Regen braking signals to trigger brake lights.

[MYNOMAV]

I don't have my Mav yet but I'm already looking into having brake lights with Regen braking. I don't know the hierarchy of the electronics in these trucks yet. Has anyone else looked into this? I think once one understands the signals, analog and/or digital, it shouldn't be impossible to design a circuit to activate the brake lights.

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[icegradner]

I don't have my Mav yet but I'm already looking into having brake lights with Regen braking. I don't know the hierarchy of the electronics in these trucks yet. Has anyone else looked into this? I think once one understands the signals, analog and/or digital, it shouldn't be impossible to design a circuit to activate the brake lights.

This wouldn't be a good idea because any time you take your foot off the accelerator the truck will be using the regenerative system. Messing with the electronics for the brake system would not be a good idea.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Even just going to a lighter touch on the accelerator the truck will start regeneration mode. Your brake lights would be flickering all the time.

 

[Aherpa]

I suggest a massive write-in campaign to Ford to add that coding to the next software release.

The regen issue you mention is even more apparent if the truck is in low at the time you take your foot off the gas and your speed is under 40 MPH.

 

[MYNOMAV]

The regen issue you mention is even more apparent if the truck is in low at the time you take your foot off the gas and your speed is under 40 MPH.

Maybe this would be the mode where it should happen. Once I get my Mav I'll be learning how it all works before attempting any modification. Just thinking about it while waiting.

 

[jb_cb900]

They do sell devices for motorcycles which will activate, and/or flash your brake lights depending on the rate of decelleration. It is adjustable. I've have friends that installed them on their bikes since engine breaking can slow you down quite fast without a warning for the cars behind you. This could be a simple solution.

 

[The Real Maverick]

Maybe this would be the mode where it should happen. Once I get my Mav I'll be learning how it all works before attempting any modification. Just thinking about it while waiting.

It's completely UNNECESSARY with the Ford Hybrid unless, and ONLY if you are coasting in "L" or low mode.

So just don't do that.

If you want "enhanced" even earlier brake lamp activation, drive around in slippery mode.

There is not a problem to "fix" here.
The slowing from regen is mild in normal mode. It is very mild in slippery mode. It is only strong in "L" mode. Most users rarely use L mode.
It is for steep downgrades only.

 

[huunvubu]

It's completely UNNECESSARY with the Ford Hybrid unless, and ONLY if you are coasting in "L" or low mode.

So just don't do that.

If you want "enhanced" even earlier brake lamp activation, drive around in slippery mode.

There is not a problem to "fix" here.
The slowing from regen is mild in normal mode. It is very mild in slippery mode. It is only strong in "L" mode. Most users rarely use L mode.
It is for steep downgrades only.

Completely agree.

Hybrid vehicles have been around for many decades and there is not one that I know of that puts the brake lights on in regen mode.

It is amazing that people try to find solutions for problems that don't exist.

And this so called solution just creates a major problem. If I see a vehicle with the brake lights constantly on or flickering a lot I stay far away from them as they most likely have their left foot riding the brake pedal. Those drivers also seem to have other driving issues.

 

[2seater]

I don't know who 'most users' are but I have used low for braking and regen as long as I have had the Mav, (2023). I turn it on and off and rarely drive in low. I do pay attention to who is behind me and there are times it may not be appropriate, but minimizing the regeneration kind of defeats the purpose of the way the hybrid works. It's energy you have already paid for by getting up to speed.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

@MYNOMAV , here you go.

https://vtrcorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Truck_Alert-VTRcorp.pdf

HRG

 

[710-oil-614]

Regen still occurs while you are hitting your brakes there is a transfer that you don't feel. There isn't strong regeneration pull when you let off the throttle like in an EV.

 

[The Real Maverick]

I don't know who 'most users' are but I have used low for braking and regen as long as I have had the Mav, (2023). I turn it on and off and rarely drive in low. I do pay attention to who is behind me and there are times it may not be appropriate, but minimizing the regeneration kind of defeats the purpose of the way the hybrid works. It's energy you have already paid for by getting up to speed.

Would you like to learn more about how your hybrid actually works?

 

[ShadowBlack XL440]

It's completely UNNECESSARY with the Ford Hybrid unless, and ONLY if you are coasting in "L" or low mode.

So just don't do that.

If you want "enhanced" even earlier brake lamp activation, drive around in slippery mode.

There is not a problem to "fix" here.
The slowing from regen is mild in normal mode. It is very mild in slippery mode. It is only strong in "L" mode. Most users rarely use L mode.
It is for steep downgrades only.

ECO mode has aggressive regen braking. I only use my brakes for the finial complete stop and it is can be an issue to those following. I like the idea of brake lights based on deceleration, I see no drawbacks to that at all.

 

[Prickly Pear]

My brake lights come on pretty much with the slightest touch of the pedal, and likewise the mechanical brakes don't kick in till you are pushing pretty hard. I just sort of "ride" the pedal when I want to slow with regen and anyone behind me knows I'm losing speed, unless they are looking at their phones.

 

[HeyBales]

Normal mode seems to slow down less than most other vehicles I've had.

They had no brakes lights come on when I let off the throttle to coast.

Now Eco mode is a bit more aggressive, I don't like it since you can't just coast easily, you have to get Go pedal just right to coast when desired.

I could see a benefit in Eco and L mode - people can't get 3d perception of slowing when they only look at the car in front every 3-5 seconds.

Then again - how would a brake light help in that situation?
Most people I see using their phones are almost full head tilt so the phone is not up in the open visible to being used - they are trying to hide it. Rare is the driver holding it up by steering wheel where a brake light would be seen sooner than their glances up at the traffic.

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