I just joined the forums; have been reading many of them (very helpful), and just bought my wife a 2012 Prius 3 with solar package, Sea Glass Pearl (it looks amazing to me, and I never used to be that into car colors). I was pointing out the different driving modes (EV, Eco, and Power), and she asked me, "What is the difference between Eco and "regular" mode (no mode button pushed). I want to be sure I gave her the correct answer: from reading these forums, it appears that Eco allows for a reduced gas engine and AC response at the same throttle level. So, in effect there are four different "modes" altogether. Is this correct?
Yep, that's correct, 4 modes. The ECO mode has the slowest throttle pedal response along with the low battery use for the HVAC system.
Yes. It reduces the accelerator pedal sensitivity so that the driver can fine tune the pedal application. I believe this is for the first 50% of travel. The A/C compressor power draw is also reduced (so note that it will take longer to cool down in the summer than in normal mode). In the winter, it's also more aggressive with engine shut-off (lower operating temp threshold). PWR is the opposite for the pedal and makes it more responsive. A/C compressor operation is not affected.
This is a very good article by Hobbit on the HSI. There is also some information about the driving modes. HSI
