Power mode ?

Nope.
Just the 'ramp up' of the throttle.

 

No. It simply moves the throttle plate more for less initial travel of the pedal, leaving more pedal travel closer to the floor with less effect.

It is doing nothing you could not do in Normal or Eco by pushing the pedal further.

 

That's not the full story though. In PWR mode Prius utilizes additional electric power during acceleration which is not available in other modes. It peaks current up to 70-90Amp during acceleration that cannot be seen in other modes ! Thus acceleration feels stronger but only if the battery has a sufficient state of charge .

 

That is correct. I use PWR Mode to get across traffic when turning or to take out the Butt Munch that wants to keep everyone below the speed limit. It really makes a difference!

 

The different modes also affect the operation of "other" systems in the Prius. e.g. - in "eco" mode the fan runs slower.

 

Another strange one about ECO mode is seen when the climate control is set to Auto. In normal mode as the heater brings the cabin up to temp the mode will transition from floor only to floor and face level vents. ECO mode disables this--the mode will stay on floor.

 

Thanks! I knew there was more than just changing how the pedal responded. I knew it! I am always in the PWR mode when I drive...

 

Do you know if ECO mode affects the use of the battery at all?

P.S. - Welcome to PriusChat!

 

It seems Lexus CT200h videos explain power mode a little better.

Here's another.

 

Great. Just great.
Now I want a CT 200h!

 

You lost me. How do you "take them out"?

 

What is the source for your information? That is not what we were told by Toyota when the car was introduced, although they could have been wrong. I have tried to find a difference in current draw between modes using my ScanGauge and have not seen any difference.

 

Probably means pass them.

We know that the battery does boost the car on full acceleration, but the first video I posted above shows that in sport mode on the Lexus, the power goes from 500V to 650V. Since it's the same basic powertrain as the Prius, maybe this also happens for the Prius, too.

 

The source of this information is Scangauge II. My Prius is a 2011 model. It seems like in ECO Prius tries to maintain its 60% soc. In power mode it does not hesitate to boost the hell out of the battery.

 

Interesting, I will have to rerun my tests and see what I get. As I recall I ran them last time at 6 bars, I'll try to do it again at a lower battery level.

 

Do keep in mind it's likely the Lexus is tuned differently than the Prius. They go for power not mileage. The Prius tuning is for mileage.
What I'm saying is many parts of the -hardware- may be similar but the software is likely different.

 

I checked my amp draw this afternoon and found no difference in the max draw in ECO and PWR. PWR mode definitely seems to be peppier, but it is just kicking in the acceleration sooner. If the valve timing or battery voltage is remapped, please post the reference.

 

I used to think so, but when I found this, it made me wonder. Listen to what the narrator says for the V in power mode.