I often use the L-gear setting (maybe it should be called the L-software-mode setting) when stopping, particularly when down hill or from a high speed.

Since this isn't a manual transmission, I occasionally forget to shift back to D-mode and don't discover it until I finish accelerating. At that point it feels like you pressed on the brake pedal rather than just took your foot off the gas. Then I shift to "D."

So does anyone know what difference does this make to this car? It seems like the accel under "L" is the same as under "D". Anyone know?

GaryG has posted much information on this. Essentially, "L" induces more regenerative charge, which takes a hit on your fuel efficiency as you do not roll as easily.

"L" is used to slow your vehicle without using the friction brakes, to create more regenerative charge, can be used to get the vehicle into EV mode if the double tap in "D" doesn't, can be used to get fuel shutoff for those nice long downhills courtesy of John (GPSman1).

2005 AWD Escape Hybrid
Best Interstate tank trip MPG 39.02 (scangauge II) for 402 miles on I-70, 10.3 gallons used over mostly flat terrain.

Best Interstate tank trip E30 MPG 34.6 for 271 miles along I-80 in Indiana and Ohio.

Best multiple road tank trip E30 MPG 36.2 for 202 miles in Southwestern Pa.

I've read all the posts about 'L' Gear @ 43mph to induce EV mode. However, on my 08 FEH, the double tap works just as effectively, if not better, at around 40-42mph. In other words, the 'L' gear shift does not induce EV any sooner than the double-tap. All other aspects of 'L' gear are identical to the 05-07 model years, and is great for Regen and to save on friction brakes.

The behavior of "L" has evolved over the years.

Its effects are most significant to MY 2005.
The effects are more mild in subsequent years.

There is no mechanical harm to driving full time in "L".
Just you will have a one pedal car like at the carnival bumper cars!
Press go pedal to accelerate, release go pedal to brake.
In most cases, there is no need to use that "other" pedal, unless you need to come to a complete stop. ( which hypermilers try to avoid... )
Press go pedal 1 or 2mm to "neutral coast".

I drive in L gear all the time, when I have food or drink in one hand, and the other hand on the wheel, and I can't be bothered with changing the gear selector. With practice, you can neutral glide with the car in "L".
The whole idea of the gear selector is just a software input.
Nothing mechanical changes from any position, except park.

-John

I use "L" when I have a long downhill stretch of road. It allows me to fully recharge the battery using regen. For my particular example, it keeps me right at the posted speed limit. Yea, I could do the same thing by just lightly pressing on the brake pedal, but that would also turn 'on' my brake lights. The traffic behind me is already mighty pissed that I am only doing the speed limit (they want to do 20 over it), and if I had my brake lights 'on', it would certainly trigger a massive "road rage" spectacle.

Best single LD trip: 35.3mpg

Man Can I Relate

I use "L" almost all the time too, except on long mildly downhill roads where it slows the car too much unless I feather the throttle.

I drive mostly in L around town also, great for slowing down and charging more aggressivley, also able to coast with the slight touch of the accel as mentioned previously.