[jcp123]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Oops, just saw this:






The Prime has a "B" mode on the transmission selector that increases regen.



But here's the thing: I didn't get a chance to check whether or not shifting to B also causes the ICE to spin up (injectors off), as it does in the non-plug-in Prius.


A local salesperson has been telling Toyota hybrid buyers to use B mode to gain range when slowing, but that's a mistake because B mode ALSO spins up the ICE to increase braking. Confirmed via the RPM display on a ScanGauge. In that case, B mode wastes some kinetic energy on generating friction/heat in the engine. It's better to use 100% regen under normal conditions by just pressing the brake pedal.


However, it's possible the Prime's "B" mode may be different than the regular Prius. I'll have to check it in the future.

My impression on the Bolt regen paddle vs a Prius B gate is that it's a really easy way to do both regen AND using it as dedicated braking. B mode is an estranged step and while technically the same - you control regen via pedal - the Bolt is more user-friendly? Or maybe I am too used to the engine brake ("jake brake") button on my truck as an aux brake as a comparison? It was different having a "steering wheel brake" as a secondary way to slow at first but the Bolt paddle seems so logical in that world now that I rely on something similar.

Using the actual engine spin to enhance braking where there was none is dumb unless it produces some viable electricity or air conditioning benefit. I'm loathe to say Toyota doesn't have some idea of what they are doing by now, though.

I didn't catch if this is full brake by wire, but if it is, I think a regen paddle is a nice solution.