EV mode button?
#11
11-15-2007, 08:04 AM
Re: EV mode button?
Any time you're not in "full hybrid" mode, can't go fast, but can't stop to wait the ~10 seconds for it to cut over would be a perfect time for forcing EV mode if possible. I've had tons of times when it would make a difference. Maybe less now that I understand better how full hybrid mode works, and what (more or less) it takes to get into it, but still.
Over 35mph you can't tell why the ICE stops - both stage 3 and 4 will stop the ICE when coasting above 35mph. Only if the TCH is in stage 4 (full hybrid) will the ICE stop if you start coasting under 35mph.
I discovered it is possible to go straight into stage 4 on restarting a warm engine. Power on the TCH and drive until about 30 seconds after the ICE starts. This time appears to be a "catalyst reheat" mode. After the ICE has been running roughly 30 seconds coast. The ICE will stop within a few seconds and you are in stage 4. Test by blipping the accelerator to restart the ICE and coast. The ICE should shut back off almost immediately. I've had this work at speeds under 30mph. I don't know how long the TCH will allow dropping directly into stage 4 after restarting the TCH. I do know if I drive more than a few minutes it no longer will, requiring me to come to a complete stop for ~ 7 to 10 seconds to enter stage 4.
Last edited by nash; 11-15-2007 at 08:17 AM.
#12
11-15-2007, 08:33 AM
Re: EV mode button?
Toyota says that EV mode (with the switch) won't generally improve mileage. Don't forget that all power must eventually come from the ICE and that since the ICE must be warmed up anyway that it might as well be driving the wheels. In other words, don't sweat this and enjoy the drive!
I don't really see the point of the button- it's only good in a few situations. It won't work in any of the following situations:
-It won't work if your speed is 25mph or greater.
-It won't work if the traction battery is low.
-It won't work if the engine is warming up.
-It won't work if the defogger is on.
-It won't work if the gas pedal is depressed firmly.
-It won't work if the hybrid system temp. is too high / too low.
(Source: Toyota Iguide http://www.toyotaiguide.com/iGuide_HighHy.htm)
So the only real circumstances that the EV button would actually work would be in parking lots or if you are driving very slowly- and the Camry Hybrid will most likely be cruising in electric-only mode anyway.
So in the original poster's scenario where they would use it while driving down the half-mile street near your house in the morning- the EV button wouldn't work because the gas engine would still be warming up.
-It won't work if your speed is 25mph or greater.
-It won't work if the traction battery is low.
-It won't work if the engine is warming up.
-It won't work if the defogger is on.
-It won't work if the gas pedal is depressed firmly.
-It won't work if the hybrid system temp. is too high / too low.
(Source: Toyota Iguide http://www.toyotaiguide.com/iGuide_HighHy.htm)
So the only real circumstances that the EV button would actually work would be in parking lots or if you are driving very slowly- and the Camry Hybrid will most likely be cruising in electric-only mode anyway.
So in the original poster's scenario where they would use it while driving down the half-mile street near your house in the morning- the EV button wouldn't work because the gas engine would still be warming up.
You can engage EV Drive Mode before the engine starts so he can cruise the half mile street in the morning in EV Drive Mode. Then once he hits the main street, he can let the engine warm up.
Also, you can accelerate harder in EV Drive Mode than you can without it. Anything harder than a feather will engage the engine but in EV Drive Mode, it'll keep the engine off.
#13
11-15-2007, 09:21 AM
Re: EV mode button?
What can I say, I want more feedback from my car sometimes.
#14
11-15-2007, 04:04 PM
Re: EV mode button?
I discovered it is possible to go straight into stage 4 on restarting a warm engine. Power on the TCH and drive until about 30 seconds after the ICE starts. This time appears to be a "catalyst reheat" mode. After the ICE has been running roughly 30 seconds coast. The ICE will stop within a few seconds and you are in stage 4. Test by blipping the accelerator to restart the ICE and coast. The ICE should shut back off almost immediately. I've had this work at speeds under 30mph.
#15
11-15-2007, 06:09 PM
Re: EV mode button?
Toyota may say that it won't improve mileage but I know that if I had it on my TCH I could get a slight improvement. The computer on the car is good but not as good as the human brain.
I suspect that what they are trying to convey is that it is not a panacea. You cannot stay in EV mode indefinitely.
I would like to see this feature migrate to the TCH but also to imrove on what they have used elsewhere. I can often get the TCH to go into EV at 35-38 mph. It would be nice to have the switch and to have it function up to 40 mph.
I suspect that what they are trying to convey is that it is not a panacea. You cannot stay in EV mode indefinitely.
I would like to see this feature migrate to the TCH but also to imrove on what they have used elsewhere. I can often get the TCH to go into EV at 35-38 mph. It would be nice to have the switch and to have it function up to 40 mph.
#16
11-15-2007, 07:45 PM
Re: EV mode button?
Yeah, I could definitely get a mileage improvement. On my street alone! Speed bumps prevent me from going over 25 mpg. Two trips everyday in EV mode would have a great effect. Too bad we don't get to use it. 
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