EV mode switch for the 2008 HiHy in USA? Apparently - GreenHybrid

lars-ss · #1 (**permalink**) 02-20-2007, 02:21 PM

Looks like Toyota has responded to third-party EV Mode switches in the Prius community and is going to "trust" us Americans with the switch:

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=119646

Maybe the Prius and TCH are next? We can hope !!!

me2 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-20-2007, 04:02 PM

Quote:

the "EV" mode switch on the center console, which will let the driver choose to run the car in pure electric mode at speeds up to 25 miles per hour for a distance of a mile.

Going a mile on EV, not particularly handy.

lars-ss · #3 (**permalink**) 02-21-2007, 05:29 AM

Actually, in my eyes, this is a VERY handy tool. For example:

Driving around a Mall parking lot always in EV mode.
Drive down a long driveway to your mailbox in EV mode.
If you park in a city multi-story garage, being able to drive down from the roof all in EV mode.
If you live fairly close to a convenience store or grocery store - make the whole trip in EV mode.
Driving through a nature park in EV mode not scaring the animals away from you and being able to see them better.
Picking up your kids at school in the "parent pickup drive thru lane" and not belching exhaust fumes on the kids.

There are many more I'm sure; these are just the ones that came to mind immediately.

I'd be willing to wager that all the Prius drivers who modified their Prius to have the EV switch like it and use it frequently, as I'm sure do the lucky European drivers who got the Prius EV mode switch as standard equipment.