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Release accelerator pedal completely = Gliding?

Discussion in 'Prius c Technical Discussion' started by maverickf, Apr 13, 2012.

  1. maverickf

    maverickf New Member

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    I'm still learning how to do P&G, it's my first hybrid.

    When I release the accelerator pedal completely, I see there's a small blue bar in the charge area. I know it in charging stage but does this slow down the car? I confuse if my car is slowed down by this or the wind resistance.

    Off topic, I found the Glide position kind of located right at the separator between the charge and eco area. And a small movement triggers the car going to charge and ev area back and forth... Is it going to damage anything in the car? [​IMG]

    Thanks.
     
  2. Fore

    Fore Don't look back!

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    NO! Just enjoy the new ride!
     
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  3. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

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    When you coast in a Prius, with your foot off of the accelerator, the transmission remains engaged, like other cars. This slightly slows the car. In an ordinary car, this turns the engine. In a Prius, it turns the Motor-Generator, which generates electricity. If you want to glide in a Gen III, you need to lightly press the accelerator. This causes no harm at all.
     
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  4. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    I don't know the exact indications on a "C" but, completely releasing the accelerator pedal will put you in "regen" and not "glide". Glide is achieved by releasing the accelerator and then gently pressing it back down until you feel a slight pull forward (or release of regen resistance). There will be no indications of energy going to the HV battery and no indication of energy being used from the battery. Instant mpg indicator will be pegged @ 99.9.

    It is "usually" only achieveable below 42mph (but in some cases can be achieved at higher speeds), and on level ground or a slight downgrade. Your car will sloooowwwwllllly lose speed. It is not easy to achieve at first but, with practice you will be able to achieve it at will.

    The way I "finally" learned how to do it was to speed up 43 mph, release the pedal and slowly push it back down while observing the enery indicator (at this point you should see regen energy going into the battery). Continue slowly pushing the pedal just until you see no more regen. If you see energy going out of the battery, you pressed the pedal down too far and need to try again.
     
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  5. maverickf

    maverickf New Member

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    Thank you for all responses. I enjoy driving it and learning the techniques of driving a Prius. :)
     
  6. kkim

    kkim Active Member

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    :)

     
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  7. SquallLHeart

    SquallLHeart The Techie Guy

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    yes.. if you let go of the accelerator completely it'll go into a slight regen.. what some people call "fake drag"..

    you need to push back down on the accelerator until the HSI is at zero.
     
  8. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    Here's the easiest way I've found to explain how the Prius glides:

    When you press on the accelerator, Prius says, "they want to go faster. I'll engage the transmission."

    When you let off the Accelerator, Prius says, "They want to slow down. I'll recapture some energy."

    When you find that spot somewhere in the middle, Prius says, "They're not accelerating so I won't engage the transmission and they're not slowing down so I won't engage the regeneration. To Hell with it; I'll just let it all fly loose until they figure out what they want to do."

    :D
     
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  9. SquallLHeart

    SquallLHeart The Techie Guy

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    ^^ hahahaha... NICE.
     
  10. maverickf

    maverickf New Member

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    Interesting explaination, thanks.
     
  11. paycee

    paycee Junior Member

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    Nice one Tony :)
     
  12. _tran

    _tran New Member

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    Is gliding better achieved using Eco mode? I enjoy the response I get from being in Power mode but if it's going to help me boost my mpg ratings by pulsing and gliding, then I'm all for it. I love watching how many mpg I consumed at the end of my trips.


    iPhone ?
     
  13. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    It doesn't matter what mode you're in, it can be achieved from any mode and is not easier to achieve in one mode or the other.
     
  14. maverickf

    maverickf New Member

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    How about if I am gliding and then I push a bit too far and trigger the EV running, does it slow down the car? I found Prius C has a very narrow range for gliding (No arrow at all).

    I still don't get used to people honking behind me when I am driving slowly in ECO mode. So in normal condition, the bumpy road makes the gliding even harder.
     
  15. Ashley7

    Ashley7 Active Member

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    If anything, triggering EV would accelerate the car, not slow it down. I suppose it means you aren't in that sweet mpg gliding spot, but it's not going to slow the car down (any more than gliding would). As I understand it, when you're gliding, you aren't accelerating. If you trigger the EV, it means you are accelerating (if only slightly).

    Also, people are honking at you? Either you're going too slowly, or people honk for nothing down in Orange County.
     
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  16. Electric Blue

    Electric Blue Electric Blue

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    Very helpful video for all us newbies! Thanks for posting! :D
     
  17. maverickf

    maverickf New Member

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    There are many people here don't like hybrid and EV, either tailgate or honk the hell away the drivers. Just this morning, I was driving 60-65 mph (Speed limit 65 mph)at the far right lane in the highway and a pick-up was honking me because he thought I was driving too slow that he couldn't get into the exit faster. I have seen these things happening before I bought the C.
     
  18. Ashley7

    Ashley7 Active Member

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    Gotcha. Sounds like a cultural difference then. Bummer deal that people are in such a rush and feel the need to be so rude. :/
     
  19. secondspassed

    secondspassed Member

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    I drive in orange county as well and it's true, I've been getting a lot more impatient people behind me as compared to my Honda Fit, though my driving isn't slower.
     
  20. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    I know it seems like it has a very narrow range for gliding but, as you gain more experience with gliding you will find the range is pretty significant. When I first learned, I too thought that the window for gliding was narrow but, as you gain experience, you will be amazed at how big of a window it is.

    As for bumpy roads, yes its true the do make it harder but, with experience, you will be able to glide even on the bumpiest of roads.

    I am very familiar w/ CA drivers. It is the most impatient state when it comes to drivers. I don't miss them at all (one of the great advantages of living in KY).