TOYOTA 2011 Prius - Manual (Page 56)

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1-1. Hybrid system
1
Be
fo
re driving
PRIUS_U (OM47685U) DVD
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 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).