Toyota Prius Prime (2020 year). Owner's manual - part 8

120

2-2. Charging

For safety, inspect the charging cable on a routine basis.

Inspecting and maintaining the charging cable

WARNING

■

Routine inspection
Check the following points regularly.
Failure to do so may cause an unexpected accident, resulting in death or
serious injury.

●

The  charging  cable,  plug,  charging  connector,  CCID  (Charging  Circuit
Interrupting Device) etc. have not been damaged

●

The outlet has not been damaged

●

The plug can be securely inserted into the outlet

●

The plug does not get extremely hot during use

●

The tip of the plug has not been deformed

●

The plug is not dirtied by dust etc.

Remove  the plug from  the outlet before  inspecting it. If  any abnormalities
are found in the charging cable as a result of the inspection, immediately
stop use and consult your Toyota dealer.

■

Maintaining the charging cable
When the charging cable is dirty, first remove the dirt with a hard, wringed
cloth, and then wipe the cable with a dry cloth. 
However,  never  wash  it  with  water.  If  the  charging  cable  is  washed  with
water, fire or electric shock may occur during charging, possibly resulting in
death or serious injury.

■

When not using the charging cable for a long time
Remove the plug from the outlet. Dust could accumulate on the plug or in
the outlet, possibly causing overheating which could lead to a fire.
Also, keep the cable in a place free from moisture.

121

2-2. Charging

2

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in hybrid system

Smart lid & connector locking system



Smart lid system
Operating the charging port lid carrying the electronic key on your
person, for  example  in your  pocket, can unlock only  the charging
port lid with the doors of the vehicle locked.
Charging connector locking system
Operating  the  charging  connector  lock  switch  carrying  the  elec-
tronic key on your person, for example in your pocket, can lock and
unlock the charging connector.

It  can  be  used  to  prevent  the  charging  cable  removed  or  stolen  while
charging.

■

Antenna location
P. 290

■

Effective range (areas within which the electronic key is detected)
P. 291



: If equipped

When carrying the electronic key on your person, for example in
your pocket, only the charging port lid can be unlocked, and the
charging connector can be locked or unlocked with the doors of
the vehicle locked.

Smart lid & connector locking system operation

1

2

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2-2. Charging

■

Unlocking the charging port lid
Pressing  the  rear  edge  of  the
charging  port  lid  (the  position
shown  in  the  illustration)  carry-
ing  the  electronic  key  on  your
person,  for  example  in  your
pocket, can unlock the charging
port lid.

Push  and  take  your  hand  away
to slightly open the charging port
lid.

■

Locking the charging port lid

Close  the  charging  port  lid
and  press  the  rear  edge  of
the  charging  port  lid  (the
position shown in the illustra-
tion).

Using the smart lid system

1

123

2-2. Charging

2

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in hybrid system

Locking the doors using the smart key system or wireless remote
control. (

P. 279, 280)

The charging port lid will be locked.
If the charging port lid is closed with the doors locked, the charging port
lid locks.

■

Charging port lid

●

If the rear edge of the charging port lid (the position shown in the illustra-
tions on P. 111 and 122) is pressed when the doors are locked and you are
not  carrying  the  electronic  key,  the  charging  port  lid  opens  slightly,  but
remains locked. Carry an electronic key or unlock the doors, and then press
the charging port lid twice to open it.

●

If the charging port lid is opened and closed repeatedly, the charging port lid
lock may not operate in order to protect the system. In this case, press the
charging port lid twice after a while.

■

If the smart key system has been deactivated in a customized setting
The smart lid & connector locking system will also be deactivated. If the smart
key system has been deactivated in a customized setting, the charging port
lid can be locked and unlocked by performing the following procedures.

●

Locking the charging port lid

Close the charging port lid. (

P. 112)

Locking the doors using the wireless remote control or door lock switch. 
(

P. 280, 281)

The charging port lid can be locked if the steps   and   are performed in
reverse.

●

Unlocking the charging port lid

Unlocking  the  doors  using  the  wireless  remote  control  or  door  lock
switch. (

P. 280, 281)

Open the charging port lid. (

P. 111)

2

1

2

1

2

1

2

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2-2. Charging

■

If the charging port lid does not open using the normal procedure
If the charging port lid does not open when using the normal procedure, it can
be opened in an emergency by performing the following steps.

