Driving in Low mode??????

[Younglefthander]

Was watching Johnny’s Car Review yesterday and he suggested to make better use of the regenerative breaking to put in L mode. Driving my Maverick has become like a game for me to maximize fuel economy (but I will not play the hypermilling game). My daily commute is basically 100 miles. I live in Orlando with warm temperatures year round. So, if keeping in Low drive mode most of the time will that have a negative affect on the engine over the long haul?
I tried to search to see if a question had been ask like this before but did not fine one. Thanks

Sponsored

 

[bombast]

I don't see why it would. The transmission seems smart enough to 'loosen up' when you apply lots of gas in L.

I engage L when hill assist needs to be more aggressive and it helps some. Don't think it'll help much having it on all the time, but I guess that depends on your driving circumstances.

 

[SkeeterB]

Sorry, I drive mine like gas is cheap. Just regular stops and starts. I don't compare mileage per tank. I do leave the non trip accumulated mileage screen alone to see for consumption per mile over the life if the Mav. Lots of long highway trips right off the bat. Not so much now or recently. Overall over 4,400 miles sits at 25.8.

 

[nick112288]

So Low in the Ecoboost I understand. Keeps you in the lower gears.

But what does low on the hybrid do? Just limit your top speed?

 

[Younglefthander]

Sorry, I drive mine like gas is cheap. Just regular stops and starts. I don't compare mileage per tank. I do leave the non trip accumulated mileage screen alone to see for consumption per mile over the life if the Mav. Lots of long highway trips right off the bat. Not so much now or recently. Overall over 4,400 miles sits at 25.8.

I assume you have the 2.0. I’m sure if I had the 2.0 I’d feel the same way. But I have the Hybird and one reason I ordered in June was for the MPG and with what’s going on with gas prices, might as well maximize this vehicle for what it’s intended to do.
Now I don’t really think having the engine in L will make a difference in the MPG. But if it saves on brakes in the long run and not damage the engine, why not. Reason for the question. Hoping someone out there might have some insight. Thanks

 

[Younglefthander]

So Low in the Ecoboost I understand. Keeps you in the lower gears.

But what does low on the hybrid do? Just limit your top speed?

Intention would be to use low in the city for the regenerative breaking. Did some today driving around city. Had it in L and Ecoboost and felt no difference in getting up to speed but sure made a difference in braking, you definitely could feel the difference. I personally would not use L during Hwy driving.

 

[Koybot]

i think i read in the manual that remaining in 'L' for long periods can actually make MPG worse, if i see it again i will post.

 

[OTACORB]

I played around with putting mine in low. But then I found when I have it in Eco mode that it pretty much does the same job as putting it in low. I can feel it braking more in Eco mode vs other modes. I would think driving around in low all the time would impact MPG. The Eco Mode enhances the regen braking, but pushing it to run in electric mode as much as possible. Just using Low isn't going to do this.

 

[Younglefthander]

Good notes. I’ve used L but just in city driving. Sometimes I remember and sometimes I don’t. I can definitely tell a difference in braking. Will it make a difference over time ?????
I will say I’ve had my Hybird for 3 weeks. Real time MPG is 45.1, about 40% city. Just took a 450 mile trip to Augusta GA. 39.9 MPG, mostly Hwy driving.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Was watching Johnny’s Car Review yesterday and he suggested to make better use of the regenerative breaking to put in L mode. Driving my Maverick has become like a game for me to maximize fuel economy (but I will not play the hypermilling game). My daily commute is basically 100 miles. I live in Orlando with warm temperatures year round. So, if keeping in Low drive mode most of the time will that have a negative affect on the engine over the long haul?
I tried to search to see if a question had been ask like this before but did not fine one. Thanks

I have driven some in eco with the "L" button active. The Regen braking is much stronger and is fun for one pedal in town driving as using brake pedal is minimized. On the down side the HVB appears to get charged up within very few miles and battery cannot hold all Regen current it appears to use engine braking. I had engine start when I let of go pedal and about one second later reved up loud and I believe opens the bypass in the muffler to allow straight thru flow of compressed air. I was at about 32 mph. I did deactivate the "L" button. I feel like all the drive modes should be used occasionally to possibly help the truck "learn/use" different actions. (Who knows call it breaking in?).

Sponsored