How do you use the "B" mode next to Drive?

I had the same question before. The B drive will generate more power to charge the battery like you press the brake, which also means it will slow down the car. My salesman told me the San Francisco taxi drivers love to use the B drive when they go down slope. Not only they can slow down the car without pressing the brake, but also does re-generate the energy. They can save so much on the brake shoe maintenance. Hope this helps!

 

This is covered in pretty extensive detail in the FAQ, check it out

 

Consider it to be like "1" or "L" in an ordinary automatic transmission. And use it the same way.

And it means "braking" as in engine braking. Which was a mistake. "L" would have sufficed. As in low or low-gear.

 

What's the difference between setting the cruise control when going down a hill, and setting B? The cruise control seems to be as aggressive as it needs to hold your set speed, using regeneration, or engine braking if the battery is full. Or just lightly riding the brake pedal to hold your speed, which does the same thing? In my opinion, the main reason it is there on the PiP is to satisfy a legal requirement that you be able to downshift multi-speed transmissions, rather than anything meaningful.

 

yes, i believe all those features essentially do the same thing. the only difference with riding the brakes is that you never really know when friction brakes start being used and so it is hard to gauge whether you're overheating them or not.

 

Using "B" will/may cause the ICE to turn on when the battery is full, something you should be aware of in case you want to conserve the highest fuel economy.

The one and only Prius Plug-in FAQ! | PriusChat

 

Not in EV mode unless your battery is full. I tried to cover all the bases with the FAQ honestly.