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Prius EV Mode Button

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Revision as of 01:55, 16 November 2006 by Rjf (talk | contribs) (cleanup.)
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Enabling the EV Mode Button, The secret missing feature.

The EV Mode Button is a standard part of the Japan and EU Prius but was not installed in the US versions, perhaps because of extended warranties in Ca due to AT-PZEV regulations and qualifications criteria. The US Prius is still entirely aware of the EV Mode though it can never get the signal or command to enter or exit the mode because the wire and button are missing. EV Mode is a very enlightening feature as it encourages the Prius to stay in its electric mode for far longer than it normally would. It will normally drive 1 to 2 miles on a fully charged battery, after which it must restart the engine using gasoline to recharge the battery. It is not a good idea to fully cycle the battery often as this decreases any battery's life and is not helpful for mileage if used improperly. If used correctly is can be advantageous for times when you know you won't need to start the engine. It's also fun for showing off and offers a small glimpse of the potential of electric vehicles.

The EV Mode function itself is activated and deactivated by momentarily grounding the H14 #27 pin on the HV ECU located behind the glove box(s). CoastalTech.com (ph) has a 3-wire EV Mode Button kit with easy instructions which allows you to turn on and off the EV Mode through the Cruise control stalk. prius-evbutton-install.pdf <ref>Media:Prius-evbutton-install.pdf from http://www.calcars.org/prius-evbutton-install.pdf</ref>from calcars.org and EV-button-Y.html from vfaq.net have more information for "do it yourself" type people. This factoryEV.pdf <ref>Media:FactoryEV.pdf from http://www.scubadivervideo.com/Files/factoryEV.pdf</ref> by ScubaX at PriusChat talks about the OEM EV-Mode button and dimmer switchs white/black wire which is ground(-) and the grey wire which is illumination control, there doesn't appear to be any OEM EV-Mode status indication. The recirculation button on the steering pad might also make a good EV Mode button but it's not a simple switch and is instead a variable resistance control connected to the climate control system. You can also take a look at the PiPrius conversion process#CAN-View .26 EV Mode Button page which discusses one particular PHEV conversion but includes some steps regarding the EV Mode button installation.

Four things that cancel EV Mode.

  • Battery reaches 2 out of 8 battery bars worth of charge.
  • Speed reaches 34mph.
    • EV-only driving regularly occurs even at freeway speeds when there is ample battery energy.
  • Accelerator pedal is depressed more than half to 3/4 of the way down.
  • Pushing EV-Mode button.

Things you need to add the feature.

  • 22 gage wire, about 6 feet.
  • Standard Phillips screwdriver.
  • Small Jeweler's screwdriver.
  • Soldering may be required.
  • 1/2 to 3 hours of time.
  • optional components:
    • momentary switch, batteries, drop cord?

The Prius EV Mode operates only under particular situations.

Parallel Packs

I'm aware of a few other people who have added additional battery capacity to Prii, although they did not grid-recharge, those projects are rather close to becoming PHEV projects.

EV-Mode and your Warranty

  • Regarding your warranty - Yahoo PriusPlus post.
    • http://www.sema.org/main/semaorghome.aspx?ID=50096 The Law
    • Federal law sets forth requirements for warranties and contains a number of provisions to prevent vehicle manufacturers, dealers and others from unjustly denying warranty coverage. With regard to aftermarket parts, the spirit of the law is that warranty coverage cannot be denied simply because such parts are present on the vehicle, or have been used(see Attachment A).The warranty coverage can be denied only if the aftermarket part caused the malfunction or damage for which warranty coverage is sought. Disputes in this area usually boil down to arguments over facts and technical opinions, rather than arguments over interpretations of the law.

References

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