If regen doesn't happen instantly, it may just be that the higher RPMs are causing the engine to warm up faster. What surprises me, though, on my HAH is that not only does regen from the engine not work when warming up, but there is no breaking regen either.

I don't really understand why regen isn't active at all during warm-up, unless it has something to do with emissions (although that wouldn't explain breaking regen).

 

I use S to slow down, it kicks in the regen quicker. Without having to hit the brakes.

 

In So. Cal it never gets "really" cold, so I can't comment on temps below 40F... but above that, YES... using "S" will always provide regen bars during warmup.

I live atop a big hill and always drop some SOC bars climbing up in the evening. Regen is therefore important to replace the SOC bars when I'm decending the hill in the morning. Often, regen works just fine... but occasionally, coasting or braking results in no green bars. Some kind soul here on Greenhybrid told me about the "S" trick. It works!!!

 

Oh... be aware, though, that if you forget and leave it in "S", your rpms will be higher... your mpg lower... and there will be no autostop. I forgot one day and messed up my MPG! I only leave it in "S" until I hit the third traffic light (about 1 mile from the house).

 

Jeff,

Thanks for the tip. I have the same situation as you, living on top of a hill (in Northern CA) and have not been able to get any regen coasting down in the morning (temps in the low 50s these days). I will have to try "S" tomorrow, er, Monday I guess.

Shawn