I wish someone could explaine the optimun way to apply the brakes to avoid pad contact and optimize regeneration...JOE

I don't know how the Highlander works or what it has for gauges but in the Escape, I use low gear as much as possible to slow down, instead of using the brakes. That way, the computer is controlling regeneration instead of trying to do it myself.

After a while, however, I have gotten the feel for where regeneration is overcome by friction braking. Can't explain it but I can just tell when the friction brakes kick in.

I guess a good rule of thumb would be to use as little brake petal as is necessary to slow you down for the road conditions.

nitramrjr-thanks for the info. I -like you, have 2 hybrids a camry and a highlander.The highlander i've had over a year and see no sign of brake wear so far.I always let off the gas real early when I see a stop light or sign comming up,But It seems that the people driving behind me don't seem to relate(they ride my ***) so I really need to know the limits of breaking to regenerate with out wasting energy on the brake pads.Has anyone got any Insight to share with me,and others might be having this question!! JOE

I have a Highlander and by applying the brakes gently, I *beileve* that it's mostly regenerative braking. I know that especially at first, when the friction brakes actually kicked in, it seemed like there was much more "grip" all of a sudden.