Can starting in EV mode be dangerous?

Japan and Euro models don't have thermos.

Ken@Japan

 

But now ken1784 in Japan pointed out that there is no thermos where they have the factory EV switch. So that would indicate that the computer wouldn't complain, unless the software for the U.S. version has been modified to monitor the thermos.

So, does that indicate that such a thermos delay switch could be installed in the U.S. Prius?

 

the temp of the thermos is monitored on the NA Prius and it even cycles the pump after about 4 hours just to test the temp. So it's monitored. Like I said any delay in the coolant pump at start up and the computer will see it as a pump failure, and set a code.

 

I agree with Daniel's recommendations. And if you are accellerating hard enough through 34 MPH that the ICE start is somewhat rough, you should have kicked out of EV earlier. You are draining the battery for no reason. Use it for flats when you are already up to speed, downhills, starting in parking lots when you know you are going to sit at a signal for several minutes, etc.

Now, for those of you who think 25F is cold enough for full EV understanding, I'm here to enlighten you Though I haven't done specific testing, the car will NOT enter EV mode from an overnight start when it is cold out. For sure 15F is too cold. Even when you have been driving for some time, the engine will not heat up enough to go into EV. I ran into that a week ago, I think it was about 10F. Drove home from work (~20 min), stopped at the store for 5 minutes. Car wouldn't go into EV when I started it (the "I'll be sitting at a red light anyway scenario"). I don't know about the rest of you, but it didn't take long for me to get used to no idle at stops and I get seriously annoyed when it doesn't shut down because it is too cold out!