The “L”ow Down (shifting into L - Low when approaching a stop)

[Ryom]

When using "L" to slow down, the only time it spins the engine at higher rpm is when the battery is full and it has no place to put the energy. IF any fuel is used, it is very little. The recovered energy out-weighs any fuel used.

You can do the same thing with using the brake peddle, the only difference is it will use the brake pads instead of the engine when the battery is full. Turn on the "brake coach" and you can sort of see when it is using regen or using brake pads.

On an eco-boost, I agree, it probably wont gain you much. Maybe save a little on the brake pads, but not going to improve fuel economy. A Hybrid is a different story.

Find a nice flat, slow, straight stretch of road and cruise along in (L) for a bit and then deactivate (L) without taking your foot off of the gas. There is a very noticeable change in the vehicle sound and pedal feel. It's definitely affecting more than max regen and engine braking scenarios.

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[icegradner]

I've tried using "L" when going down a mountain near us on my EcoBoost, and it works nicely for a while, then it downshifts to a very low gear causing very high RPMs. I don't understand why it does this. On our RAV4 I can select the gear that I want, so I can gently hold back some speed.

What you are hearing with the high RPM is engine braking, this is completely normal on a vehicle with an automatic transmission. Every ICE only car will do this, even your RAV4. Some drive modes, like ECO (RAV4), may disabled engine braking.

 

[BillHanna]

What you are hearing with the high RPM is engine braking, this is completely normal on a vehicle with an automatic transmission. Every ICE only car will do this, even your RAV4. Some drive modes, like ECO (RAV4), may disabled engine braking.

I understand the engine braking, but why would it shift to a much lower gear a few minutes after shifted into L, which already shifted it to a bit lower gear. I don't need the engine revving like crazy, just want a little engine braking. I wish I could select the lower gear instead of the computer deciding where (and when) it wants to.

 

[icegradner]

I understand the engine braking, but why would it shift to a much lower gear a few minutes after shifted into L, which already shifted it to a bit lower gear. I don't need the engine revving like crazy, just want a little engine braking. I wish I could select the lower gear instead of the computer deciding where (and when) it wants to.

"L" is shifting into the lowest gear that is safe for the given speed. How do you think engine braking works in a little four banger? It uses the tiny bit of compression the engine offers, thus the high revs. It's not a semi-tractor with a retarder.

 

[Fast Eddie]

You can use L on the EB to slow down too, which also will not activate the brake lights.

I have a 23 EB and it doesn't have L gear. I wish it did.

 

[HeyBales]

You can do the same thing with using the brake peddle, the only difference is it will use the brake pads instead of the engine when the battery is full. Turn on the "brake coach" and you can sort of see when it is using regen or using brake pads.

It will NOT use the brake pads instead of engine when the battery is full, if you are still pressing the pedal just enough to stay in Regen area. (unless 25MY massively changed something)

That is the whole reason why the engine is spun up - Regen is still happening (tad less from the traction motor), but now instead of energy going to the battery it's wasted going to the engine via the generator motor.

If the battery was full and it just engaged brake pads instead - there would be no reason for the engine to be spun up.

 

[icegradner]

I have a 23 EB and it doesn't have L gear. I wish it did.

What's does the middle button on your rotary gear shifter do then? The Lobo has an M for manual mode there, but as far as I know all other Mavericks have the "L" button there.

 

[HeyBales]

I understand the engine braking, but why would it shift to a much lower gear a few minutes after shifted into L, which already shifted it to a bit lower gear. I don't need the engine revving like crazy, just want a little engine braking. I wish I could select the lower gear instead of the computer deciding where (and when) it wants to.

ETA - wait a minute - you are in an EB - you may not have noticed this is hybrid discussion so very confusing when wrong trim is being thought about.

So you do know there is no actual gears right?

The amount of force applied to the traction motor is maximized in Low initially (unless you were at max battery already) - you are hearing the sounds of the traction motor doing it's thing just like if you could press the brake pedal to the max line for regen - no difference in rate of recharge if you could tow/toe that line.

What you probably hear or feel for this shifting to a lower gear after a bit of time - is the engine now being spun up because you did max out the HVB, so the regen force was lowered in the TM, and the engine RPM is put at whatever it needs to be by the generator motor, to waste the energy now.

