"Low" in the HYBRID

[GPSMan]

Many places in many threads I (along with a majority of owners) have stated that "low" gear position in the hybrid is mostly for helping to slow you down, and really does not help you for going uphill or pulling something heavy. I'll still stand by that remark.

I may have said once or twice that "L" did nothing for you while accelerating. This was based on 14 years of experienced with the Escape Hybrid, of which, the Maverick is nearly identical.

Well, it does something.
Up to you if you think this is worth anything.

If you have it set to L while in sport mode, you don't get the fake shifting while accelerating.

If you have it set to L while in Tow/Haul mode, you don't get the fake shifting either.



So if you don't like the fake shifting while hauling, there's your work-around.

I think fake shifting is the only reason TO use sport mode, so I don't know why you would use L and sport at the same time.
I found this by accident.
Just interesting stuff.
Up to you to judge if it has value.

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[MaveRichard]

Sometimes I will use "L" to try and "time" a stop light or stop sign - hit it at the right distance away to slow down. I generally find that it is more aggressive than I need and this certainly doesn't work with traffic.

I have tried it with the one pedal driving too but I, like you, find it more effective/efficient to coast as much as possible.

 

[Bill K]

‘Low’ in a hybrid? How do I find that?

 

[Ozarkbeard]

‘Low’ in a hybrid? How do I find that?

Push the L button, center of the shifter dial.
It's not really a "Low" like in a manual or old-school automatic. In the Hybrid, it increases regenerative braking considerably. At least it does in a buddy's Hybrid Mav. He uses it driving on the very hilly, curvy roads here, to lessen wear on the disc brake pads going down hills. He also gets better mileage in "L" mode.

I plan to use it a lot, if/when my Hybrid ever gets delivered.

 

[garnermike]

Quite often, I hit low when coming to a stop or slowing for a sharp turn. I get the sense that it charges the drive batteries more deeply than simply breaking alone, and, subsequently, allows the vehicle to go into electric drive mode more often.
I really don't know if this is actually the case, but, as I said, I "sense" that it is. And my 48.5 mpg kinda tells me that it is.

 

[Padre]

Quite often, I hit low when coming to a stop or slowing for a sharp turn. I get the sense that it charges the drive batteries more deeply than simply breaking alone, and, subsequently, allows the vehicle to go into electric drive mode more often.
I really don't know if this is actually the case, but, as I said, I "sense" that it is. And my 48.5 mpg kinda tells me that it is.

It seems to me that when your foot isn't on the gas, L applies the maximum regenerative breaking possible, without going into standard breaks. If you use the brake pedal, you need to look at EV coach to try to maximize regen breaking without going into standard braking.

 

[FriscoTXJoe]

So am I understanding this correctly? People drive in "L" in the city and that improves the recharging of the battery and increases time spent electric driving which increases gas mileage?

Is this typically in the city? When would you not drive in "L"? Hybrid owner who drives 85% on the highway inquiring and thank you!

 

[GPSMan]

So am I understanding this correctly? People drive in "L" in the city and that improves the recharging of the battery and increases time spent electric driving which increases gas mileage?

Is this typically in the city? When would you not drive in "L"? Hybrid owner who drives 85% on the highway inquiring and thank you!

No.

Lets back up a minute.
There is nothing special or "extra" or "bonus" about the regeneration (recharge) you get in L versus using the brake pedal.

L is "in lieu" of pressing the brake pedal.
Call it automatic braking if you want.

The maximum charge RATE (kw) is the same.

The maximum charge QUANTITY (kwH) is the same.

The difference?

L does NOT illuminate the brake lamps. Probably a negative aspect.

L does NOT use the friction disc brakes. Can be considered a positive.

 

[FriscoTXJoe]

No.

Lets back up a minute.
There is nothing special or "extra" or "bonus" about the regeneration (recharge) you get in L versus using the brake pedal.

L is "in lieu" of pressing the brake pedal.
Call it automatic braking if you want.

The maximum charge RATE (kw) is the same.

The maximum charge QUANTITY (kwH) is the same.

The difference?

L does NOT illuminate the brake lamps. Probably a negative aspect.

L does NOT use the friction disc brakes. Can be considered a positive.

Thank you!!!

 

[clavicus]

I think fake shifting is the only reason TO use sport mode, so I don't know why you would use L and sport at the same time.

I use Sport Mode sometimes to feel a more 'direct' feeling between pushing the pedal and the engine response. I really hate the fake shifting. So your discovery is great for me! Thanks!

 

[K5Blazer]

“L” is for, oh, never mind.

If you haven’t figured it out by now I guess another 20-30 posts isn’t going to help.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

No.

Lets back up a minute.
There is nothing special or "extra" or "bonus" about the regeneration (recharge) you get in L versus using the brake pedal.

L is "in lieu" of pressing the brake pedal.
Call it automatic braking if you want.

The maximum charge RATE (kw) is the same.

The maximum charge QUANTITY (kwH) is the same.

The difference?

L does NOT illuminate the brake lamps. Probably a negative aspect.

L does NOT use the friction disc brakes. Can be considered a positive.

Correct me if I'm wrong:
L does NOT use the friction disc brakes but activates engine braking instead when Regen braking needs help.

 

[GPSMan]

Correct me if I'm wrong:
L does NOT use the friction disc brakes but activates engine braking instead when Regen braking needs help.

Yes.
Also I think it evokes engine brake sooner.

Engine brake will happen if you ride the brake pedal too long in any mode. Lets say, after 30 seconds of continuous pedal press. (But I have not timed it so don't quote that as a fact.)

In low, engine brake MIGHT come on in half the time. I don't have the precise value.

Engine brake will also come on in any mode, if you ride the brake too long, and the battery is full.

 

[Ozarkbeard]

So am I understanding this correctly? People drive in "L" in the city and that improves the recharging of the battery and increases time spent electric driving which increases gas mileage?

Not just the city. People also use it in hilly areas, instead of hitting the brake pedal when going downhill. You get more regenerative braking. Also less wear on the brake pads/rotors, similar to how people with a manual transmission "gear down" to save wear and tear on the brakes.

 

[FoMoCoDave]

No.

Lets back up a minute.
There is nothing special or "extra" or "bonus" about the regeneration (recharge) you get in L versus using the brake pedal.

Does light application of the brakes = L mode or even greater stopping/regen, before the actual brake pads kick in?
This is the hybrid normal right?

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