Open the back door. (

P. 285)

Prepare the wheel nut wrench. (

P. 618)

Insert a wheel nut wrench as shown in the illustration.

Press the center of the rear edge of the charging port lid to open it. 
(

P. 111)

This  unlocking  method  is  a  temporary  correction  procedure  for  emergency
use only. If the problem persists, have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota
dealer immediately.

Pull  the  knob  and  remove  the  cover
shown in the illustration.

Insert  the  end  of  the  wheel  nut
wrench along the cutout of the cover
installation area.
Temporarily  place  the  L-shaped  part
of the wheel nut wrench where it con-
tacts the deck board.
(Place the wheel nut wrench so that it
is perpendicular to the work hole.)

From the condition in step  , insert the
wheel  nut  wrench  upwards  into  the
vehicle.
Pressing  the  emergency  release  lever
inside  the  work  hole  will  unlock  the
charging port lid.

1

2

3

4

1

2

5

4

6

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2-2. Charging

2

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in hybrid system

■

Locking and unlocking the charging connector
Carry  the  electronic  key  on  your  person,  for  example  in  your
pocket.

Insert the charging connector
into the charging inlet. 
(

P. 147)

Press the charging connector
lock switch.

The  charging  connector  is
locked  and  unlocked  each  time
the switch is pressed.

Using the charging connector locking system

1

2

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2-2. Charging

■

Changing the charging connector lock settings
The method for locking and unlocking the charging connector can
be  changed  as  follows  in  the  “Vehicle  Settings”  settings  on  the
multi-information display.

Refer to P. 244 for details on how to change the settings.

*

1

: Carrying the electronic key and unlocking the doors is not necessary.

*

2

: The charging connector can be locked and unlocked by similar operations

to that of “Manual Lock”.

*

3

: The charging connector will be unlocked if power supply is interrupted due

to a power outage etc. after the charging connector is automatically locked.

Setting

Operation description

“Manual Lock” 

(Default setting)

The charging connector  is locked and  unlocked by
pressing  the  charging  connector  lock  switch  when
carrying  the  electronic  key  or  after  unlocking  the
doors.

“Auto Lock”

The  charging  connector  is  automatically  locked
when the charging connector is connected.

*

1, 2

“Auto Lock & Auto 

Unlock”

The  charging  connector  is  automatically  locked
when  the  charging  connector  is  connected  and
automatically  unlocked  when  charging  is  com-
pleted.

*

1, 2, 3

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2-2. Charging

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■

Charging connector locking system

●

If  the  charging  connector  lock  switch  is  operated  repeatedly,  the  charging
connector locking system may not work to protect the system. In this case,
wait for a while before operating the switch again.

●

The charging connector locking system does not guarantee to prevent theft
of the charging cable, and is not necessarily effective for all the situations.

■

When the charging connector cannot be inserted into the charging inlet

■

If the smart key system has been deactivated in a customized setting

●

The  smart  lid  &  connector  locking  system  will  also  be  deactivated.  If  the
smart  key  system  has  been  deactivated  in  a  customized  setting,  the
charging connector can be locked and unlocked by performing the following
procedure.

Unlock the doors using the wireless remote control or door lock switch.
(

P. 280, 281)

Insert the charging connector into the charging inlet (only when locking
the charging connector).
Press the charging connector lock switch.
The charging connector will lock or unlock.

●

When the charging connector lock setting (

P. 126) is set to “Auto Lock”,

the  above  procedures  are  only  necessary  when  unlocking.  When  set  to
“Auto Lock & Auto Unlock”, the connector lock function operates, even if the
smart key system is deactivated.

Check  that  the  connector  lock  pin  is  not
lowered.
If  the  connector  lock  pin  is  lowered,  the
connector  lock  is  operating.  Carry  an
electronic  key  or  unlock  the  doors,  and
then  press  the  charging  connector  lock
switch  to  unlock  the  connector  lock  and
check  that  the  connector  lock  pin  is  not
lowered.

Connector lock pin

1

2

3

128

2-2. Charging

■

If the charging cable cannot be unlocked using the normal procedure
If the charging connector cannot be unlocked by pressing the charging con-
nector  lock  switch  even  after  carrying  an  electronic  key  or  unlocking  the
doors, the charging connector can be unlocked by operating the emergency
release lever.

