Since I purchased my 2010 I've never been able to use EV mode. I know it's just a novelty, and actually hurts gas mileage (due to the need to convert gas to electricity to recharge the battery), so I haven't lost sleep over this, but it is somewhat annoying. Is there a known problem with 2010s and EV mode? No matter how gently I apply the accelerator it pops out into ECO mode again almost immediately with a message like "insufficient charge" (or something like that), even if the battery is near full charge (I've never seen it fully charged).
Insufficient charge? Mine usually complains about excessive speed, usually around the 10 mph mark. I've only found it useful for moving between parking spots or shuffling it around in the driveway.
My 2010 just cancels out ev mode if I push the gas too hard, or go above 25 mph where it then say" deactivated due to excessive speed." Also after driving around for a full mile ev MODE. After driving around in my neighborhood for a full mile it was deactivates due to a low battery charge. I never have seen the full battery charge message as a reason to deactivate. You just need to practice using it in parking lots or other areas where their are not many cars and you can maintain a speed of 10-20 mph.
I have not been able to use EV mode either. No matter how gradually or gently I accelerate -- EV mode deactivates due to "excessive speed". I took my Prius to the dealer today to have it looked at and was told that it was "normal". I'm not satisfied.
There are numerous threads on here addressing EV mode and what parameters need to be satisfied before EV mode is available. Use the search function and read some of these threads. This will help you understand when you can and cannot use EV and why.
you cannot go to EV mode while the car is moving. mine works pretty well if I baby the pedal. I can get it to 25mph in some cases. I would never use this when other cars are around me - it is inconsiderate to other vehicles because othe severly reduced rate of speed necessary to keep it in EV mode.
25 mph limit when warm 10 mph limit below a certain point in warm-up unavailable when cold unavailable when SoC too low unavailable when other conditions not met see my post #10 here http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...-discussion/76501-gen3-warming-up-stages.html from which I pulled this: *Notes on EV Mode Recommended uses: Moving around the driveway or parking area Drawing power in expectation of major regenerative opportunity (e.g., about to crest a mountain) EV mode conditions: Engine coolant at or above 0C/32F (20C/68F on US models?) Windshield defogger not in use Hybrid system (HV battery) in the range 0C/32F to 46C/115F (no x-gauge yet?) HV battery state of charge (SoC) at or above 4 bars Speed below the applicable limit (10 or 25 mph) Not in S1a or S1b EV mode terminating conditions Failure to meet initial conditions (do limits differ?) Excessive power demand EV maximum speed by stage: S0 and S2: 10 mph S3 and S4: 25 mph (10 mph if engine coolant below 70C/158F)
That's easy, with a ScanGauge. When the engine RPM is zero, the coolant temp is at least 155°F, and the speed is under 25, you can engage EV mode. You can even push acceleration into the PWR (red zone). Compared to what the PHV offers, the cordless EV is quite limited. But it does give you a taste of what's to come. And is still very handy in heavy stop & slow traffic. .
