3.5. Electric vehicle characteristics

Pay special attention to pedestrians. Because there is no engine noise, pedestrians may not know the vehicle is approaching, moving or about to move, and may step into the path of vehicle travel.

When leaving the vehicle, be sure to turn off the electric vehicle system.

Be sure to push the P (Park) position switch on the shift lever and apply the parking brake when parking because the vehicle can move when the READY to drive indicator light is ON. When the READY to drive indicator light is ON, do not leave your vehicle in a shift position other than the P (Park) position.

Keep the brake pedal depressed until you are ready to drive. When the vehicle is in the D (drive), B or R (reverse) position, and you release the brake pedal, even without depressing the accelerator, the vehicle will creep and may start abruptly. This may cause serious injury or death.

The vehicle cannot run with a discharged Li-ion battery. Repeated acceleration consumes more power from the Li-ion battery than driving at a steady speed.

This vehicle is equipped with a regenerative brake system. The primary purpose of the regenerative brake system is to generate some power to recharge the Li-ion battery and to extend the driving range. A secondary benefit is “engine braking” that operates based on Li-ion battery conditions.

In the D (Drive) position, when the accelerator pedal is released, the regenerative brake system provides some deceleration.

When you place the shift lever in the B position and take your foot off the accelerator pedal, more regenerative brake is applied than in the D (Drive) position.

Less deceleration is provided by the regenerative brake system when the Li-ion battery is fully charged. Regenerative braking is automatically reduced when the Li-ion battery is fully charged to prevent the Li-ion battery from becoming overcharged. Regenerative braking is also automatically reduced when the battery temperature is high/low (indicated by the red/blue zones on the Li-ion battery temperature gauge) to prevent Li-ion battery damage.

The brake pedal should be used to slow or stop the vehicle depending on traffic or road conditions. The vehicle brakes are not affected by regenerative brake system operation.