single pedal driving / max regen button for hybrid (It does exist!)

[stick]

stumbled on to a thread discussing the little button marked LO on the rotary shift dial. I have a Jeep hybrid and love the one pedal driving, and wished it was on my new hybrid maverick, but just figured if didnt exist. Then the button was mentioned as impacting regeneration but also maybe just for going down hills and/or engage engine braking. So I went out and did a evaluation. Pushing the LO will Immediately cause the maverick to max out the regen when ever the throttle is relaxed. No perceived engine impact as did this perfectly even in just electric. Strong decel allows most planned driving to be done with very little brake input. But best of all, noted increase in mileage as now I was able perfectly capture energy without have to 'guess' how hard to press the brake pedal. Now, if you agree, we need to help Ford see the value in a small change. Because the button was most likely intended for true 'lo' applications for trailers to keep the transmission in a lower gear, but the hybrid doesnt have gears, so I think Ford, at the last minute, mapped it to max regen for hybrids. But it doesnt latch. and if you move the shifter, you have to reengage the lo button. I which we could push the button and forget it. Lets ask ford to latch the button, which should be possible since it is one function. anyone find this and have thoughts?

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[AnthonyMav]

But if you’re driving around town, you’ll be up to 35mph and more on no time. Isn’t that like driving a manual around town in first and a second gear bouncing off the rev limiter? Or is this totally different with the ECVT? I’ve never touched that button.

basically what I’m asking is what happens when you gain speed? Does the trans act normal and give you max regen? And is that bad for the batteries? Kind of like keeping your phone on a charger all the time… I have no idea

 

[stick]

But if you’re driving around town, you’ll be up to 35mph and more on no time. Isn’t that like driving a manual around town in first and a second gear bouncing off the rev limiter? Or is this totally different with the ECVT? I’ve never touched that button.

basically what I’m asking is what happens when you gain speed? Does the trans act normal and give you max regen? And is that bad for the batteries? Kind of like keeping your phone on a charger all the time… I have no idea

drives the same way, no difference to acceleration, holding speed. Only difference is when you want to stop, just lift up slightly on the gas and the truck goes right into max regen braking. I have found it a much better way to try to get the '100%' on the brake coach and is just a better driving experience IMO. This is the same way my Jeep 4xe max regen felt. It took a few days to get use to the instant braking with the foot over the gas, but once I got use to it, really miss it when its not there. Sooo glad I found this in the maverick

 

[dgreenjets]

This is what is shows in the manual:

LOW (L)
This mode is for driving on steep slopes.
The transmission will hold low gear for
maximum torque driving uphill and
maximum engine braking driving downhill.
You can enter this mode at any vehicle
speed.
Note: Prolonged use of this mode could
lower fuel economy. With your vehicle in
drive (D), press the L button to enter this
mode.

 

[Darnon]

It also reduces throttle input in similar fashion to Eco mode. Put the display in EV Coach, hold at a steady power level, and engage Low. You'll see the power demand drop as soon as it's turned on.

 

[stick]

This is what is shows in the manual:

LOW (L)
This mode is for driving on steep slopes.
The transmission will hold low gear for
maximum torque driving uphill and
maximum engine braking driving downhill.
You can enter this mode at any vehicle
speed.
Note: Prolonged use of this mode could
lower fuel economy. With your vehicle in
drive (D), press the L button to enter this
mode.

yep, saw all that, but the hybrid does not have gears so this definition doesnt hold, its transmission is very simple using speed ratio variance between ICE and electric motor. Plus, the feature I like on this option is engaging to full regen without having to touch the brake pedal when slowing down to a stop sign. Not long downhill treks. for the short events for stopping (not downhill) the battery is always charging so engine never comes into play. Without, you have to guess with brake pedal to try to max out regen. This way, it just happens. So far, has increased my MPG so will keep working with it to determine value long term. only purpose of the post is that this is not an obvious option but so far the value is high. Look at the similar 'lo' people have talked about in Prius - it is used as a max regen function which is most likely why it shows up this way on the maverick. I have a Wrangler 4xe with a 160 hp electric motor that has a max regen button that can be on full time. It works and feels exactly the same as this feature on the Maverick. I love the one pedal driving plus knowing that everytime I start to slow down, the vehicle instantly moves to recapture 100% of available energy.

 

[19mustang65]

Plus you are on the throttle longer to get to your stop when you are taking that regen. In regular mode you let off much earlier and coast from farther back.

And on a side note, when in low and letting off the throttle you are abruptly slowing down without the brake lights coming on. Not great for visibility

 

[Delbert]

Great thread, I was trying to figure out how to control this. I must have been pushing it inadvertently. When I come down my driveway which is 1/2 mile of 20 percent slope it holds whatever speed the truck is going unless you press the accelerator. It also hold your stop without your foot on the brake until your press the accelerator pedal. Kind of an eerie feeling when you don't what is going on.

 

[Darnon]

Great thread, I was trying to figure out how to control this. I must have been pushing it inadvertently. When I come down my driveway which is 1/2 mile of 20 percent slope it holds whatever speed the truck is going unless you press the accelerator. It also hold your stop without your foot on the brake until your press the accelerator pedal. Kind of an eerie feeling when you don't what is going on.

Those are different features you're describing. Grade Assist and Auto Brake Hold respectively.

 

[clavicus]

Pucker your butt for when engine braking kicks in while in L
Kinda surprising if you don't expect it.

 

[Delbert]

My butt pucker was having to hit the gas while on a 20 percent slope covered in wet leaves.

 

[Bushpilot]

Coasting > Regeneration > Friction braking

I think a good driver (with an emphasis on coasting to a stop, rather than regen or braking) can get better mpg in "D" than in "L."

 

[Delbert]

On a steep slope the brakes work on all 4 wheels. Slipping front tires when braking on a steep slope gives me the willy's.

 

[72Maverick]

Interesting to know this about my future Mav hybrid. My Chevrolet Volt is very simular in L range. Braking and regen begin as soon as the gas pedal begins to be lifted so it gives you "one pedal driving" effect. Low range is not like a regular transmission which holds the vehicle in low gear until you shift to drive. It still drives normally in Low. A lot of Volt owners like to use the L range, but I'd rather drive in D for a couple reasons. As mentioned your brake lights don't come on to warn other drivers your slowing down. And I didn't notice any difference in battery range because I can simulate one pedal driving by using the brakes as effeciently as possible and capture all the regen I possible can when coming to a stop. Good to know I can do one pedal driving if I choose though.

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