Just got one of these puppies a few days ago. Joined forum today. Based on my previous reading of various reviews and hype, I am very surprised at how short a time the electric motor is the sole propulsion in low-speed stop and go (i.e. crowded city driving). For me, I would like to see more motor and less engine in such circumstances. Does anybody know if that is "tunable"? Official service technician capability? 3rd party or hack?

Initially, I had the same reaction. However, as I have learned the quirks of driving it, I have been able to see how to keep it in electric mode longer. I even drive it on occasion more than a mile in all electric.

Probably just my imagination but it seems more prone to stay in EV mode with the system set to ECO ON.
J

I've gotten mine to go e-mode at 70mph for about .5 of a mile on occasions - is always a joy to get that.

There is really no "true" EV mode above about 42 miles per hour. By "True" EV I mean MG2 driving the car and the ICE not rotating. Above approx 42 miles per hour the ICE must rotate to keep MG1 from overspeeding. Even thought the ICE is rotating the injectors may not be firing though.
J

Hmmm, odd. Let me put it this way, I have several times gotten the needle to drop into e-mode at those speeds.

I mistyped my original message. MG2 would be driving the wheels but the ICE is still rotating at those speeds just not consuming fuel.

How did you do this? I actually got it to do this once as well. I started in e-mode at the top of a hill and put it in neutral. I was at 65 for a while in e-mode. At the bottom of the hill I put it back in drive and had no problems.

BTW, I agree with the OP. I wish the car was more tunable for emode under 42mph.

There is a car with more motor less engine, that's the Prius, and that balance is for better mileage but worse acceleration.

Must be a gauge display error, unless you are in neutral...

The E-mode indicator is usually meant to indicate the ICE is not spinning, but at that speed unless you're in neutral the ICE must spin to prevent damage to the generator (as schimidtj stated). The reason for this is that the motor, generator, and ICE are interconnected thru the power split device. The rotational speed of any 1 of these is dependant on the rpm of the other 2 devices. If your motor is spinning for a vehicle speed of 70mph and the ICE is not spinning at all, this would cause the generator to spin far past it's normal operating range. Forcing the ICE to spin, even if no power is needed from it, allows the generator to spin in it's safe operating range.

In neutral the generator is disconnected from the ICE (the reason the manual warns you not to leave in neutral as no battery charging will occur).

Two climate control systems, one inside and the other at the tailpipe.

2007 Camry Hybrid (in service June 2006)
FE: 6.77L/100km (34.8 mpg) over 37750km (23450mi)
75% city - Ave trip 20 min - 2 Winters