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Is there a chart that lists different combinations for the three buttons (Drive Mode/HV EV/EV Auto)?

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by EffecientAF, Aug 30, 2020.

  1. EffecientAF

    EffecientAF New Member

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    And a breakdown of what each combo does and what it's suitable for?
     
  2. Tips

    Tips Member

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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    not sure what you mean by 'combinations', they are each distinct from each other.

    it should be explained in the owners manual:

    ev: does not start the engine until the battery is drained to a certain level

    hv: uses the engine and minimal battery

    ev auto: computer decides which combination of the above two is most efficient under your driving circumstances

    charge mode! don't for get this one (y)
     
  4. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    The drive mode Power, Normal, Eco has nothing to do with EV mode EV/HV or EV Auto. You can drive independently of the each other. Power, Normal, Eco mode is for throttle mapping difference. Eco mode will requires more push of pedal to gain same acceleration as Normal, and Normal will require more push than Power. All three will responds the same way if you floor the pedal. I keep mine on ECO all the time, never needed to change it. Some people who need to do frequent sudden acceleration, like merging on hyway use Power mode for those situation.

    EV mode EV/HV or EV Auto (or CHG) are for the use of traction battery power to drive car. @bisco covered the basics. I keep switching EV/HV frequently to save traction battery SoC. I have never found EV Auto to be useful for it behaves exactly the same as EV mode for my driving condition.
     
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  5. CharlesH

    CharlesH CA HOV Decal #5 on former PiP

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    Yeah, Power/Normal/Eco just control how much power you are asking for for a given throttle displacement. A mentioned, the two curves converge at the top end, so full throttle is the same on both, but Power makes it feel "peppier", since at the low end, you don't have to press it as far to get a given power request. The throttle is just an input to the engine control computer, which can be programmed any way they want to. Sort of like how on a PC, you can control how fast the mouse cursor moves for given movement of the actual mouse.
     
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    nice analogy, i like that
     
  7. RovinRon

    RovinRon Junior Member

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    Bisco - thanks for that explanation. Helping me through a better understanding of all this technical stuff! We just bought a 2017 Prime Advance with just over 13k miles on it. We need to drive it from our home in the Seattle area to our winter home in the Phoenix area shortly. What is the best mode to use for that length of drive? Just put it into EV Auto and let it do its thing? Would we need to go to Charge mode periodically? Not sure that we will be anyplace to plug it in. Starting to check with hotels/motels to see if they have charging stations that will also allow our Wire Hair Fox Terrier! Thanks for any further help and direction you can give us! RovinRon
     
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  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you can use any mode until you have time to experiment and learn. there is no 'right way'.

    many will use ev for low speed driving and hv for highway. if you can't find places to plug in, just leave it in hv when you're out of plug juice. charge mode will be a learning process, rarely usedbut helpful in a couple of situations where you might want some ev for the future, but can't plug in. again, moe learning and experimentation.
    prime is not really a long distance car where you search for places to plug in, the 25 miles of ev won't do much for you on a long trip,
    but the hv mpg's are so good, that's all you really need.
    don't make yourself crazy driving it home, but if you feel like experimenting, go for it.
    try eco mode to start, and experiment with the others. everyone prefers something different.
     
  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Also, use Plugshare (.com or download the app) to find accommodations with level 2 charging (J1772).

    Otherwise. The HV mode mpg is amazing so I wouldn’t fret it. Just “opportune charge”. Whenever you’re having a meal or stopped over at a hotel, charge if available. If not, don’t worry.

    Lastly, note it takes only 2h10m to fully charge so if you arrive early at the hotel, move your car after in case someone else with a PHEV or EV wants a charge.
     
  10. PT Guy

    PT Guy Senior Member

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    Yep, EV mode and forget it. Don't worry about finding recharging spots. If you find them, use them, but figure each charge saves maybe $3 or less in gas, so don't spend anything extra for the charge. EV Auto is an advantage in very few situations. We have one route we drive occasionally where there is a hilly section. EV Auto runs the engine in the hilly section and goes back to battery in the flat parts. We make the total 90 mile run using a bit less gasoline than if we just used EV. So...unless you know your route ahead, don't bother with it.
     
  11. RovinRon

    RovinRon Junior Member

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    Thanks for the tips and advice. Jotted them down to refer to and play with before we leave in 2 weeks.