You can select the lower gear basically - with your foot on brake.

 

[Meeka]

What's does the middle button on your rotary gear shifter do then? The Lobo has an M for manual mode there, but as far as I know all other Mavericks have the "L" button there.

True Dat! Same on me Eco FX4.

 

[HeyBales]

When using "L" to slow down, the only time it spins the engine at higher rpm is when the battery is full and it has no place to put the energy. IF any fuel is used, it is very little. The recovered energy out-weighs any fuel used.

More accurate to say - the ONLY time it spins the engine is when the HVB is full - when talking regen. There is no fuel used.

If the HVB is not full - there is no spinning the engine higher or lower RPM.

My morning downhill to the highway will usually eventually enable the engine wasting - but it's gentle enough it happens to be near idle 1250 rpm.
Had a couple steeper hills it was indeed up around 3000 rpm.

 

[Fast Eddie]

What's does the middle button on your rotary gear shifter do then? The Lobo has an M for manual mode there, but as far as I know all other Mavericks have the "L" button there.

I'll be darned. I never noticed that button. I'm happy now but I still don't like the dial shifter. Thx for your smarts.

 

[HeyBales]

I recently consulted ChatGPT on a question I had about using the L transmission setting when I’m approaching a stop sign or red light.

For those of you not familiar with ChatGPT it is in AI based data repository that essentially searches all available data on subjects and provides the detail you have requested.

Here is a response I received:

Yes, it’s generally okay to shift your Ford Maverick Hybrid into “L” (Low) when approaching a stop, but there are some important things to understand:

What “L” Does in the Maverick Hybrid

• On the Ford Maverick Hybrid, shifting to “L” increases regenerative braking, which helps slow the vehicle down more aggressively and charges the battery.
• It doesn’t lock you into a single gear like in traditional automatics — it’s more about changing the vehicle’s behavior to prioritize engine braking and regen.

When It’s Useful

• Approaching a stop or going downhill: “L” can help slow you down more quickly, reducing brake wear.
• Heavy traffic or city driving: If you want to make more use of regenerative braking and improve efficiency slightly, “L” can be helpful.
• Steep descents: It gives you better control without riding the brakes.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Shifting into “L” at low speeds (like under 30 mph) is completely safe.
• Don’t downshift abruptly at high speeds — it won’t harm the vehicle due to built-in safeguards, but it’s unnecessary and may feel jerky.
• Using “L” all the time isn’t harmful, but it may make the ride feel less smooth in normal driving.

Bottom Line

Yes, you can shift into “L” when approaching a stop in your Ford Maverick Hybrid. It’s safe and can even be beneficial in some situations. Just don’t treat it like an emergency brake — use it for controlled slowing.

Besides all the great points mentioned by responses so far - I'll mention something else I didn't really see standing out in a post - regarding the AI comments on increased regen.

Low will increase regen compared to Eco, Normal, Slippery - if you don't touch the brake pedal.

But Low does NOT give EXTRA regen from what is available by using the brake pedal - even the same max rate if you are careful to the max regen line.

What it does cause is a different driving style - that some may like, despite no brake lights shown.
But frankly your foot is going to have to get pretty good on the Go pedal to tow that line of no regen or EV use if you want to coast freely - which is where the gas savings is from - coasting.
Now, that is easier on the Go pedal - because it has a longer range of motion compared to brake pedal - so perhaps easier to tow/toe a line with it.

And ya, hardly needed AI comments, when there have been so many threads on the matter - which the AI probably got some comments from.

 

[Meeka]

I'll be darned. I never noticed that button. I'm happy now but I still don't like the dial shifter. Thx for your smarts.

You’ve had your Mav for 2+ years and have never noticed the ‘L’ in the middle of the rotary shifter? Damn, I’m glad I looked at my manual as soon as I took ownership of mine!

 

[Fast Eddie]

You’ve had your Mav for 2+ years and have never noticed the ‘L’ in the middle of the rotary shifter? Damn, I’m glad I looked at my manual as soon as I took ownership of mine!

That's the problem. I looked at it but didn't read it.

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