Approximately 2.0 in. (50 mm)
Approximately 0.9 in. (20 mm)
Open the back door. (

P. 285)

Pull the knob and remove the cover as
shown in the illustration.

Insert a hand from the lower side of the
vehicle  obliquely  upward,  and  hook  a
finger to the emergency release lever.

Move  the  emergency  release  lever  in
the direction shown in the illustration.

*

The charging connector is unlocked and
can be removed.

*

: Make  sure  to  move  in  the  direction

shown in the illustration. Applying force
in  other  directions  may  damage  the
emergency release lever.

1

2

1

2

3

4

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2-2. Charging

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in hybrid system

Reinstall the cover to the its original position.

This method is a temporary correction procedure for emergency use only. If
the problem persists, have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer imme-
diately.
Do  not  operate  the  emergency  release  lever  when  the  charging  connector
can be unlocked in the normal procedure.

■

When recharging or replacing the 12-volt battery
P. 706

WARNING

■

When connecting the charging connector to the charging inlet

5

●

Do  not  insert  hand  into  the  connector
lock portion.
A hand may be caught in the connector
lock pin, resulting in an injury.

●

Be careful not to touch the charging port
lid lock portion.
When the connector lock operates, the
charging port lid lock will also operate.
The charging port lid lock pin may hit a
hand, resulting in an injury.

Connector lock pin

Charging port 
lid lock pin

130

2-2. Charging

NOTICE

■

When locking the charging connector
Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may cause a malfunc-
tion in the charging connector locking system.

●

Check that the charging connector is compatible with this vehicle
A  charging  connector  of  the  different  type  or  a  charging  connector  with
damaged or deformed insertion part may not be locked.

●

Do  not  operate  the  charging  connector  lock  switch  before  the  charging
connector is connected

●

Operate  the  charging  connector  lock  switch  after  firmly  inserting  the
charging connector into the charging inlet

●

Do not apply excessive force to the charging connector when the charging
connector is locked
When removing the charging connector, make sure to unlock the charging
connector.

131

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in hybrid system

Power sources that can be used

● Connect to an AC 120 V outlet (NEMA 5-15R) with a Ground-Fault

Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) and a circuit breaker. Use of a 15A indi-
vidual circuit is strongly recommended to ensure charging cable will
operate properly. 

● When charging outdoors, make sure to connect to a weatherproof

outlet that is certified for outdoor use.
Checking Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) operation before
its use is recommended.

NEMA 5-15R outlet

The  illustration  is  an  example
shown  for  demonstration  pur-
poses,  and  may  differ  from  the
actual configuration.

An  external  power  source  that  fulfills  the  following  criteria  is
necessary  for  charging  this  vehicle.  Confirm  this  before
charging.

WARNING

■

Warnings for electrical faults
Make  sure  to  observe  the  precautions  in  this  Owner’s  Manual  when
charging the vehicle.
Failure  to  use  a  power  source  that  fulfills  the  requirements,  or  failure  to
observe  regulations  while  charging  could  lead  to  an  accident,  possibly
resulting in death or serious injury.

Power sources

Outlets that can be connected

132

2-2. Charging

■

The charging environment
For safe charging, the following charging equipment and settings are recom-
mended.

●

Weatherproof outlet
When  charging  outdoors,  connect  the  plug  to  a  weatherproof  outlet,  and
ensure that the plug remains waterproof while the plug is connected.

●

Dedicated circuit
• To reduce the risk of fire, connect only to an at least 15A branch circuit

with  an  over-current  protection  in  accordance with  the  National  Electric
Code, ANSI/NFPA 70.

• To reduce the risk of electric shock when working with the plug, connect

to a outlet with a Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) or that has an
Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker installed.

■

When your circuit breaker trips during charging
The upper limit of the charging current can be changed in the “Vehicle Set-
tings” settings on the multi-information display.

Press 

 or 

 of the meter control switches to select 

 (“Vehicle

Settings”) in the 

 screen, and then press 

.

Press 

 or 

 of the meter control switches to select “Charge Settings”,

and then press 

.

The “Charge Settings” screen will display.

