One of the novelties of owning a hybrid is that, even if you don’t have space in your life to charge, you can still try the thrills of running on electricity—because the hybrid system maximizes gas mileage by how to turn off the engine for a moment and run the hybrid like an EV for short distances.
But as some recent data from Toyota Motor North America helps to highlight, for maximum mpg, you should leave those electric mileages up to your hybrid system to decide. Toyota The owner will keep the car for a long timeand while this may be something owners figure out over time, it’s useful information for newbies.
Toyota Vios 2022
Last month, Toyota revealed the results of a project involving more than 483,000 miles, paid for by Toyota employees and family members, on more than 2,000 company-owned Toyota and Lexus vehicles, in the week from April 19-25, 2023.
Mission: Use Eco mode or EV mode for each ride.
Toyota data scientists then compared baseline daily driving data taken prior to the project with results in Eco or EV mode and compared the efficiency.
Toyota says that hybrids running in one of those modes cut their CO2 emissions — and increased mpg — by 4%. For non-breeders, the benefit was 26%.
EV mode in Toyota Sienna
EV mode and Eco mode: One of them helps mpg
Why the difference? Simply put, Toyota’s hybrid car is a car with EV mode, and pressing EV mode does not help mpg.
First, let’s see what Eco mode does. Toyota summarizes it as remapping the throttle input and optimizing the climate control system for conservation.
In the Toyota owner’s manual for Hybrid RAV4, for example, it explains the mode a bit more. Eco-drive improves fuel economy through two differences, it says—by “generating smoother torque in response to accelerator pedal action” compared to eco-drive mode. normal temperature and by “limiting the operation of the air conditioning system (heating and cooling)”.
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE AWD
From Green Car Reports’ experience with a wide range of test vehicles—nearly all hybrids in the Toyota/Lexus lineup, it’s a difference you probably won’t notice after the first few minutes. It encourages smoother driving in most cases and you’ll see well-deserved results at the pump.
You may have to select Eco mode every time you get in the car in some Toyota hybrids, while in others it will “stick” when starting the car if it was the last mode you used.
And now the confusing part: Most if not all Toyota hybrids have BOTH Eco mode and EV mode—and EV mode plays a completely different role.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2022
What does EV mode do in Toyota hybrids?
The point behind the EV mode sounds effective. But Toyota engineers previously told this reporter that EV mode isn’t meant to maximize fuel economy at all — and that using it can actually lead to less mileage when driving. The system draws from a vast map of data, looks at various parameters (several predictions) to decide when to run the motor and when to rely solely on the electric motor.
The bottom line: Toyota’s hybrid vehicles have been optimized to be so efficient that virtually anything you change, except slowing down and adjusting your driving habits and Eco mode, both have the ability to cut mpg. And that includes the use of EV mode.
Brown confirms: “EV mode is not specifically designed to save fuel. “The car can run in residential areas or indoor parking lots early in the morning or late at night without worrying about noise or emissions.”
EV mode button on Toyota Prius 2023
inside Toyota Prius 2023 In the owner’s manual, Toyota also provides a complete list of situations in which EV mode may not be allowed, such as when the temperature is particularly high or too low, when the vehicle traveling at high speed or when accessories such as windshield foggers are being installed. use. Toyota suggests that typically that allows for an electric range of up to 0.6 miles.
And in the Prius manual, Toyota makes it clear: “The hybrid system is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy during normal driving (using the gasoline engine and the diesel engine). electricity [traction motor]). Driving in EV mode more than is necessary can reduce fuel economy.”
This is not just about Toyota. For example, Honda has similarly advised its system in the CR-V Hybrid.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2020
Toyota has one of the most comprehensive lines of hybrid vehicles, including many models with all-wheel drive, 40 mpg or more, and under $30,000. In the 2021 update towards 2030, it predicted that 70% of US sales will be electrified vehicles, most of which will be hybrids by 2030. Last month, the company confirmed a Three-row electric SUV will be made in the US It’s 2025, however, and it’s still unclear if that changes the company’s forecast or how.
These results raise the question of whether Toyota hybrid drivers could do better if they were only asked to use the Eco mode. While it may seem like Toyota’s survey of results isn’t separable that way for hybrid drivers, Green Car Reports put those numbers up.
In the meantime, trust the hybrid system and stay away from the EV mode. And if you’re really eager for an all-electric engine, look into buying an EV.
