[TertreRouge24]

Hi all
So for those of you with the Hybrid, has anyone managed to get all the green bars lit up??

My dealer suggests its not possible but first generation Prius used to, so its almost become a challenge to me!!
Probably need a bigger hill and hit the KERS (sorry, I mean regenerative braking) gear, but no joy so far.
Happy driving all

 

[Leggera]

I did once down a hill. Dont select bmode trying to achieve this thinking it regens more. It actually regens less

 

[MarkyMUK]

Also only once, downhill in B mode on a long 2 mile straight on the M4

 

[TertreRouge24]

Mmm. Do use and don't use KERS. Surely regen is point of it albeit granted it needs some speed or steepness to generate. I tend to use it say 400m from dual carridgeway roundabouts and it def brings a bar up. Just not final!! Oh well. Must try harder (only 1000miles in). Thanks both

 

[Leggera]

Ive read that bmode locks the engine on to "waste" energy. And seen it suggested that it reduces regen to make descending a long hill more linear or predictable. Ie it knows you are gonna fill the battery way before the bottom and would make you loose drag halfway down if it didnt.

 

[Kostas_F]

Mine went full driving down the hill (d mode). I don't think it will ever happen in the city.

 

[MarkyMUK]

Am not sure if this post on another forum is accurate but defo says it will recharge battery faster:

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/105-camry-hybrid/415634-b-mode.html

I wouldn't imagine that a hybrid Camry will be any different?

 

[MerlyWerly]

Mine sits with two bars grey almost 90% of the time in City driving. I have had it full on a downhill drive to work a few times. When the new generation of lithium ions hit it will be a very different story. I can't wait.

 

[TertreRouge24]

Strange the way it works. Posted yesterday and the run into work today, using KERS into braking zones and I have finally lit up all the greens!!

 

[DrMagical]

So.... Should we use B mode when driving? I posted this question here earlier and was told definitely not. I felt I was getting more regen charging with B gear but after posting here stopped using it!

 

[MerlyWerly]

B mode is ONLY for low gear/engine breaking. It is not designed for normal driving. I only use it on steep slopes to engine break without sitting on my foot break annoying the hell out of whoever is behind me.

 

[holyhead]

So.... Should we use B mode when driving? I posted this question here earlier and was told definitely not. I felt I was getting more regen charging with B gear but after posting here stopped using it!

It is not recommended but if you want to be less efficient that is up to you.

page 234 manual

If the vehicle is driven continuously in the B position, fuel efficiency will
become low. Usually, select the D position.

 

[TertreRouge24]

Yep that's the prob. My dealer suggests I can leave it in B or D and or drop in and out! It's sold has a regenerative braking and essentially saves the brake discs and pads by slowing the car during deceleration. For me, I wanted the Hybrid but was gutted to have an auto box as I like to "drive" the car rather than be driven!! So having done a 250 trip in B and then similar in D I def get better consumption in the latter. But I generate more regen power in B!!
So I'm running in D but dropping to B decelerating into roundabouts and some corners (and rolling down steep hills) then dropping back to D to power out. I guess that is my head changing up and down an old manual box (albeit granted the tech is very different).
Doesn't really answer your question I'm afraid as I think it comes down to personal style. I do this. My wife doesn't! ...... yet!!
So whichever you go, good luck and enjoy!!

Unless anyone else knows differently.... ;-)

 

[TertreRouge24]

PS do be aware that dropping into B mode at speed, slows the car but without showing braking lights!! I've had a couple of idiot tailgaters get a wake up call when I've selected!!

 

[holyhead]

For what it is worth a nice explanation of the B mode in a Prius.

http://techno-fandom.org/~hobbit/cars/b-mode.html

I drive my CHR as an automatic so it means I only use D,R and P

 

[MerlyWerly]

For what it is worth a nice explanation of the B mode in a Prius.

http://techno-fandom.org/~hobbit/cars/b-mode.html

I drive my CHR as an automatic so it means I only use D,R and P

That article is spot on and re-enforces what I believed so thanks for that.

 

[Leggera]

Can someone who isnt still half asleep read this guys data logs then. I think it suggests bmode, once selected, actually drew amps from the battery instead of prividing it in his car.

Of course all this could be updated and changed in our cars

http://www.iatn.net/forums/12/58346/the-prius-b-mode

Some interesting rav4 test showing amps too

https://www.myrav4ev.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=1450&start=20