The car always starts up in EV mode. I assume that you mean that the ICE (Internal combustion engine) starts. Do you happen to have windshield defrost turned on? The ICE will always start with windshield defrost on. Press the Auto button on your climate control and see if that fixes the issue.

 

OP, are you saying that when you start the car, pushing the power button from a totally-off state, the HV light is on? Not the EV light? If so, that is totally not right if you have any miles in the battery, and the defroster is off. (Someone jump in and correct me if I am wrong.)

 

There are two different indications on the dash. One that says EV mode or HV mode (or CHG mode). The other is a green blob in the shape of a car with the letters EV on it. The mode indicator indicates the selected mode for the car which starts in EV. When there are no EV miles left, the car changes automatically to HV mode. The ICE can and does turn on in EV mode. Even if defrost is on, the car remains in EV mode I believe. That way once defrost is shut off, the car goes back to true EV mode with the ICE off. The green car image is on when the ICE is off, and off when the ICE is on, regardless of the mode the car is set to.

 

There are a number of reasons an R4P will start the ICE while in EV mode. Low charge state, Defrost, more power needed, lack of use, Fully charged going downhill (engine braking), etc. But as noted above the first step is to determine if you are in EV mode when the ICE kicks on.

 

Use the Toyota app (if you have it) to check the system and battery status.

Mini Militia App Lock