EV, ECO Mode On/Off While Driving Normal?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by PriuSocal, Jan 25, 2026 at 1:52 AM.

  1. PriuSocal

    PriuSocal Member

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    2008 Prius
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    Maybe a Newb question but its my 1st 3rd gen so take it easy on me lol.

    My question is, when driving I notice the EV , ECO modes light up and then go off on their own on the Hybrid System Indicator animation screen (photo attached). But appears they aren't the same as when one actually presses the buttons on the center console which then activates a light up on the far left of the screen next to the MPH to indicate you have manually activated EV, ECO or PWR mode.

    Is it normal for those lights above the Hybrid System Indicator to go on and off on their own? If so then whats the difference from manually pressing the buttons on the center console?

    gen 3 gauge.jpeg
     
    #1 PriuSocal, Jan 25, 2026 at 1:52 AM
  2. indel

    indel Member

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    That meter keeps track of whether the car is able to be driven only in EV mode or in eco mode regardless of which mode you have selected. Generally speaking if your battery is not fully depleted and if you are driving under 35-40MPH, on flat ground or decline, you will see the EV mode illuminated. Anything above that or on even on slight inclines, regardless of speed, you will be in eco mode. Unless of course you love spirited driving which will push the meter out of eco into pwr.
     
    #2 indel, Jan 25, 2026 at 9:06 AM
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