How far can you realistically drive in EV mode, and in what conditions? We have two regular commutes, one a quarter mile and one three quarters mile [the first two legs of a longer commute], both in city driving conditions. Would it be realistic to expect to be able to do at least the shorter of the two on full electric? What about the longer one? Thanks!
DRS33 – Is your 2001 Prius modified with an “EV Button?” Let me make a general comment regarding EV-capable, OEM-Spec’ed non-Plug-In Prius vehicles. Assuming commencement of "two regular commutes" from a "Cold Start," like those described in the EV use cases you pose, one might be able to briefly roll out of their garage and down the street in the EV "Battery" Mode for a short distance, but shortly thereafter the HSD "Gremlins" will cause the gasoline engine to fire up the to warm things up, so as to bring the catalytic converter and engine up to operating temperatures...etc...and proceed with going through the Five Stages of Prius Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) Operation. I currently drive a North American spec’ed 2012 Prius v Station Wagon with its OEM NiMH Traction Battery. I can slowly back out of my garage down the driveway to the street from a “Cold Start” in the vehicle’s EV "Battery" Mode at a slow, crawl speed. However, after a short time the HSD Control S/W will fire up the gasoline engine to warm things up in the ECO Mode, which is my normal mode of operation. Once the car is warmed up, and the Traction Battery charged up to a suitable level, I am able to select EV to run the car in the EV "Battery" Mode for traveling-moving at speeds maintained below 25 MPH. With a warmed up car, moderate Outside Air Temperatures, and starting with a fully charged Traction Battery, I have been able to comfortably and consistently run in the EV "Battery" Mode for well over a mile on nominally flat terrain.
The ICE must be at full operating temp to do anything in EV mode. Even then, it has to be downhill or at least flat.
THIS is why we need a lithium-ion battery in ALL Toyota hybrids. And a much more powerful electric motor would help. The Brits have them and they are remarkably small. Tesla may be using the British motors in the near future.
The battery and MG size don't have any bearing on whether EV mode is available. On a cold start short trip, the ICE is going to run regardless.
And are you in favor of their 5 year hybrid warranty? Toyota Warranty | Toyota UK Personally, I prefer the US warranty, so I prefer the US battery and US motors.
Thanks; this was exactly what we needed to know! (Our 2001 doesn't have an EV button; didn't even know that was an option on the Gen1s!) We did almost lease a PIP this summer but sadly missed the boat on the great deal they were offering locally, and now it's out of our price range--ugh. Not a great fit for our needs anyway, but we would have made it work to have the short trip option on full electric.
DRS33 - An EV Button/Switch was not offered in the GEN I. I only asked about whether you had an EV Button in your 2001, because some folks DIY modified their GEN I's to add an after-market EV Button/Switch. Good luck with your Prius picking decision.
This is a common mis-conception. In a conventional hybrid, a battery with higher capacity will NOT make for better mileage......necessarily. ALL, that is 100%, of the energy expended to move the car comes from burning gas in the engine.......one way or another. More battery capacity is guaranteed to be better ONLY with a plug-in type of vehicle.
