EV Mode Cold Weather

I have a Prime and I live in Aurora! When the Prime starts up it's automatically in EV mode, so I don't understand what you mean by," it doesn't turn on". It already is in


Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

If you have the heater on and the outside temp is below around 14 degrees F, EV mode may not be available. Or when the windshield defogger is running. p.87 Owners Manual

 

does it have a full charge?

 

what have the morning temps been? don't use the front defrost button unless you have to, that's an automatic ice starter.

 

All summer I started with 37-39 miles, now I’m at 22 miles, I automatically switch out of EV to save the traction battery for going back up the hills I live on(not to mention hotter air inside for me), but to the OP’s point, wow, the small print always bites ya when least expected.

 

Another Coloradan here.
Pre-condition/heat your car on the EVSE so that you can avoid using the battery for cabin heating/window defrosting during the drive. I do tend to use some seat heating during driving but that is a small energy draw.

I can see the car jump into ICE warm-up mode sometimes during my highway drive but that is a separate issue that is still not entirely worked out and has multiple causes*. I haven't really focused on it too much since my drive is too long to be EV only anyway, so if the car wants to pick when to turn on the ICE for a while it does not affect my final fuel economies much, if at all.

*
Entering Cruise Control is one trigger -- although not mine.

 

After experiencing a 25% EV range drop this winter, similar to most Prime owners in the North, it makes me wonder about the feasibility of 100% electric drive. I was thinking the 225 mile range of a Bolt or Tesla would be more than adequate for most needs but if that drops to 170 or less, full EV may not work for me at this point in its' development.
Looks like the Prime was my best option. Really glad I have that 500 mile range on gas.

 

correct, you have to look at worst case scenario with bev, and even add a fudge factor.
that being said, they work for plenty of people and will continue to improve.

 

Bolt no, Tesla yes due to the SuperCharger network. YMMV

 

welcome!

 

84 degrees in MN?

 

Uh... definitely not. Maybe Lynn’s one of our many snow birds.

Whatever, nice to know there’s another Prime in my state.

 

a few observations of EV during cold weather...
Temperature: -7F(-22C)...EV mode showing active, however, ICE is running to warm cabin...in essence, we are in HV mode with ICE running...EV heating is very slow if non existent. the heat pump is running but it will not keep up...car did ultimately get to EV mode solely after about 30 minutes of driving with temperature rising to above 0F((-17C)...and temperature set to 68F inside...but the HV did kick in /out to maintain temperature...Mileage was in the area of 38-47mpg during this trip...whereas my old prius would have been 28-33mpg in these temperatures...

 

Between not being allowed to plug-in at work anymore and the cold weather (on a 30 mile 1 way commute), my MPG has really taken a hit. From almost 188 down to 85mpg. 85mpg is still great and this was only my 4th fill-up so not a lot of data to go by.

 

Sad looking trend, but not unexpected. What happens if it keeps going down? If it goes south of 0 MPG, does the car make gasoline, rather than use it?

 

I think Toyota installed what is called a Flintstones floor trap where the floor drops out by the feed and you use your feet to power the vehicle if the MPG gets to zero. That way, you can still go places AND your MPG shoots up to 199.99 again.