2012 Toyota Prius Owners Manual - Page 480

2 -1 . Driving proc e dure s EV drive m ode 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 early in the morning and 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]). 170