Use of B mode in hybrid Camry?
 

I have a new hybrid Camry which I am very pleased with after one week. I am asking this forum for advice on using the B transmission mode - the owners manual is not very informative on this. Is is worth shifting into B on most downgrades? Any suggestions appreciated from more experienced drivers.

Re: Use of B mode in hybrid Camry?
 

I find that it depends on the slope. Sometimes it slows the car down to much for me.

Re: Use of B mode in hybrid Camry?
 

It's like downshifting a manual transmission car. It will save wear and tear on your brakes, but it does not regenerate power to the battery. Use it if you are going down a long hill and don't want to 'ride the brakes'.
As a relatively new owner, I've used it once or twice.
Try it and see if you like it.

Re: Use of B mode in hybrid Camry?
 

I think of the Brake position similar to the old Low gear. I was told it uses the generator at a geared up rate to slow the car down. If your on a rather steep grade or pick up enough speed then it switches to the engine (ice) to slow you down. Don't expect to go downhill over 30 to 35 miles per hour using the B position. You can also accelerate just like a regular car in Low gear.

There are two rather steep stretches in the nearby mountain highway where I use the Brake position. Each are less than a eighth mile long with a 30 mph curve at the bottom. Other than that the brake peddle works fine. The brake peddle also uses the generator but at a varying rate while also charging the traction batteries to slow the car.

Re: Use of B mode in hybrid Camry?
 

It is meant to be used primarly when a downgrade is steep enough and long enough that the battery will acquire a high SOC, rendering regenerative braking ineffective. Without the regenerative braking, your brake pads will quickly heat up. The B mode helps to circumvent this by slowing the car further with the engine.

Re: Use of B mode in hybrid Camry?
 

I find the B very usefull on ice and snow compacted streets, slows down without even touching brakes.

Re: Use of B mode in hybrid Camry?
 

The dealer told me that B mode does regenerate power to the battery, and can recharge it in a stretch of a mile or two. Does any documentation say otherwise?

Re: Use of B mode in hybrid Camry?
 

I believe it does not regenerate while coasting, but it does if you press the brake pedal to assist engine braking.

Re: Use of B mode in hybrid Camry?
 

I don't think it's any different from braking since the point of friction is still the tires.

Re: Use of B mode in hybrid Camry?
 

Both 'D' and 'B' modes regenerate energy to the battery, provided the battery isn't "full." It's just that 'B' mode does more of it — it gives more braking effect, some of which is regenerative, and some of which is true "engine braking." Also, once the battery is "full," neither mode will regenerate at all. In 'D' mode, all braking will be by the (lossy) friction brakes; whereas in 'B' mode, the ICE will be spun by the wheels (via the two motor-generators) to give (lossy) engine braking. So, with the battery "full," all braking is lossy.

Stan