I'm Still Confused About When to Use "Normal" Drive Mode

Note that EV mode on the Prime doesn't give you full power at all, but if you floor the pedal in any of Eco/Normal/Power mode, you'll get the most power available in your current EV mode (whether it's EV, EV Auto, or HV).

 

Yes, it’s just throttle mapping, in EV mode at least.

I use HV mode so rarely that I’m curious as to whether in Hybrid mode you actually get more power when you floor it in Power Mode. Might try it sometime...


iPhone ? Pro

 

i just think it's funny that salespeople think that everyone is look for acceleration, even prius shoppers.

 

At least on the Liftback, no, you don't.

Power mode just means you get more throttle earlier in the travel.

 

Whenever you want it to be. It is all your choice.

There is no reason why you shouldn't or can't.

The EPA tests are done in 'Normal' mode. Some driving enthusiasts will decry the feel of ECO mode as making the car a dog.

I.e. (except for the noted climate and cruise control differences) these are just 'touch and feel' options for the driver, not actual performance changes to the propulsion system. LoganLady, just pick whichever feels best to you.

An 'ideal driver' -- instant reaction time, perfect fine motor control, infinite patience -- will get the same results in all modes (apart from the noted climate and CC effects). But humans come with differing non-ideal characteristics. A significant plurality will do best with ECO, but certain types get better results in PWR or Normal. A few even fit the 'ideal' mold well enough to get the same MPG in all modes. And some drivers don't care as much about MPG as about other factors.

Only you can decide which mode best suits your wants.

 

With the hybrid Prius and the Prime, if you floor the gas pedal it will demand maximum power from the ICE and the battery together to give best possible power/torque. Only difference, far as I can tell it's that the Prime can hold EV for longer, but a Prime owner will have to try it to see if flooring the accelerator fires up the ICE when in EV Mode. We await your results, gentlemen. Oh, pardon me, and ladies too!

 

In terms of the drive system alone, yes, that’s basically it. Three clarification points though: First, it’s quite a lot longer — 25-30ish miles vs. 1-2ish miles. Second, the Prime’s EV mode tops out at a slightly higher speed than the liftback: 84MPH compared to ... I think it’s something like 75MPH for the liftback. Third, the Prime has a very slightly higher EPA-estimated MPG rating (in HV), although the difference is tiny — only like 1 or 2 MPG, IIRC.

Of course the Prime loses some trunk space (not as big a difference as I expected), a fifth passenger, the spare tire, and has a somewhat higher price tag. But that’s the trade-off for >90% EV driving, which in my case at least works out to 40% cheaper per mile than gas charging from home and about 1/4 of the price charging from (subsidized/incentivized) chargers around Austin TX.

Flooring the Prime In EV mode does not turn on the ICE. However, there’s an “EV Auto” Mode where it does. (I don’t think I’ve ever tried that mode.) I find that, at least in ECO mode, the EV-mode low-end acceleration from a standstill is significantly better than HV mode. The overall 0-60, however, is considerably faster in HV mode — something like 11 vs. 15 seconds.

iPhone ? Pro

 

Thanks. I was trying to compare the two in doing those things that each could do, but exclude those things that one of them couldn't. (If you see what I mean).

I wondered how the Prime compared with the Gen 4 on hard acceleration and I think you almost answered that for me with the ECO comparison.

 

Note that the US Prime and rest-of-world PHV work differently.

A US Prime has the following modes:

HV: Works like a Liftback
EV: Will not fire the engine until the battery is depleted. (Exception: if engine is needed for heat (defrosting or extreme cold temperature))
EV Auto: Will fire the engine when it feels it's necessary, at higher speeds and higher requested power.
Charge: Will fire the engine and charge the battery.

At least a EU PHV has the following modes:

HV: Same as Prime.
EV: Similar to Prime's EV Auto, as I understand
EV City: Similar to Prime's EV, except flooring it will get the engine.
Charge: Same as Prime.

 

I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s something they’re “programmed“ (instructed by management) to say/do. Mine did something kinda-sorta similar.

I also remember, many many years ago, when Honda Mazda were making four-wheel-steering cars, a VW dealer touted something about how the rear suspension of some of their cars was constructed to effectively created a four-wheel-steering system (or so they claimed). Two sales reps, seemingly independently, both said something along the lines of, “I’d hate to have the rear-wheel-steering of these Hondas and Mazdas go out on a winding mountain road!“ I suspect they were “programmed” to say that. My reply to myself was of the nature of, “OK, and I’d hate to have the front-wheel-steering system of your all-in-all less-reliable VWs go out on a winding mountain road!”

 

Delete

 

FWIW, I think the VW system you're referring to is basically just some bushings that are shaped to promote the rear wheels to turn under certain suspension loads.

 

That reminds me of car shopping several years ago and, when I told the salesman I was interested in either the model he carried or another brand’s similar model, he started ragging on the other car immediately and forgot all about telling me about his car’s features. I just said, “Goodbye,” and left. It was a good test of his integrity and he failed.

 

Well, since nothing happens when I click "Edit" except another "Unexpected" database error, I'll add it here and hope this works:

But I digress. I agree with those who say there is no right or wrong time for any of the modes. Its just how you like the throttle pedal to feel.

 

Oh, I totally forgot to mention the other super-important difference between the Prime and Liftback drivetrains:

The Prime adds a sprag clutch (AKA, one-way bearing) on the engine, preventing it from turning backwards. This gives the motor on the sun gear (MG1) something to torque against, so that both MGs can provide drive force in EV mode.

Like on the Liftback, historically, only MG2 (ring-gear/wheels) can drive in EV mode. Soooo, much more power in EV Mode on the Prime!

I gather that, if you apply the accelerator lightly, it only uses the usual MG2 alone, but it kicks in MG1 on higher acceleration demands. Obviously, that sucks more out of the battery, though...

iPhone ? Pro

 

Driving around in Normal mode, but I have to manually switch on the "Eco" function on the A/C. My trips still average 55-65mpg. I only ever really use power mode if I have to get on a freeway on ramp rather quickly.

It's really how you drive the car that'll yield good MPGs.

 

Note that the Power mode doesn't actually help you get on a freeway on-ramp quickly - flooring it gets you there just as quickly in all modes.

 

You’re exactly correct that how you drive ultimately determines your MPG, and EV range on a P.Prime. (Plus environmental factors, maintenance, etc.) Other than, as you pointed out, turning on ECO mode also automatically economizes other ancillary functions, especially climate control.

It’s kinda like losing weight: whatever diet you choose, the only thing that ultimately matters is sustaining a calorie deficit: burn more calories than you consume.

Still, that doesn’t necessarily mean that selecting ECO Mode can’t help. Again invoking the weight-loss analogy, high-fiber foods, exercise that increases muscle mass, and consistent sleep can make it *easier* to sustain a calorie deficit. Similarly, turning on ECO mode, and heeding the driving advice the car gives you, can make it *easier* to drive economically.

iPhone ? Pro

 

None of us are in a normal mental mode at Prius Chat.

 

Exactly. No mater what mode it is in I get the same MPG. Why because I am 120 years old and can't see over the steering wheel.

So Bisco, I went on a vegan diet for 3 months thinking my cholesterol would go down. It didn't so I am back on those stupid pills. Still do mostly vegan but cheat with turkey and chicken on occasion. I guess no mater what we do we will die like stray dogs in the street.

BTW started construction on my new house near Disney World. My goal is to sell stuffed animals to patrons and die in the park.