I've been reading different threads on this and I still don't fully understand when the ICE kicks on. Then goal is to avoid having the ICE kick on right if we are in ev? Because it uses gas? What's the whole if its cold the ICE needs to warm it? Thanks
I think your spell check sabotaged you once before. Did it get you again? That last sentence is hard to decipher. You're right, if your intent is to use EV miles only then you don't want to jam the accelerator hard or the engine will start. As you probably know, it will also start once you use up your EV miles. If it's cold and you want cabin heat, switch to HV mode immediately after starting to override the default EV start-up.
there is no 'goal' per se, to each his/her own. i prefer driving ev, so if my trip is within range, i try to do whatever it takes to keep the ice off. if it's beyond ev range, i use ev strategically, and hv for the rest, with the intent to return home with zero ev miles left.
I had a Prius Three for six months before purchasing the PiP. That taught me about how to get good mileage which is very helpful in determining how to use HV when the EV runs out but also some ideas on how to strategically use the available EV (right on bisco!). I don't recommend using a regular Prius as "training wheels", its definitely not a good financial approach. However, it did help me appreciate those EV miles.
The engine will start if you hit the accelerator hard, if you go faster than 62 mph in EV mode, and if you get above about 32 mph when the air temperature is cold - I still haven't quite determined just what the magic minimum warm temperature is above which this doesn't occur, maybe somewhere around 40 degrees.
Just as most hybrids are "mild hybrids" compared to the Prius, The Prius Plug-in is a "mild plug-in" compared to other plug-ins. The 10-12 mile EV range is not really adequate for most people who hope to use EV for most of their routine travel. If my commute were less than 12 miles, I might consider a bike instead. Although Toyota has said publicly that they do not plan to extend the EV range of the Prius anytime soon, I believe there is a greater need for an EV range of 40-60 miles than they may realize. Of course a larger battery would be required, thereby taking away more interior space, but advances in battery technology which could make it practical may not be too far away.
