2009 Toyota Prius Owners Manual - Page 54

OM47614U_PRIUS_U.book Page 23 Monday, January 11, 2010 11:02 AM 1-1. Hybrid system n When stopped/during take-off The gasoline engine stops when the vehicle is stopped. During take-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 motor is used. n During normal driving The gasoline engine is predominantly used. The electric motor (traction motor) charges the hybrid battery (traction battery) as necessary. n When accelerating sharply The power of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is added via electric motor (traction motor) to that of the gasoline engine. n When braking (Regenerative brake) The electric motor (traction motor) charges the hybrid battery (traction battery). 1 Before driving n Regenerative braking The motor generator converts kinetic energy to electric energy when: l The accelerator pedal is released. l The brake pedal is depressed with the shift lever in "D" or "B". n Conditions in which the gasoline engine may not stop The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically. However, it may not stop automatically in the following conditions: l The gasoline engine is warming up. l The hybrid battery (traction battery) is being charged. l The hybrid battery (traction battery) temperature is low or high. 23 PRIUS_U_(OM47614U)