Press 

 or 

 of the meter control switches to select “Charge Current”,

and then press 

.

The “Charge Current” screen will display.

Press 

  or 

  of  the  meter  control  switches  to  select  “8A”,  and  then

press 

.

The maximum charging current during charging will be restricted to 8A.

*

If the breaker still trips while charging, even after changing the upper limit of
the charging current, check if the connected power source meets the speci-
fied charging conditions. (

P. 131)

*

: Restricting the charging current will lengthen the charging time.

1

2

3

4

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WARNING

■

Power sources precautions
Observe the following precautions.
If you do not follow them, fire, electrical shock or damage may occur, possi-
bly resulting in death or serious injury.

●

Connect to an AC 120 V outlet (NEMA 5-15R) with a Ground-Fault Circuit-
Interrupter (GFCI) and supplied by a circuit breaker per your local code.
Use of a 15A individual circuit is strongly recommended.

●

Use of a block heater for charging is prohibited.

●

Make sure to connect the charging connector and charging inlet directly.
Do  not  connect  a  converting  adaptor  or  extension  cord  between  the
charging connector and charging inlet.

●

Do not connect the charging cable to a
multi-outlet adapter, multi-plugs, or con-
version plug.

●

Connecting  the  charging  cable  to  an
extension cord is strictly prohibited. The
extension cord may overheat and does
not contain a Ground-Fault Circuit-Inter-
rupter (GFCI).

●

Do not connect to a power strip.

ITO12P109

ITO12P110

134

2-2. Charging

Charging methods

◆

Charging from an external power source (

P. 146)

This is a charging method used when charging from an AC outlet
(120 V) with the charging cable equipped to the vehicle or charging
at a public charging station.

The charging start time (or departure time) and day can be set to carry
out charging using the timer at the desired date and time. (

P. 157)

◆

Using the hybrid battery (traction battery) charge mode 
(

P. 89)

The plug-in hybrid system can be switched to hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) charge mode to charge the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) using electricity generated by gasoline engine operation.

The  maximum  charge  amount  in  the  hybrid  battery  (traction  battery)
charge mode is approximately 80% of the fully charged capacity for the
charging from an external power source.

The time required to charge the hybrid battery (traction battery) differs
according to the charging voltage and charging current.

*

1

: This  is  the  maximum  value.  Furthermore,  the  upper  limit  of  the  charging

current can be changed in the “Vehicle Settings” settings. (

P. 132)

*

2

: The time required for charging to complete depends on conditions such as

the remaining charge of the hybrid battery (traction battery) and the outside
temperature.

The following methods can be used to charge the hybrid battery
(traction battery).

Estimated charging time

Connected power 

source

Charging station

Home power source

Charging voltage

AC 240 V

AC 120 V

Charging current

*

1

16A

12A

Estimated charging 

time

*

2

Approximately 2 hours

Approximately 5 hours 

10 minutes

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■

Charging time may increase
In the following situations, charging time may become longer than normal:

●

In very hot or very cold temperatures.

●

The  vehicle  is  consuming  a  lot  of  electricity,  for  example,  when  the  head
light switch is on etc.

●

There is a power outage during charging.

●

There is an interruption in the electrical supply.

●

There is a drop in the voltage of external power source.

●

The charge in the 12-volt battery is low, for example due to the vehicle being
left unused for a long period of time.

●

The maximum charging current is set to 8A through the “Vehicle Settings”
settings. (

P. 132)

●

When the “Traction Battery Heater” operates.

●

When the “Traction Battery Cooler” is operated before charging. (

P. 136)

●

When the plug generates heat due to a loose outlet connection etc.

■

Using a DC Charger
DC Chargers cannot be used with this vehicle.

This  vehicle  is  equipped  with  several  functions  that  are  linked  with
charging.

■

“Traction Battery Heater”
When the outside temperature is low and the charging cable is con-
nected to the vehicle, this function automatically warms the hybrid
battery (traction battery) until it reaches or exceeds a certain tem-
perature.
● When the charging cable is removed from the vehicle or remains

connected  to  the  vehicle  for  approximately  3  days,  the  system
automatically stops.

● When  the  charging  timer  is  used  (P.  157),  this  function  will

operate according to the timer settings.

Charging-linked functions