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Priustoric
All that transpired before the Prius
PHEV
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle
PSD
Power-Split Device, the planetary gear set which divides power between the ICE and the two electric motor-
generators, also functions as the continuously-variable transmission.
PZEV
Partial Zero Emission Vehicle. (A manufacturer must eliminate evaporative emissions and ensure that the
vehicle will run cleanly for its entire projected life. Even if the vehicle is just sitting in the driveway, it is still
polluting. The source of this pollution is hydrocarbons emitted from the gas tank as gasoline slowly
evaporates. To achieve PZEV certification, all evaporative emissions must be eliminated.)
R&D
Research & Development
SE
Smart-Entry: It is proximity detection system that automatically senses a wireless transmitter (called a "key-
fob") in your pocket or purse, allowing you to unlock the doors & hatch without the need to use a physical key
or push a button on a remote.
SE/SS
Smart-Entry & Smart-Start
SOC
State Of Charge - indicating the amount of stored electricity available in the battery-pack
SS
Smart-Start: It is proximity detection system that automatically senses a wireless transmitter (called a "key-
fob") in your pocket or purse, allowing you to start the hybrid system without the need to use a physical key or
push a button on a remote.
Stealth
Electric-Only driving (up to 42 MPH for Classic & HSD Prius) without the engine running.
SRS
Supplemental Restraint System, better known as Airbags
SULEV
Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (only a few vehicles qualify for this clean rating category, Prius is among
them)
THS
Toyota Hybrid System - Toyota's hybrid design for the Classic Prius
Torque
Measurement value indicating wheel turning force, a strength value different from horsepower
TRAC
Toyota Rent-A-Car, a program by which some have shortened the waiting time: when the demo/rental units
reach a time/mileage it permits the dealer to sell them.
Turtle
Driving a Prius with the battery-pack extremely drained of electricity, in conditions too hot (typically above
105 F degrees), or conditions too cold (typically below -10 F degrees), so that an orange "turtle" icon displays
near the speedometer. This warns the driver to avoid forceful acceleration.
ULEV
Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (as of the 2003 model-year there were 90 vehicle models in the United States that
met the rating criteria)
V
Volt or Voltage, an electrical measurement unit used when describing attributes of Prius propulsion
components.
Vaporware
A term from the computer industry used to describe claims made by a company about a product that was never
delivered. It sounded great in concept, but for whatever reason was impractical in the end. In other words,
don't believe it until you actually see the product available for consumers to purchase.
VSC
Vehicle Stability Control, a safety feature that automatically engages side-specific braking for you when it
detects the vehicle wheels slip; stepping on the brake is not necessary for the feature to work
ZEV
Zero Emission Vehicle
Prius User-Guide 44 of 45 Last Updated: 2/07/2006