Regenerative Braking - What's the "best" way to brake?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by nerka, Nov 4, 2008.

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  1. nerka

    nerka New Member

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    I am a PROUD owner of a 2009 Prius. I think it's a Package 6, but I don't really know the numbers (it's loaded NAV and leather.) Anyway, that doesn't matter.

    I'm wondering if there is a "best" way to break with regenerative breaking. Is it better to break over a long distance...slow, steady breaking or is firm/harder pressure over a shorter distance better? (Or doesn't it matter?)

    LOVE this car and am loving learning how to drive to maximize my MPG. Now if I could only get someone to install one of those overrides for the NAV and Bluetooth operations...what a drag!
     
    #1 nerka, Nov 4, 2008
  2. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    re: Regenerative Braking - What's the "best" way to brake?

    We prefer you don't break your Prius...title edited...
     
    #2 efusco, Nov 4, 2008
  3. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    It's best not to brake at all...or as little as possible. So anticipate lights, slow down early, don't follow behind other cars very closely, etc.

    When you do need to brake you should do so with moderate slowly applied pressure. Don't brake suddenly or hard or you'll kick out the regen part and go straight to friction braking.

    Moderate braking optimizes the amount of energy regenerated...that said, it's still best to avoid braking and to slow down only when necessary and over the longest possible distance to optimize FE and energy use.
     
    #3 efusco, Nov 4, 2008
  4. nerka

    nerka New Member

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    Thanks. In general I do try not to break... even after only a week of ownership I realized that makes the most sense. I suppose given that, what you suggest should have been intuitively obvious!
     
    #4 nerka, Nov 4, 2008
  5. Silver 2008

    Silver 2008 Junior Member

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    Batteries can accept more of the energy at a slower rate. They receive optimum benefit from the braking if it is over a longer distance. More heat is generated when the charge rate goes up. Heat is energy wasted.

    Mike
     
    #5 Silver 2008, Nov 4, 2008
  6. Rae Vynn

    Rae Vynn Artist In Residence

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    I usually place my foot on the brake pedal, and then press down.
    Generally, I use as much pressure as is necessary to avoid running red lights, running stop signs, or hitting small children/animals.
     
    #6 Rae Vynn, Nov 4, 2008
  7. jpadc

    jpadc Type before I think too often

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    Yes, given its new I would not want to break it either....
     
    #7 jpadc, Nov 4, 2008
  8. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Wus...don't come around here calling yourself a hypermiler!:p
     
    #8 efusco, Nov 4, 2008
  9. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    It's brake, not break. The first hint didn't work, so I'll just point it out directly.

    Tom
     
    #9 qbee42, Nov 4, 2008
  10. Wa1hog

    Wa1hog Old Blind Hippie

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    Before I got my 08 I could'nt understand why everyone was gettinhg 100k between brake pad replacement.

    Now I know why.

    You coast most of the time when your slowing down.
     
    #10 Wa1hog, Nov 4, 2008
  11. nerka

    nerka New Member

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    Geez...harsh crowd. Yes, I know it is "brake" and not "break." That's why it is correct in the title. So I screwed up after that...
     
    #11 nerka, Nov 10, 2008
  12. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Well....you screwed up the title too...I took mercy and edited it for you.
     
    #12 efusco, Nov 10, 2008
  13. bestmapman

    bestmapman 04, 07 ,08, 09, 10, 16, 21 Prime

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    Hi nerka

    Welcome to the site and Prius ownership. It is a great car and a great site.
     
    #13 bestmapman, Nov 10, 2008
  14. Joe C.

    Joe C. New Member

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    Mike

    2008 Package 3 - Silver. OEM Mudguards, OEM All Weather Mats, WeatherTech Cargo Mat, NuShield MFD Protector, Tint, Nokian WR-G2s, Trim Ring Delete, and Killed the Reverse Beep

    How did you "kill" that annoying reverse beep? It's a dumb idea if you ask me (but you didn't)!
     
    #14 Joe C., Nov 10, 2008
  15. bestmapman

    bestmapman 04, 07 ,08, 09, 10, 16, 21 Prime

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    This should help you.

    Link
     
    #15 bestmapman, Nov 10, 2008
  16. nerka

    nerka New Member

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    Thanks...seriously. It was my stupid error and I take ownership of that.

    I will strive to a new level of perfection -- one which is clearly required to avoid ridicule.
     
    #16 nerka, Nov 10, 2008
  17. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    I don't think anyone's ridiculing you...it's a common mistake, but b/c it's so common it's a bit frustrating for us. Don't take it personally. We're really a friendly welcoming site. Nobody expects perfection, but a gentle reminder on a key spelling or gramatical point now will make your life easier next time your brakes break!:D
     
    #17 efusco, Nov 10, 2008
  18. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    So, Evan, are you saying that we should give him a brake? Whoops, I mean break?

    Tom
     
    #18 qbee42, Nov 10, 2008
  19. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Nerka, Evan made a gentle suggestion that you had used the wrong "brake", but you didn't seem to take notice. That's why the next comment was less subtle.

    Tom
     
    #19 qbee42, Nov 10, 2008
  20. Silver 2008

    Silver 2008 Junior Member

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    It look like bestmapman took care of you with that link. It is... er... was very annoying.

    Mike
     
    #20 Silver 2008, Nov 10, 2008
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