). ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)