[biggersm]

The first question is if I get any more regenerative power when I brake than when I coast? For that matter is there any regenerative power created at all after the brakes are applied?

The second question is if anyone puts any thought into when they apply brakes? Specifically when putting foot to pedal, thus activating the brake light and hopefully getting the attention of the guy riding your tail? Does anyone flash their brakelights?

I ask this because in the afternoons I climb a causeway bridge in the late afternoon and the sun is low enough on the horizon that people are semi blinded. I just trying to be most efficient yet as safe as possible. It is a real concern when I'm just past the crest of the bridge and suddenly the traffic is stopped.

FWIW, I have always coasted to a stop as much as possible and I get high marks on my report card for my stopping. I never could figure out why people are in such a hurry to get to a red light (often the same people who very slowly accelerate after the light turns green).

 

[rj.parker]

You get far more regen when you brake versus coasting. Of course the car has a very limited battery, less than 2 kwh, so it can get full and regen stops. If you brake as far ahead as possible you may not actually activate the hydraulic brakes until around 5 or 6 mph. Braking hard does activate the hydraulics which burns energy as heat and wear in the brake pads. In all cases, when you touch the brake pedal your stop lights come on. Careful driving and braking can make original brakes and pads last 250,000 miles, further saving you money that would have been spent on several brake jobs.

 

[Freeman]

I believe that descending a grade with cruise control . . . . . . . . where the grade is sufficient that cruise control provides 'braking' . . . . . . . will provide maximum regeneration.

I could be wrong, but that is my casual observation.

 

[FKHeath]

The first question is if I get any more regenerative power when I brake than when I coast? For that matter is there any regenerative power created at all after the brakes are applied?

The second question is if anyone puts any thought into when they apply brakes? Specifically when putting foot to pedal, thus activating the brake light and hopefully getting the attention of the guy riding your tail? Does anyone flash their brakelights?

I ask this because in the afternoons I climb a causeway bridge in the late afternoon and the sun is low enough on the horizon that people are semi blinded. I just trying to be most efficient yet as safe as possible. It is a real concern when I'm just past the crest of the bridge and suddenly the traffic is stopped.

FWIW, I have always coasted to a stop as much as possible and I get high marks on my report card for my stopping. I never could figure out why people are in such a hurry to get to a red light (often the same people who very slowly accelerate after the light turns green).

Best regen is to lightly brake as soon as you know you need to slow. Light braking increases regen with out using the friction brakes. Just coasting still has some regen, but not as much as light braking. But as soon as you reach the max regen possible, then the computer will start using the friction brakes.

 

[Coupeman]

I'm driving my XSE for over a year and noticed that coasting gets me the best mpg. If I time it right I never touch the brakes until I get to my destination. I've gotten good at anticipating, looking ahead for brake lights or stop lights then i take my foot off the gas pedal. Regeneration kicks in and I'm driving on battery most of the time. Pulse and glide will get you top mpg.

 

[biggersm]

Thanks, good information that I will use in future driving.

 

[JFox562]

The first question is if I get any more regenerative power when I brake than when I coast? For that matter is there any regenerative power created at all after the brakes are applied?

The second question is if anyone puts any thought into when they apply brakes? Specifically when putting foot to pedal, thus activating the brake light and hopefully getting the attention of the guy riding your tail? Does anyone flash their brakelights?

I ask this because in the afternoons I climb a causeway bridge in the late afternoon and the sun is low enough on the horizon that people are semi blinded. I just trying to be most efficient yet as safe as possible. It is a real concern when I'm just past the crest of the bridge and suddenly the traffic is stopped.

FWIW, I have always coasted to a stop as much as possible and I get high marks on my report card for my stopping. I never could figure out why people are in such a hurry to get to a red light (often the same people who very slowly accelerate after the light turns green).

The Car Care Nut has the following video explaining how the brakes work on a Toyota Hybrid. I think it would be a good watch for you so you can have more fuel for your braking scenarios:

 

[biggersm]

The Car Care Nut has the following video explaining how the brakes work on a Toyota Hybrid. I think it would be a good watch for you so you can have more fuel for your braking scenarios:

Thanks for the video link, very informative.