Dear all, Just bought a new 2012 Prius Plug-in on Friday. Still learning the ropes. These fora have been tremendously helpful - thanks to all who have posted. Here's my question: I've selected EV mode, and the EV mode indicator light is lit up as it should be on he dashboard above my steering wheel. As would be expected, to the right, the Hybrid System Indicator bar features a little car sitting on top of it with the letters "EV." However, after a few minutes of driving, the letters "EV" disappear from the little car in the Hybrid System Indicator. The indicator doesn't switch the to HV screen (where the main bar is divided into two halves), but remains in the EV screen (where the main bar is undivided, with a little nub on the left for "charge" and on the right for "power.") And the EV mode indicator light above my steering wheel remains lit. A few minutes later, the "EV" letters appear in the little car once again. Then they disappear, then they come back again. All along, I've had plenty of mileage left to go in EV mode (more than 6 miles). Is this normal behavior? Is this simply what happens when the ICE kicks in despite being in EV mode? (And the ICE definitely kicked in - I saw that on the Energy Monitor graphic. And I understand why - it's been very cold here [northern NJ].) Thanks in advance!
Thank you priuskitty, that much I get. What I'm trying to understand is the display. So just because the ICE came on, I'm not necessarily kicked out of EV mode? I'm still in EV mode (hence the EV mode light, and the EV mode version of the Hybrid System Indicator), but since I'm no longer running on stricty electric power, the little car in the Hybrid System Indicator loses its "EV" lettering?
I think it's called EV boost mode. check out the One and only Prius Plug In FAQ thread, that may answer your question
Thanks again. For the sake of posterity, this is normal operating behavior. This is what things look like when you're in EV mode, but the ICE has kicked in. See Gas Engine Running While In Electric Mode? | PriusChat
Yes, normal. ICE kicks in so smooth, it is hard to tell. It happens when you asks for cabin heat or to assist the battery (got anemic due to cold temp). The system is protecting the battery and using the best fuel for the job. EV-BOOST blends both. To mitigate it, use the charging timer to finish right before you need to drive. Park in a warm garage if possible. Run the cabin heater until the battery gets warmer (it draws air from cabin).
