It seems that whenever I shift in reverse, the gasoline engine starts up almost immediately. Shouldn't the electric motor be strong enough to back the car 20 feet out of my smooth, level garage?
Is the engine cold? If so, the computer will start the engine in order to warm up the cats due to Federal emmissions laws.
As I understand it, you have a few sections (7?) after 'Ready' to go EV, then the warm-up (Stage 1a) begins, unless you have an EV Button mod which allows you to request the car to stay in EV, conditions permitting. Moving around the driveway is one of the few uses for an EV button that enhance fuel economy.
I'm with bear on the "cold engine" thought. If this is first thing in the morning or after a lengthy sit, it might be that the engine wants to warm up. If you are going to simply move the car from the garage to the end of the driveway, the only way to keep the engine from coming on is to calmly and logically explain to the car that it's just a short trip and there really is no reason for the engine to come one. It might understand and keep the engine off. Otherwise, it would have no way to know whether you are just juggling positions or starting off on a 50-mile venture.
the electric motor is pretty strong. unfortunetly you have to feed it electricity. if the gas engine needs to kick on.. it's to recharge the system so you can continue to cruise in reverse.
When just backing out of the garage onto the driveway is one of the few times I use my factory fitted EV switch :boink:
The heat-up-the-engine and emission controls comments are correct. With EV, you can back a pretty good distance before the engine would need to come on for recharging. As it is, the control system assumes you are going to drive some distance, so it starts warming up the engine and catalytic converter soon after power up. It's not a bad assumption most of the time. Tom
Looks like you need a primer in the 5 stages of prius operation.... which I can't find at the moment, but I'm sure someone has the link bookmarked.
Also be aware that the current drawn from the battery is limited, so if you need more backup power the ICE could be started to provide that extra. Backing up a steep hill, for example.
