[kilimats]

or is it single speed mode when the engine isnt running?

if it still shift in emode, is the shifting smoother in electric mode compared to hybrid or engine only?

 

[deegeese]

It's an electronic continuously variable transmission. There isn't really shifting. There's a page with a Flash app which simulates a Prius transmission. The Pacifica Hybrid uses a similar setup.

Toyota Prius - Power Split Device

 

[Tsnor]

It's an electronic continuously variable transmission. There isn't really shifting. There's a page with a Flash app which simulates a Prius transmission. The Pacifica Hybrid uses a similar setup.

Toyota Prius - Power Split Device

"electronic continuously variable transmission" which means the electric motors have a single fixed gear ratio, all the variable part is how fast the electric motor is spinning. Shifting to low in the Pacifica Hybrid tells the electric motor controller to generate more electricty when coasting, it does not change the gear ratio.