B gear....is it or is it not for using low gear on steep downhills?
I thought it was, then thought someone said it wasn't and now read on other sites that it is.
I am driving a very long, steep grade soon. :angel: |
Re: B gear....is it or is it not for using low gear on steep downhills?
There was previous discussion about the B setting
https://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/...-b-gear-17688/ Being a old manual transmission user, I use it where I see the need to gradually slow down. If I recharge the battery in the process, so musch the better. |
Re: B gear....is it or is it not for using low gear on steep downhills?
Yes, B gear is for engine braking when going down hills.
The confusion may arise when considering the effect on total fuel economy and regen. On long steep grades I would err on the side of safety and use B, even if it don't fully take advantage of all the 'free' energy (or paid for energy when driving up the hill). (start irony) If you want full economy advantage, top off the battery with regen, then coast in N all the way down. Don't stop until the car rolls to a stop! YMMV (stop irony) :) T |
Re: B gear....is it or is it not for using low gear on steep downhills?
"B" forces the ICE to stay engaged, with the fuel cut out. Normally the ICE section of the Power Split Device would be allowed to freewheel while coasting downhill. The other explanations are correct - it's for slowing the car on a downgrade without the need to ride the brakes. Much like taking your foot off the gas in a manual.
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Re: B gear....is it or is it not for using low gear on steep downhills?
is there a speed limit on when you should engage it? I use it on secondary roads but was curious is I should use it on the highway. At higher speeds it can be pretty loud and sounds like I should not use it. I know you guys know how it works and can advise me.
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Re: B gear....is it or is it not for using low gear on steep downhills?
You should be using it when you are on steep hills. i.e. coming down a winding mountain road. It's intended for lower speeds (sub 40mph) when the ICE would normally disengage.
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Re: B gear....is it or is it not for using low gear on steep downhills?
I've used B gear at speed much higher than 40...like 60+. I didn't think it would hurt the engine or transmission. The ICE does rev pretty high.
Please let me know if using 'B' is bad for the car at such high speeds. |
Re: B gear....is it or is it not for using low gear on steep downhills?
Coasting in 'B' mode spins the ICE (without burning any fuel) in order to apply engine braking. As such, it's wasteful. I'd advise as follows.
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Re: B gear....is it or is it not for using low gear on steep downhills?
opps n/m
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Re: B gear....is it or is it not for using low gear on steep downhills?
Originally Posted by SPL
(Post 184046)
Coasting in 'B' mode spins the ICE (without burning any fuel) in order to apply engine braking.
thanks for the explanation, I will still likely avoid B when traveling at highway speeds. |
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