3rd gear for Prius?

You need to do a little research on here to find your answer. Try searching for B mode on here and you will find multitudes of threads on the B mode how and why's.

Also search for threads on the HSD to find explanations of how the Hybrid system works. The Prius transaxle does not have gears like a normal transmission but uses electric motor-generators to vary speed and load demands. So, no, Toyota will not be adding any gears to their HSD systems.

 

I think you need to keep your foot into the gas when using B gear. When you press down in B gear, the revs will slow, allowing you to go faster, lift up, revs increase slowing you down.

B should be the most effective for going down steep hills.

 

See: Toyota Prius - Power Split Device

B is the thing to use going down steep hills once your battery is full. It is using the engine (with no gas) to avoid wearing out the brakes. The noise is fine.

 

CVT transmission - there are no gears. Use your brakes if you are worried about engine braking, the steeper the hill the higher the B mode is going to request the CVT keep the engine RPM's in effort to keep vehicle speed down.

Brake pads cost $30.00 - Engines cost $4,000, the choice is yours.

 

Just a note that one does not use engine braking to save brake pads, one uses it to avoid boiling the brake fluid, as once brake fluid becomes a gas it is compressible and your brakes get spongy, often to the point of not working at all.

Engines cost $650, your passengers, Priceless!

http://www.autopartsfair.com/toyota-used_engines/prius-2009-catalog.html

Another note, you want to use B mode from the top of long down hill, so regen braking lasts longer, don't wait until you have no more regen braking.

 

Put it in D and your problem will be solved.