Attention Prius Owners, I believe I have discovered a previously unknown Mechanism of Low MPG.

Trivia: to convert km/100km to mpg (US gallons), or vice versa, divide either into 235.2. I forget how I arrived at that, but it's just a distillation of the conversion process.

 

That’s handy, thanks!

 

Your post made me realize my 07 Prius no longer chirps when doors are locked…and I am also experiencing 40mpg in city and 50+mpg on drives above 40 mph. I did disconnect my 12v a few months… and ICE immediately kicks on with the very little pedal press. Must be an easy way to restore max ev … has anyone spoke to Toyota about this?

 

You may have not proved it all out yet… but you are onto something that is really happening in my 07 Prius… since 12v battery disconnect a few moths ago. My city mpg is around 38 and above 40 mph… mpg is in low 50s… complete opposite of advertised performance. Gas pedal above 10-15% … kicks ice on… even with a nearly full charge battery…
Love to hear the finds of this theory….
Frank

 

I am also experiencing this behavior on my prius v — over 50mpg on highway and sub 40 in the city! Would really appreciate a way to reset the low ev mode to high ev!

 

I personally believe the (Gen 2) car configures itself in response to the way it is driven.

If you drive it like a race car, it will configure itself for a sport mode (less economy).

If you drive it using typical eco-driving techniques (especially pulse-and-glide), it will configure itself for economy driving.

This is just my observation, take it for what it is worth.

 

I Believe Prius v has a ev mode button you could use to force maximum ev operation…

 

That's not how the EV button works. Hybrids are not EVs, they are combustion cars. Using the EV button this way is just robbing Peter to pay Paul.

 

I'll put in a few cents.
You have several topics and messages about problems with the fuel system and engine operation of your car. What does the EV mode have to do with it?
You need to understand the engine operation first.

 

I agree with your theses.
With an aggressive driving style, fuel consumption for the same distance is higher than with smooth pressing of the gas and brake.