Tested: Slippery Mode is best for highest MPG (in Hybrid Maverick)

[GPSMan]

Engine is turning but no fuel is being used, no combustion.

Yes.

And still mechanical wear & tear and usually at 4000 RPM!

Low SHOULD NOT be used constantly.
Heavy regen is BAD for the battery.
And it serves no useful purpose.

Best is to regen gently over a greater distance. You'll get the same recharge.
You'll get even better MPG.
You'll save wear & tear on your truck.

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[GPSMan]

HYBRID EXPERT HERE

Been driving a version of this HYBRID truck since 2005. Yes really.
(It is 95% the same as the hybrid Escape. The powertrain equipment has changed very little over the years.)

Reserve "Low" for descending steep grades. You will thank me later. Your truck will thank you right away.

 

[SLJ]

For the Bronco Sport that is due to the AWD. The Maverick Hybrid does not have AWD so it does not apply.

Yes, I stated it was for AWDs. Just wondering why no mention in the manual for the Maverick.

 

[jsalewicz]

Hello folks-

I did a few well controlled tests on my 2022 Hybrid Maverick to explore the features of the different modes. I now drive in slippery mode ALL THE TIME. If top MPG matters to you; maybe you will too.

I have a ScanGauge III attached to the OBDII port and see data in real time from the Maverick's sensors.

On the same road traveling the same direction for all tests with the HV battery between 41.5 and 42.0% for all tests, I got up to 28 MPH, put it in Neutral, coasted to 25 MPH then without touching either pedal, put in back in drive. This was to measure the amount of regenerative charging. I coasted from 25 mph to 15 mph and recorded the results.

Eco Mode: 34A (7.5kW) at 25 MPH
Eco Mode: 15A (3.3kW) at 15 MPH

Tow Mode: 34A (7.5kW) at 25 MPH
Tow Mode: 15A (3.3kW) at 15 MPH

Sport Mode: 34A (7.5kW) at 25 MPH
Sport Mode: 15A (3.3kW) at 15 MPH

Normal Mode: 22A (4.8kW) at 25 MPH
Normal Mode: 10A (2.2kW) at 15 MPH

Slippery Mode: 12A (2.6kW) at 25 MPH
Slippery Mode: 3A (0.66kW) at 15 MPH

Slippery is best if you want to coast the longest distance without using fuel.
Slippery has given me +10 MPG over Eco in slow rolling conditions such as California freeways at rush hour.

Other observations:
Normal, Eco, Slippery allow EV driving.

Tow/Haul and Sport DO NOT allow EV driving, but will "idle stop" while you are not moving.

Normal, Eco, Slippery modes force the gas engine on when the battery drops below 30% state of charge.

Tow and Sport modes I could not get the battery to 30% because the engine was always running!

There is hysteresis in charging. Sometimes.

In Normal, Eco, Slippery it can start and stop the engine at any battery percent down to 30.01%. Once you hit 30% and below (can briefly hit 29% for example) then the engine must run until the battery exceeds 40%.

In Normal, Eco, and Slippery the HV battery likes to stay in the 30's and 40's for percents. Rarely over 50% SOC. Almost never over 55%.

In Tow/Haul and Sport modes the battery quickly charges to 70%! Presumably so you have more juice at the ready for hill climbing, and presumably, drag racing.

Beware- from 30% to 70% you have full regen braking from the brake pedal, which is 145 Amps (32 kW). At 70.2% my regen brake limit went from 32 kW to 7 kW in one step. Surprised me it wasn't a taper, but this was day one of data collecting.

-John

Wow definitely felt the difference in coasting and breaking! Gas pedal seemed less touchy too. Mileage was good but my commute home is against the wind. It will be interesting to see what my morning commute will result in.

 

[Ozarkbeard]

Reserve "Low" for descending steep grades.

That's what I use it for; three sharp curves on a downhill grade between my house and town.

 

[jsalewicz]

I am digging the Slippery mode. Like you side the coasting is so much better. Driving 60 to 30 mph on my way into work avenged 52.1 mpg. Driving in standard or ECO it was 47 - 49 and if I had a tail wind I could get 50mph. Here is this morning trip:

 

[GPSMan]

I am digging the Slippery mode. Like you side the coasting is so much better. Driving 60 to 30 mph on my way into work avenged 52.1 mpg. Driving in standard or ECO it was 47 - 49 and if I had a tail wind I could get 50mph. Here is this morning trip:

This is what most people see.
3 mpg to 5 mpg increase by using slippery mode.

Of course the driver has to be gentle as well to take advantage.

It's the coasting.

Coasting in any mode will boost MPG but it is easiest in Slippery Mode.

 

[Skeezos]

My first hybrid. So would Slippery be ok at 65 with cruise set? Any harm?

I'm excited buy all these experiments, but that's what they are and we don't know what the effects on our trucks will be.
So I googled it and this is what Ford has to say:
https://www.fordservicecontent.com/...a&div=f&vFilteringEnabled=False&buildtype=web

 

[TOMCATFIGHTER]

I'm excited buy all these experiments, but that's what they are and we don't know what the effects on our trucks will be.
So I googled it and this is what Ford has to say:
https://www.fordservicecontent.com/...a&div=f&vFilteringEnabled=False&buildtype=web

So in a Hybrid No issue? No 4WD...

 

[jsalewicz]

So in a Hybrid No issue? No 4WD...

Thats what I was about to ask too. I just noticed that OP @GPSMan is banned. hmmmmmmm

 

[EchoPear]

So in a Hybrid No issue? No 4WD...

This is the bronco sport manual, no?

 

[BAScott62]

I just noticed that OP @GPSMan is banned. hmmmmmmm

That's gonna hurt the old "MTC Content Contributor Rank"

 

[PNWMaverick]

I'm excited buy all these experiments, but that's what they are and we don't know what the effects on our trucks will be.
So I googled it and this is what Ford has to say:
https://www.fordservicecontent.com/...a&div=f&vFilteringEnabled=False&buildtype=web

This doesn't appear to be from the Maverick owner's manual. This is from the 2023 manual. It makes no mention of avoiding use on dry pavement.

It will be interesting to see how this goes as I can already hit 60 MPG easily in Eco mode.

 

[The Real Maverick]

Thats what I was about to ask too. I just noticed that OP @GPSMan is banned. hmmmmmmm

Ya. That's weird.
Seen nothing but (well mostly) great posts from him.

Can we invite him back?

 

[Waterick]

Maybe, he's already reincarnated..... Lol.

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