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I need a hero to change the EV speed limit

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by mite66, Mar 5, 2011.

  1. mite66

    mite66 Junior Member

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    I have a PHEV kit and coolant hack installed so I do A LOT of electric driving around town but I truly regret buying the Gen 3 instead of the Gen 2 because of the 25 mph EV speed limitation.

    I asked Toyota about some kind of firmware update to change this limitation and they, as no surprise, replied:

    "Modifications could affect the vehicle’s performance, safety or durability, and may violate government regulations. In addition, damage or performance concerns resulting from the modification may not be covered under warranty."

    In my opinion, it's exactly the opposite, because of the EV speed imitation, I'm always stairing at my energy monitor or speedometer instead of looking at the road. Speak about safety.:rolleyes:

    So is there some guru out there that would find a way to increase that limit, even 35 mph would be fantastic.
     
    #1 mite66, Mar 5, 2011
  2. tumbleweed

    tumbleweed Senior Member

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    Didn't the Gen2 have the same EV speed limitation? I owned a Gen2 but I never installed the EV modification on it, U.S. cars came without it.

    Why not just continue to use the HSI display and keep the bar on the left side of center? It will let you drive 46 MPH on battery. Engine off when you slow to 42; engine on when you achieve 46.

    I don't think you can get up to 46 from a dead stop on level ground without the ICE, the battery doesn't have enough power but you can get up to 35 or so. That may not be exactly right but it's what I remember from some tests I did a year or so ago.

    I think ECO mode works well for this because it gives you a little finer control of the throttle. I find ECO mode much more useful and versatile than EV, I hardly ever use EV anymore. But you probably use that mode anyway.
     
    #2 tumbleweed, Mar 5, 2011
  3. ksstathead

    ksstathead Active Member

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    You realize of course:
    1) as Tumbleweed points out, you can EV (stealth) up to 45 mph without EV mode, and
    2) the more you use EV or stealth the worse mileage you get compared to just driving it or using pulse & glide?
     
    #3 ksstathead, Mar 5, 2011
  4. mite66

    mite66 Junior Member

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    I'm using the HSI a lot but to obtain some "normal" acceleration, you really need to be in EV mode. Also, climbing the slightess hill will scream for more power than what the left side of the HSI can give me.
     
    #4 mite66, Mar 5, 2011
  5. mite66

    mite66 Junior Member

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    Maybe I haven't made myself clear enough.

    I have a PHEV kit (extra batteries that I charge with my AC outlet).

    That means that I'm doing all my local commutes without a single drop of fuel. Therefore, the EV mode is mandatory for me but its 25mph limitation is a real pain.
     
    #5 mite66, Mar 5, 2011
  6. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    1) Yes, but the engine still does a warmup cycle
    2) He has a PHEV kit installed, so this is incorrect
     
    #6 2k1Toaster, Mar 5, 2011
  7. mite66

    mite66 Junior Member

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    I was not clear on that either, I have a temperature coolant hack installed so no warmup cycle for me. And that's another reason why I don't want my engine to kick in unexpectedly.

    I really need to increase the 25mph EV speed limit.

    HELP !!!!
     
    #7 mite66, Mar 5, 2011
  8. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    What you really need is a "Villain" willing to help you overide the EV limit.
    Because as you have discovered no way Toyota officially helps you with this endeavour.

    Unfortunate because the modifications and "hacks" you have already installed would already put you in a grey area concerning warranty, damage, and performance concerns...so you don't have too much to lose.

    Here's hoping you find that "Villain" willing to help you cross that final boundary.
     
    #8 The Electric Me, Mar 5, 2011
  9. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    pEEf, a PriusChat user, has fixed his HIGHLY modified Plugin Prius to have a high EV MPH limit. He spoofs the packets on the OBD2 CAN bus to get this effect.

    JeffD
     
    #9 jdenenberg, Mar 5, 2011
  10. caffeinekid

    caffeinekid Duct Tape Extraordinaire

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    I find it interesting that so many Prius drivers really want an EV. The whole reason I personally went with one was to have something I could modify and experiment with. I feel the OP's pain since I too have a supplemental battery kit and don't feel as though there is enough EV range had from it no matter how many batteries I add. I would like to see near future hybrids with 45mph EV limits. Any higher than that and we just have to wait for a full EV like the Focus or Leaf.

    The only outfit I know that modifies Prius to break the limited EV choke costs a small fortune, does a lot of spoofing and I don't believe yet has an option for the GenIII.
     
    #10 caffeinekid, Mar 5, 2011
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