Eco Mode, Driving Modes - using a lot more lately

I guess the EV mode is ok for silent running in parking structures and such. One thing it will do is limp you to a fuel stop if you happen to run out of gas. I guess that's the point of having it available. I'm sure there will be other comment on this feature. Stay tuned.

 

I tend to stay in ECO mode about 98% of the time. Force of habit.

 

Same here. Can't see the point of letting the ICE run at stop lights.

 

I just leave them all off, leave it in Normal. Like the pedal response better.

 

I tend to use normal most of the time also.

 

The lazy throttle in ECO mode can be a little annoying but in heavy traffic I think it's a better choice. Normal mode is probably a better option while on the open road. I have a tendacy to be a fuel minder and do a lot of "In-Town" driving. At that, I manage a pretty constant 51ish MPG.

 

I haven't and do not plan to try limping to a gas station in EV mode and don't think it would work. My theoretical understanding is that electric drive is disabled in the Gen 3 Prius, as soon as the ICE receives a computer prompt to start.

 

i love eco mode. easy for me to maintain 55mpg even with mostly highway. pure city i easily get high 50's or better. i coast a much as possible especially 42 or under when i can coast in ev. up coming red lights are always a welcome opportunity for gas free driving.

i still don't understand what the ev button is for though. i can engage ev mode pretty much whenever I want when doing 45 or under, so I don't get what the button is for... usually if the car is not already in ev mode and i press the button it just complains that it can't do ev mode right now (which is why i wasn't in ev in the first place)... whatever

 

It's mostly for just moving in and out of the garage or store parking lot and ect.

 

i use the ev mode to shut the ice sooner at a stop

 

The ICE will shut off a stop lights in every mode (assuming car is warmed up)

Mike

 

sometimes it takes longer in other modes to shut the ice off but pushing the ev mode tricks the computer to do it sooner

 

I've found I could turn the engine on/off by just ticking the cabin temperature up/down. Quite predictable.

I don't think ECO mode has any effect on engine shut off. As far as I know it's main effect is to increase gas pedal travel, and it just was too much for me: found I was starting to tromp the gas to compensate.

 

Same here - for me it was easier to get a "feel" for how the Prius works...

 

It doesn't increase the gas pedal travel throughout the full range, just the first half. What did you find objectionable about tromping on the gas?

 

I drive mine in ECO all the time with the objective of keeping my fuel consumption as low as possible. After all, isn't that what the Prius is all about? The lazy throttle in the ECO mode is a learning tool not a detriment. Probably the best way to prove that is to run a full fuel tank in both modes (ECO and Normal) and make a comparison, especially if you drive in a lot of traffic. It would be interesting to see the results.

 

Semi off topic, but is there a proper way to switch in-between these three modes or can the switch happen at anytime (i.e. while moving) without any kind of damage to the vehicle?

 

I think it also changes things in the climite control system to get better mpg. Probably not a hugh difference, but a little anyway!

 

It transitions very smoothly. There's little you do to make this car hurt itself.