I've got my used 2010 Prius 2 weeks a go. I have the following strange observation. 1 - Parked my car with parking brakes 2 - Some time after, I get back into the car, release the parking brake and drives off. I notice that ICE come on IN THE PARKING LOT, when I have my battery one bar from full. My understanding is the ICE should never come on to charge the battery. it is such a waste of gas. I'm in ECO mode, BTW. 3 - I press the gas more when I get out of the parking lot. When I hit the red light and stopped shortly after, I see the ICE is shut, which is normal. I cannot explain what I see in 2), and this keeps happening every time. Is this a cause of concern? thanks, -Charles
1) The catalytic converter of a modern vehicle is designed to reduce smog-forming emissions but only do this when it is warm. 2) A warm engine runs considerably more efficiently than a cold engine. Therefore) The Prius engages in a warm-up cycle upon start-up. It does this to heat the engine and the catalytic converter. By doing this, both devices will be at optimal temperature when needed. Otherwise, when you really do need them, they would both be cold and coughing out much worse smog-forming pollutants. No cause for alarm. Enjoy your Prius.
