EV Mode module from Juicedhybrid.com. Is it any good? Does it hurt anything? Will it affect the battery in a negative way? 2005 gen 2 Prius, 138000 miles and runs like a dream.
It's useless. Only good for moving the car around a parking lot. Use of the switch will result in lower overall MPG. Since, the car will just need to run the ICE more to recharge the traction battery. It might work for you if you live at the top of a long hill and know that you will recharge the battery on the way down hill.
The answer isn't quite that simple. There is potential to use the EV switch to advantage, but to do so you have to really understand when and how to best implement it. However, I am NOT a fan of Juicedhybrid.com They stole the photo they use on their web site from the person who originally invented the solution that they...stole! They charge more than anyone else as well. Further, it takes several seconds to implement EV mode. You can install your very own EV button for just a couple of dollars with a simple switch you can buy at Radio Shack or you can buy an official EV button from several different sources that fits right into the spot on the dash where it's installed elsewhere in the world straight from the factory. But here's the deal...if you'll learn how to get into S4 (of the 4 stages of hybrid operation) the car will automatically do almost everything the EV button allows you to do. There is a ton of information on Priuschat about how to install and EV button, the limitations, how it works, when it won't work, and how to get the most out of it. Do a search, think about it and then let me know if you have more questions.
