`b` Position On Gearstick Rx400h

[GAZMAN]

Does anyone know when (or why) the best time to stick the gear stick in the `B` position ?

I`m told it is for engine breaking and re-charges the batteries !

If you need to brake going down a hill, should you go into `B` mode aswell as use the brake to charge the batteries ??

Any ideas ??

Gazman :zee:

[eXOBeX]

What does the handbook say?

[Rillo]

I thought it meant you only used Battery power and not the engine. Useful in town??

[PhoneDrome]

What I learned 'B' is for "hill climbing". A offroad gear. Dunno what it is called

It is for going up a hill and rolling down a hill :D While in B the engine is connected directly to the drivetrain and is used as a braking mass.

uhhh, dunno how to discribe it :D

[sos10]

B for going down a hill using the motor power instead of the breaks.

[GAZMAN]

B for going down a hill using the motor power instead of the breaks.

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Why would you do this ? (To save brake pads - or is it healthy to brake in `B` mode ?)

thanks

Gazman :zee:

[PhoneDrome]

So the brakes won't overheat AND the batteries are charged perfectly. It's more for rolling down a serpentine.

[TopSec]

So the brakes won't overheat AND the batteries are charged perfectly. It's more for rolling down a serpentine.

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I was told it was for braking only - less wear on your brakes and it does of course recharge

java script:emoticon(':)')

[GAZMAN]

So the brakes won't overheat AND the batteries are charged perfectly. It's more for rolling down a serpentine.

←

I was told it was for braking only - less wear on your brakes and it does of course recharge

java script:emoticon(':)')

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You can actually drive in `B` mode - I wonder what that does to your engine / performance ???

Gazman :zee:

[The Mole]

As I work for Lexus......

All B mode does is double the gearing to the electric motrs when in a 'trailing throttle' position - this increases the feel of 'engine breaking'.

Yes it will charge the Battery more quickly, but because you slow down quicker, you are charging for less time, hence no better off.

The only time you would use it is for long decents that required prelonged breaking - the B mode just allows the motors to take some of the strain off the discs and pads - just like keeping a manual in 3rd gear down a hill....