Jim-Bob -
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Originally Posted by Jim-Bob
Doesn't the Prius allow for partial electric-only drive? If so it makes sense then. That would also allow me to do a plug in conversion for a little more electric-only range and maybe even add some solar cells to the roof for charging during the day.
I always found the Insight I to be sort of cool for being a no-compromise solution to fuel efficiency. If the Prius I makes more sense though I will start shopping for one of those instead.
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The Prius in Europe had a button you could push to put the car in electric-mode only :
Toyota's Prius in Europe gets a button we don't — Autoblog - June 2006
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Ever stare at that spot on your dash that has a piece of plastic where a button should be? Ever wonder what that button would do if it were installed? More and more Prius owners are finding out that that empty spot on their dashes is occupied on Euro-spec Prius models by a button that switches the hybrid into electric-only mode while driving locally at low speeds.
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Fear not, though. The Prius has already proved to be immensely hackable and computer geeks have already discovered how to enable that missing button's function in North American models. This article from CNET also shows how far Prius hacking can go, including one that allows the nav system to be operated at speed as well as while the vehicle's in Park.
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Prius EV Mode Button - EAA-PHEV
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Enabling the EV Mode Button, The secret missing feature.
The EV Mode Button is a standard part of the Japan and EU Prius but was not installed in the US versions, perhaps because of extended warranties in Ca due to AT-PZEV regulations and qualifications criteria. The US Prius is still entirely aware of the EV Mode though it can never get the signal or command to enter or exit the mode because the wire and button are missing. EV Mode is a very enlightening feature as it encourages the Prius to stay in its electric mode for far longer than it normally would. It will normally drive 1 to 2 miles on a fully charged battery, after which it must restart the engine using gasoline to recharge the battery. It is not a good idea to fully cycle the battery often as this decreases any battery's life and is not helpful for mileage if used improperly. If used correctly is can be advantageous for times when you know you won't need to start the engine. It's also fun for showing off and offers a small glimpse of the potential of electric vehicles.
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CarloSW2