2003 Toyota Prius Owners Manual - Page 16

12p016a 12p017a 12p018a Electric power in use When starting or backing up, etc., the gasoline engine efficiency worsens, so the vehicle runs on electric power from hybrid vehicle battery. Gasoline power in use During normal driving, the vehicle runs mainly on gasoline power. However, the electric motor, using electric power generated by the gasoline engine, makes up for any deficiency of gasoline power. The vehicle controls the optimum ratio of the gasoline and electric power to help save energy more effectively. Electric and gasoline power in use When driving at full throttle, electric power is further applied from the hybrid vehicle battery. Vehicle performance improves. 9