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Eco mode question

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by G. G., Dec 1, 2012.

  1. G. G.

    G. G. Junior Member

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    I've been running in ECO mode pretty much constantly since I got my PIP two weeks ago. DOes this mode truly give me more mpg's than not running in that mode? Thanks,
    GG
     
    #1 G. G., Dec 1, 2012
  2. ukr2

    ukr2 Senior Member

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    From the Manual:

    Eco drive mode
    Suitable for improving the fuel economy, because the torque corresponding
    to the accelerator pedal depression amount can be generated
    more smoothly than it is in normal conditions and the operation of
    the air conditioning system (heating/cooling) will be minimized.
    When the “ECO MODE” switch is pressed, the “ECO MODE” indicator
    comes on.

    Power mode
    Use when high levels of response and feeling are desirable, such as
    when driving in mountainous regions or when overtaking.
    When the power mode switch is pressed, the power mode indicator
    comes on.
     
    #2 ukr2, Dec 1, 2012
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it doesn't 'give' you more mpg's, but it can help you achieve higher mpg's by preventing you from pressing too hard on the accellerator. more experienced hyper milers do not need it.
     
    #3 bisco, Dec 1, 2012
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  4. G. G.

    G. G. Junior Member

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    Thanks, Ken. Yes, I remember reading that, and I can "Feel" the difference in the pedal response too. I was just wondering if it made a really big difference in mpgs. In this type of changeable weather these past two weeks, not one day of traveling for me has remained the same, so it's been hard to tell which modes/buttons, etc. etc. to use on my commute would give me the best, consistent results. I'll just keep doing what I've been doing. Thanks,
    GG
     
    #4 G. G., Dec 1, 2012
  5. G. G.

    G. G. Junior Member

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    Yes, I misspoke using the "give" word. Achieve is a MUCH better word. :) I've also been coasting at good places, making longer braking times, using the hybrid EV thru 30 mph spots in town where the road is "flat" etc. It all helps. Thanks.
     
    #5 G. G., Dec 1, 2012
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    excellent!
     
    #6 bisco, Dec 1, 2012
  7. JMD

    JMD 2012 Prius 4 Solar Roof

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    Awhile ago someone posted that they were getting ony 50 MPG and was seeking help on improving that. One person responded they stopped using ECO mode and improved MPG to 58
     
    #7 JMD, Dec 1, 2012
  8. JMD

    JMD 2012 Prius 4 Solar Roof

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    Does the ECO represent Economical or Ecological
     
    #8 JMD, Dec 1, 2012
  9. PriusPlugIn

    PriusPlugIn New Member

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    I have noticed no increase in MPG while using this function... Just IMHO.
     
    #9 PriusPlugIn, Dec 1, 2012
  10. lensovet

    lensovet former BP Brigade 207

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    personally i don't use it because you end up just compensating for the decreased throttle response
    however, if you find yourself using the climate control often, it can certainly improve your mpg. by how much…who knows.
     
    #10 lensovet, Dec 2, 2012
  11. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

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    My coworker noticed a 3 mile increase from 50 mpg to 53 mpg. I use it all the time because it minimizes AC and heater use which is a positive gain no matter how you drive. It also allows me to control with much better precision the HSI position. My eyes are always on the HSI making sure I never hit the power band. I'm not able to modulate the pedal well enough in normal or power mode to prevent his.
     
    #11 mmmodem, Dec 2, 2012
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  12. lensovet

    lensovet former BP Brigade 207

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    Yeah the climate control changes obviously matter. I personally rarely use it though, lol. Guess that's what being in a temperate climate does to you.
    Also, in EV mode, I actually found myself hitting the power region too much because I felt like the car was never going fast enough. In regular mode this was easier to manage, but I still got inadvertent ICE startups. Now, I always run in power mode in EV.
     
    #12 lensovet, Dec 2, 2012
  13. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    On the regular Prius, and likely on the C, ECO might be effecting the A/C behaviour, to improve mileage. Other than that, I couldn't see a benefit. It put too much travel into the gas pedal, to the point of frustration. Pedal travel in "normal" mode was by no means to touchy, still easy to control.
     
    #13 Mendel Leisk, Dec 2, 2012
  14. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

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    LOL. Yesterday, I knew I had a short 7 mile rountrip commute. I hit the power button so I could have some EV fun. Barely one residential block from my house and the ICE starts up. I barely touched the pedal and HSI was in the power band. Looks like I am desensitized by ECO mode. No more power mode for me.

    Contrary to this thread:
    ICE in EV Mode | PriusChat
    I'm glad Toyota allows us to customize the PiP for its user. It allows a lead foot like me drive to maximize economy. And it allows a feather foot like you drive with more authority.
     
    #14 mmmodem, Dec 2, 2012
  15. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    mmodem, sorry if this is obvious, but are you aware there's "normal" mode? If neither ECO or PWR buttons are pushed, pedal response is middling. If you've (for example) pushed ECO button, a second push turns it off and reverts the car to "normal" mode.
     
    #15 Mendel Leisk, Dec 2, 2012
  16. G. G.

    G. G. Junior Member

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    Yes, in this cold weather, I've been using my seat heater to start and then the heat and defroster a bit too when necessary, so I guess the ECO is best for me right now. I am such a "woos"--I hate being cold! LOL Tks,
    GG.
     
    #16 G. G., Dec 2, 2012
  17. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

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    Normal is also too sensitive.
     
    #17 mmmodem, Dec 2, 2012
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