1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

The "b" gear

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Fuel Economy' started by Sillyboy, Mar 10, 2007.

  1. Sillyboy

    Sillyboy New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2007
    58
    0
    0
    When heading down a moderate slope, am I better off gently breaking... or using that "b" gear? (I suppose the question is... does one of them generate more recharge for the battery)
     
  2. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2006
    18,058
    3,074
    7
    Location:
    Northern Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Gently braking. The B mode throws away energy by compression braking with the ICE.

    Tom
     
  3. Ichabod

    Ichabod Artist In Residence

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2006
    1,794
    19
    0
    Location:
    Newton, MA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    There are already some extensive threads detailing how and when to use "B." Do a search for "Engine Braking" maybe. Long story short, only use it if your battery is fully charged and you have a long way downhill ahead of you.
     
  4. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2004
    14,816
    2,498
    66
    Location:
    Far-North Chicagoland
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    Additionally, the gear will slow the car without using the friction brakes. So if you find yourself going down long hills a lot, you can either shift into mode or replace your pads more often.
     
  5. philmcneal

    philmcneal Taxi!

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2006
    332
    7
    0
    Location:
    Simcoe Ontario
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    II
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TonyPSchaefer @ Mar 10 2007, 10:12 AM) [snapback]403416[/snapback]</div>



    if your under 32km/h or 20mph using b mode will recover around 15-20 amps without using the engine to help you slow down, anything over those speeds and you'll be wasting energy.


    Just press a good firm press on the brake predal (17% value of braking) and you'll recover the most energy.

    http://techno-fandom.org/~hobbit/ look up his site for prius info.