Re: Hybrid Battery Performance
Pitokhato, it sounds like your batteries are fine, and the TCH is running normally. Cold combined with short trips seriously impares the hybrid systems ability to use EV mode.
It is safe to leave the TCH for up to 2 months without running the engine in "normal" temperatures (eg: 20 to 30 celcius)
Battery self discharge is very dependent upon temperature. The colder the temperature, the lower the self discharge rate.
As your TCH was stored in rather cold conditions ( -25 to -10 celcius ) it's rate of discharge would be greatly reduced. On top of that, Toyota dealers are instructed to run (idle) the TCH for at least 30 minutes once a month to keep the batteries well charged. It is very likely your dealer did so.
You can see the SOC (state of charge) level on the MFD (multi function display below the speedometer) or on the energy display on the NAV. That your TCH is starting fine is a very good indication that the batteries are in good shape. Your short commute is long enough to bring up the batteries if their SOC is low.
Regarding EV mode, a block heater may help a lot. Until the ICE (gas engine) warms up, the TCH will not allow EV mode. Even in warm southern California ( 15C at night lately ) I have to drive about 2.5 KMS before I can get into EV mode. I am rather surprised you can get any EV at all at -10 celcius.
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