Hey all. Been a long time since my last post but im back in the market. I have been looking up a lot of new stuff for the Prius. I found the EV Mode kit. The website says the Prius is built the same but just somethings are left out for America. Now from what I know EV Mode allows the car to just run in electric power only no matter the condition. Of course you want to stay below the recommended speed of electric motors to prevent damage. This website says that since all Prius's are built the same it is just a matter of installing the switch. Has anyone reading ever saw this, heard about it, installed it? Let me know if you heard or have any problems. One other thing alittle off topic. I live in Jersey as you can tell from the name, doesnt anyone here live around here and know a good dealership I could get a great deal from? Thanks again for your help all! John
A lot of people use Coastal Tech's EV mod which allows you to access EV mode through the cruise control. Also, the Prius won't allow you access EV mode no matter what. If you accelerate too hard, go too fast, run the battery too low, or try to turn it on during the ICE's warm-up phase EV mode will either turn off or simply won't turn on. From what I've read Coastal's EV mod takes roughly 20 minutes to install and works great. I don't have one yet personally but I am considering it. I just got my prius a couple of weeks ago so I'm just riding in it "stock" for a while before I do anything.
The EV mode is activated by causing a short to Ground from pin #27 on a connector on the far right side. There are 4 different methods: The OEM, which uses a button mounted on the left side. The Coastal method, which uses the Cancel part of the Cruise Control Stalk. The "Flash To Pass" conversion, which converts the "Flash To Pass" portion of the headlight stalk. Using your own button. Each has their pluses and minuses. A search can tell you more. I just want to add that if you use the EV mode too much, your mileage will go down as the ICE needs to run longer to charge the battery. As kdk84 said, the computer in the Prius is VERY protective of the battery, so if the conditions aren't right, the EV mode will either not start or drop out.
If you wanted a little road trip/vaca Luscious Garage in SF has it on their menu of mod services. Otherwise you would more than likely need to find an independent shop as I doubt any dealer would sign on for this type of service.
thanks, checking right now. update: there is one shop which is 50 miles from my home(92126,mira mesa).
Free pins in headlight switch. 6-8 feet of 16-22gauge wire. I chose option 3...absolutely the cheapest route I thought possible
