Do you use the B gear? I just find it odd to release the gas and shift it to B to allow it to 'break'. Am I missing something here?

 

I use it on downhills.

 

I live in WV and with all the hills that we have I've yet to find one that I can use the B mode on. It over does it on the grades we have. You either have to shift out of B mode or accellerate in just a few seconds.

 

On long down hill grades I use B mode and set the cruise control. Just remember to shift back to D at the bottom of the grade. Of course the ICE noise from the high rpms will remind you after a short time, should you forget.

I find if I just coast in B, I loose too much speed on all but the steepest grades. I can use the gas pedal to moderate the effect of B, but prefer to set the cruise if traffic is light.

Sometimes in rush hour traffic, I also use B mode while the car is coasting down grades in EV mode (speeds < 18 mph or the ICE starts) and can avoid riding the brakes. I think it is safer as folks behind me see my brake lights when I do have to slow down, instead of seeing them all the way down the grade.

 

Uh, Nash,

I believe you may have erred about using "B mode" AND cruise control. Unfortunately, in the TCH, using B mode disables cruise control. (At least on my Japan-built TCH.)

 

I occasionally use the "B" gear, as part of my daily commute takes me over the Blue Ridge Mountains. Usually, though, I just lightly press the regular brake, calling the trip down the mountain "Regeneration Run." : )

 

Ops! You are right! I forgot it does that. I'm not sure if I'm remembering how the FEH works, or just flat out got it wrong.

 

I have never used mine. I live in a pretty flat area though.

 

In the 3 months I have owned my TCH, I have only used the "B" mode once, on a downhill. Glad to have it.

 

I've used it a couple of times, but I just prefer to coast down the hills and hope I don't get a ticket! I have a few great hills that make my MPG skyrocket when I coast, too bad I have to drive back home and ruin it all.

Mark