Brakes or B mode

My understanding is "B".

 

The short "non-technical" answer is do not use the B mode at all. If your comming down a long steep hill with a full battery or at speeds under 20 mph it might be OK.

I would recommend reading the technical stuff, especially some of the posts on this subject by efusco, it really isn't hard to understand and isn't all that technical. I have found that taking the time to understand a little about how the car works has made me a better driver.

Edit: I should add that making a lot of regen cars is not necessarily a good idea.

 

Jeff, I think your avatar is a strong competitor with maggieddd's. Poor kid...
But I have to disagree with you about using B. From other posts, we already established that using brakes alone will regen more energy than using B.

tumbleweed is right. When you regen, there's conversion lost involve in the process.

The best thing to do is anticipate stops and lightly brake from long distance.

 

If B mode (not choice B, above) really just simulates conventional transmission downshifting, then it is simply a convenience to avoid alternate braking and unintentional accelleration from coasting downhill. If, on the other hand, it really "engages" the Internal Combustion Engine to impede gravity acceleration, the potential for recapturing energy for recharge of the battery is lessened. Who knows the exact mechanism by which the B position of the selector lever accomplishes its retarding action? Sorry, this obviously doesn't simplify, as etyler requested, but I, too am confused - I have seen other posts that do not clarify it for me.

 

We're in agreement. My "B" was choice B in the original posters message. Choice "B" is to not use B. Confused yet? :blink:

 

B.

How's this, B-mode keeps the engine on which does waste some gas.

Train yourself to use the brakes instead. Think of B as brakes++.

 

yeah dont use B mode

 

OH!! I GOT IT :blink:
No really, I do.

 

This is known, some of the people here at priuschat have figured it out for us. All you have to do is find the information. The search function will find a lot of it or you can just look through the various forums at past posts.

 

If you're a flatlander, you'll probably never need it. If you live in the mountains, you've probably already learned that the "B" is the best friend you have going down a long 8-10% grade like the Jackson side of Teton Pass. In the right situation it is a real brake saver.

Doug

P.S. FWIW I believe the B mode regenerates until the battery is full. Then it will turn the ICE over, but with no gas being injected. This bleeds off some power from the battery so there is room for more regeneration. Therefore, it does not waste any gas while decending a long grade.

 

Interesting. B is usefull here in Norway, we have a lot of slopes hills and mountains.