The V6 ICE Escape doesn't use regenerative braking.

 

Not sure who you are asking - you might want to use "quote" when replying.

If you mean me, I have not towed.

 

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-p...ve-braking.htm

the brakes have nothing to do with the charging t just puts the e motor on reverse to turn it into a generator using the momentum...

 

The point is the braking system on the FEH, unlike the ICE, goes through the generator and is therefore a factor when towing. No one knows exactly why Ford placed the 1000 lb limit on towing - and then made exactly no provisions for installing a hitch or towing package. Some folks here have speculated it was the brakes, some the lack of power when the battery is depleted.

And the article shows that the braking through the generator does exactly what I said - it charges the FEH battery until the computer decides it has too much SOC, at which point the FEH will use engine braking. I'm speaking of the 2008 here; the 2009 always engages the engine when in "L", for example. Sorry if my former post wasn't clear.

 

the controller decides when to apply the breaks?,

 

Maybe Gary can speak up here, he probably knows the most about the systems for both Gen 1 and Gen 2. But yes, the braking is computer controlled. In general, it uses the generator whenever possible. When the speed gets really low the actual brakes kick in to continue stopping.

I think it is a blend of regen and actual brakes at higher speeds, depending on the level of braking desired. Last week I was behind some folks that suddenly braked on the freeway. I hit the pedal hard and all four wheels applied hard brakes - I heard the sound as the rubber locked up and then the ABS kicked in. So I know the vehicle will use the brake pads according to what the driver inputs.

 

The larger UHaul trailers have surge brakes which do not require a trailer brake controller in the tow vehicle.

 

yeah but that wouldnt help whit breaking.

 

Surge brakes brake the trailer when the tow vehicle slows down by pushing on the hitch to activate their brakes, it most certainly does help with braking.

 

Please read the June 2014 postings in this thread... very relevant to towing.

https://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/...-cooler-29682/