I'm confused (no surprise there) about EV charging

[A112358]

If someone can set me straight, two questions please.

2025 XLT AWD hybrid.

When the EV coach says "Charging," is the vehicle actually being powered by the batteries or by the ICE?

When going down a long, steep hill, and assuming the EV batteries are already charged to the max, the Coach says Charging, but the ICE seems to rev up the RPMs. Is it acting as an engine brake?

Thanks for the clarifications.

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[Mavster Mechanic]

The "charging" indicators are rather rudimentary and do lie to you sometimes.

When the battery is full and you continue to go downhill it will continue to indicate charging even though it is not.

Designers wanted to keep things simple and did not add separate indicators for engine braking.

It can be charging with engine on or engine off. Depends on the situation.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

If someone can set me straight, two questions please.

2025 XLT AWD hybrid.

When the EV coach says "Charging," is the vehicle actually being powered by the batteries or by the ICE?

When going down a long, steep hill, and assuming the EV batteries are already charged to the max, the Coash says Charging, but the ICE seems to rev up the RPMs. Is it acting as an engine brake?

Thanks for the clarifications.

Yes, it's engine braking.

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

High rpms while coasting indicate engine braking.

 

[HeyBales]

If someone can set me straight, two questions please.

2025 XLT AWD hybrid.

When the EV coach says "Charging," is the vehicle actually being powered by the batteries or by the ICE?

When going down a long, steep hill, and assuming the EV batteries are already charged to the max, the Coach says Charging, but the ICE seems to rev up the RPMs. Is it acting as an engine brake?

Thanks for the clarifications.

Also - if it's on the blue side of the line and says charging - there is no "powered by" - it's in a coasting situation with regen. As mentioned going to the HVB or wasted to the ICE braking.

When it's on the other side of the line and blue - powered by HVB, when white - powered by hybrid combo.

 

[A112358]

I really wish the Mav had a tach to see exactly how high the engine is revving going down a long steep hill, which I drive almost every day.

 

[DinoLord]

I really wish the Mav had a tach to see exactly how high the engine is revving going down a long steep hill, which I drive almost every day.

The Eco does!

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

I really wish the Mav had a tach to see exactly how high the engine is revving going down a long steep hill, which I drive almost every day.

For a short time I had Torque Pro hooked up. It displayed a tachometer. Pretty boring on a hybrid.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

I really wish the Mav had a tach to see exactly how high the engine is revving going down a long steep hill, which I drive almost every day.

I think someone posted max engine brake was at 4800 rpm. Probably limited by application of hydraulic brake pressure so watch that while engine braking happens.

 

[Timothyd]

The "charging" indicators are rather rudimentary and do lie to you sometimes.

When the battery is full and you continue to go downhill it will continue to indicate charging even though it is not.

Designers wanted to keep things simple and did not add separate indicators for engine braking.

It can be charging with engine on or engine off. Depends on the situation.

Okay, another question. On my hybrid I've never used the "L" button on the shifter. If you're going down the mountain would it be like downshifting to first gear or is it smart enough to choose an appropriate ratio?

 

[Timothyd]

For a short time I had Torque Pro hooked up. It displayed a tachometer. Pretty boring on a hybrid.

I know, but I've always driven a stick with a tachometer and it would be nice just to see.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

I know, but I've always driven a stick with a tachometer and it would be nice just to see.

You could always get a scangauge lll

 

[A112358]

I know, but I've always driven a stick with a tachometer and it would be nice just to see.

Even the automatics I've driven lately, Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi, have had tachs.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Even the automatics I've driven lately, Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi, have had tachs.

Same here but none of my automatics have been hybrids w/ecvt except my Maverick.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Okay, another question. On my hybrid I've never used the "L" button on the shifter. If you're going down the mountain would it be like downshifting to first gear or is it smart enough to choose an appropriate ratio?

The "L" button is primarily designed for optimization of downhill driving with regen created by drive motor transferred to the dcdc converter, to charge HVB, 12v, furnish electricity for all operational needs then activate ice braking through gear set with any additional needed by hydraulic brakes. Speed going down hill will not let ice rpm exceed the max designed rpm.

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