Power Mode button - my findings so far

Have you tried using Eco mode as well?

 

If extended Ev range, delayed ICE operation and improved economy are your goals, ECO mode is what you want, not PWR mode.

No, it can't be used alongside anything, they are individual throttle sensitivity selections. ECO, normal, PWR. Normal is toggling off ECO or PWR.

 

Really?! I thought it was a choice of only two: ECO or POWER. I've only used ECO because I want optimum gas mileage. I have no trouble keeping the ICE off unless I choose to use it.

 

Yes, really . My 2010 Prius had the same thing, ECO, standard (which is neither ECO or PWR lit up), and PWR

They affect the gas pedal response/travel, as well as how the HVAC behaves as well.

 

It will make the car feel more sluggish. From what I understand, Eco Mode dampens throttle sensitivity and adjusts the torque for maximum energy efficiency. It also makes it easier to "glide" while driving. The loss in "pep" results in an decrease in consumption.

 

My daily commute is also quite hilly, and I have learned now how to get the most out of the battery. I never need the ICE for my daily commutes. When I reach my destination and add up what I drove on EV and what's left on the display, I usually get 14+ miles. Car displays about 12.5 miles available after a full charge.

What the technique comes down to is to not use electricity when going over 45-50 mph.

Anyways, what I found that increased my EV mileage was this: when going downhill, I try to accelerate gently at the beginning to fit in traffic. Then as the car accelerates, I lift my foot off the gas pedal only slightly. I do not want to go into regen, because regen only gives you about 50% of the energy back. I would rather get some speed to help me get back on the next hill as far as possible without needing extra EV. I reach the bottom of the slope at pretty high speed, then let the car slow down as I start to go up the next hill. I still have the EV gauge on neutral, no regen and no acceleration (kind of a glide on a Gen II). I only start to press the accelerator when my speed goes back down to less than 45 mph (traffic conditions permitting of course) going up the next hill.

I also found that EV mode has a reaction time longer than ICE. Be patient when you need to accelerate. Use a little bit, then wait to see the effect. You will see the gauge move up, but won't feel the effect on torque right away. Anticipate when you are going to need to accelerate so you can give the motor only what it will need a couple of seconds later.

 

In my limited 3 days, I have noticed that POWER and AC will get the ICE running, and I actually expect that. If I am in POWER, it thinks its going to need the engine so it warms it up and gets it ready to go. So it sips a little gas to prepare the engine, then I return to EV until ICE is required.

I like that the car just seems more responsive in power.

 

longterm, are you sure you're climate control is 'off', temp set to 'low', fan 'off'? the engine coming on at the slightest incline makes no sense from my experience. have you tried driving other less hilly routes to see how far you can go without ice kicking in?

 

good luck, keep us posted!

 

First thing AM, I don't think the EV will work. Once the car is warmed up and the battery is charged, EV Mode seems to work fine. I can usually get the last mile home via EV mode. I have slight hill to make and EV mode handles it with the power bar going into the right hand area, accelerates up the hill. As long as I keep it under 25 mph and don't push it. It's a 25 mph street.

The EV is touchy as to when it works and I just take what it gives, assuming the car has some reason for it.

Not too bad, kind of like electronic downshifting. I like the control of choosing EV, ECO or PWR (I'm mostly in PWR, more fun and I seem to get better mileage).

What they don't know won't hurt our warranty.

 

I haven't had trouble getting out in EV mode, but winter is past us now. It's usually between 58-60ºF in the morning when I leave. Fast forward to December and January, when it's in the 40º's and maybe there will be different results. I am hoping that with heated seats, I'll be able to leave the heater off until I hit the freeway and shift into HV. However, I am now not even sure if the Prius heater works like a conventional car heater. If it's like a heat pump, then I suspect that any time it's turned on, it's using electricity irrespective of the engine or water temp.

 

Do you use the HSI while you are driving? What screen do you have displayed on the MID while you drive ?

 

prox suns, are you talking about the plug in?

 

Nope. Sorry thought this was about us peasants using the EV mode button.