Accord hybrid 2017 real world mileage by cars.com

What is your understanding of B mode, as implemented by Honda in the Accord Hybrid? You're aware it's different than in the Prius?

 

Can't see if it is exactly equivalent to B, but the Volt uses L on the shifter. I think several hybrids and plug ins use a label to correspond to the drivetrain behavior that the driver wants, and not what the drivetrain is actually doing.

The same probably could be said about the shifter labels on regular cars. Used to be it was 1, 2, maybe 3, D or 1, D, overdrive. At the time that meant the car wouldn't shift higher than the speed selected. So the engine would rev higher at speed. It be used to get more power for towing, but mostly it was to get more engine braking. The 2006 HHR had L, M, D. L and M didn't lock out the higher gears like in the past, but changed the shift points so that the engine could rev higher before the shifts.

Most drivers are completely unaware of what the transmission is actually doing.They just know to shift to a lower gear while going down a steep or long hill. Even then, most will just ride the brakes.

 

Was unaware.
Still doesn't change the fact auto reviewers don't know how to drive for efficiency in a hybrid, or even an ICE car for that matter. You don't want to waste momentum. Using B, even if it actually increases regen braking, on a flat road will waste your forward momentum when you aren't approaching a stop.

 

Maybe I don't understand it correctly then. How is this different than the Prius B mode? It still doesn't sound like it is intended to increase MPG by using the battery more (what the reviewers think), but to simulate engine braking by increasing regen amount and, once the battery is full or the vehicle speed is high enough, spinning the ICE as well. Isn't that what the Prius B mode also does?

 

I believe Honda's B increases charging, is more of a traditional "sport" mode. It'll impact mpg a bit though, I agree.

Assuming it's similar to our previous Civic Hybrid, it's good for twisty roads where you tend to alternate between gas and brake: the car's a bit peppier, and braking need is reduced: as soon as you lift off the gas there's more aggressive regen braking. It also prevents AutoStop (engine shut down at red lights).

 

The Accord has a bigger battery and motor; it can increase the regenerative braking.
On Toyota hybrids, B mode spins up the ICE. It could entail more regen, but people that have monitored energy going to the battery report less with B mode engaged.

 

There's a separate sport mode, too. The Owner's Manual's available as a pdf here:

2017 Honda Accord Hybrid - Owner's Manual - PDF (584 Pages)

 

the problem is these reviewers are (masquerading as) experts / professionals.