Toyota Prius 2010 User Manual page 3

ECO Mode
PWR Mode
EV Mode
EV Mode (PHV)
EV Boost (PHV)
Prius User-Guide (2010-2012)
When the PHV mode Prius is still in EV mode, but speed of travel exceeds 62 mph (100 km/h), the
battery-pack will continue to supply electricity at the more ample rate. You'll see dramatically
higher MPG as a result. When you only have a short distance to travel, this may be a better use of
the electricity than switching to HV mode. The toggle button provides the option to choose.
This indicator illuminates when the ECO MODE button is pressed.
Vehicle efficiency is directly affected by outside temperature. In both
extreme hot and extreme cold driving conditions, you'll benefit from
using this mode. It instructs the hybrid system to operate the A/C in a
manner which uses less electricity than normal, when it's hot. When
it's cold, the window defroster will operate like the A/C and the heater
will allow the engine to shut of sooner.
Vehicle efficiency is also affected by how you drive. This mode
increases the sensitivity of the accelerator-pedal, allowing easier
control for opportunities when you wish to adjust acceleration rate.
This indicator illuminates when the PWR MODE button is pressed.
When power is needed quickly, using this mode can be beneficial. It
prevents the engine from shutting off as soon as it normally would to
provide maximum acceleration without delay.
Vehicle efficiency is reduced when using this mode, even if you don't
take advantage of the rapid power it can offer. The accelerator-pedal
sensitivity is decreased and initial thrust from the electric-motor is
noticeably more responsive. So, feel free to indulge at times. The
hybrid system will still deliver impressive MPG even in this mode.
This indicator illuminates when the EV button is pressed.
This mode allows the electric-motor to provide additional thrust
without the gas-engine starting. On the Eco-Meter, you'll see the
energy usage exceed the usual GREEN zone threshold, allowing
engine-off (zero RPM) driving in both the WHITE and RED zones.
The catch is the emissions system must be hot (at least 155°F, 68°C)
and speed cannot exceed 24 MPH (39 km/h). If either of the criteria is
not met, the EV mode will disengage but the engine may still remain
motionless (often referred to as "Stealth" mode).
The PHV model provides a different indicator above the speedometer
to inform when EV MODE is engaged. It will illuminate whenever that
mode is selected, even if the engine running for warm-up. Use the
indicator above the Eco-Meter to inform you when the gas engine is
actually off.
The temperature threshold for EV MODE is different in the PHV than
the regular model Prius. 130°F (54°C) is what the coolant needed to be
warmed to before the engine will shut off, once started for the first
time. EV is default, allowing you to run without the engine until it is
needed for extra power or for heating the cabin.
3 of 33 Last Updated: 6/21/2012