newbie questions/help

1) If you want a new HV battery, and you want the dealer to install it, that is about right. Since way more Prius are wrecked than batteries die, used can be $500 plus your labor.

2) I use a Scangauge II, it is an ODB programmer/reader, and has any 4 of 37 gauges you may want. I use RPM, Water temp, Intake Air temp, and voltage, but everyone has their favorites. PriusChat Shop : ScanGauge II Scan Tool + Digital Gauges + Trip Computers [ScanGaugeII] - $159.95

3) if you need to relocate your car in a parking lot, EV is good. (For the Prius PHV, there are better uses of EV)

 

Also...
2) There is a warning light on the dash for it.

 

Except when playing with the car the first few days I had it, I've never used the button to engage EV Mode specifically. I use the pedals and trust the car to slip into "EV" on its own.

 

Here are some ideas......

Let's say you were at a football game and trying to exit the parking lot and whish you were moving 5 MPH. Crawling along like that for 15 minutes is the perfect use for EV mode.

Here in Los Angeles the freeway can be like that too, 10 MPH or less. Use EV for that

More than saving gas you save engine wear if say you only need to move the car across the street on street cleaning day

Looking for a place to park in the parking lot as you go up and down the rows at walking speed.

Be warned the EV mode is not 100% free. It uses no gas but at some point the battery will need to be charged up again. EV mode uses power that is stored in the battery

 

EV mode in drive thru.

But I like doing it like RocMills does it. Get the feel for the gas pedal and you'll get the hang of it.