If my 2024 Prime is plugged in, does using remote start to heat the car and defrost the windshield work without the car starting the ICE, and while retaining the fully-charged EV range? And are there any issues with the 12v while doing so?
My understanding of the remote climate control, pre-warming or pre-cooling the car, Will stop charging the car and run independently - will NOT draw off of wall socket for this function. At least not on the gen4s. We don't get cold enough here to see if the engine will fire to defrost the wind screen. You may want to double check your operators manual. The car disconnecting from the wall outlet simplifies operations for the car's ECU, so I don't see them changing that, but I may be wrong....
I found something in the manual under "My Room Mode"; you can run heat and some other things while plugged in. Not sure yet about enabling this remotely.
I use the remote start from the app frequently this winter. I don't seem to see a difference whether it's plugged in or not, but mine is usually fully charged when I start it anyway. Being limited to a (short) 20 minute cycle, I can't tell whether it drains the battery or not. I am a bit disappointed that it doesn't seem to warm the interior, despite it being set quite warm. It also claims that restarts are limited to two restarts in a row, but I am only able to get one, but two would be more adequate in cold weather. It also fails to start unless I remotely lock the doors first, even though they are already locked. Quite buggy in my experience; hope they get around to an update soon.
It automatically comes up on the panel if you're plugged in and then start the car, asking if you want to use "room mode." To activate it, you have to consent it manually while you are in the car. I don't think it continues if you leave the car. I find it handy if I'm staying in the car while it's recharging. It displays updates about how the power is split between recharging and interior power consumption, such as for audio and climate control.
I wouldn't use it for myself, but I'd like to get the car warmed up when transporting my elderly mother.
Typically recent Toyota remote starts require the second start to occur while the first remote start is active.
Yes, room mode only works while you are in the car. That started with the Rav4 Prime. I think your just going to have to experiment with it. The Toyota app is buggy and requires subscription. You can activate with the fob, but you'll need to be within fob range and have your settings preset from the night before. The app may let you do a little more, but the last time I used it, it was buggy.
