Thank you for this. I did a ton of research on what the B mode is and so many people were saying they drive it in B mode all the time. I'm glad I came to my trusted TH-cam channel for facts and not opinions.
I rented a Prius in California and was visiting a friend who lives in a very hilly neighborhood and the street she lives on is very steep. I tried B mode when going down that hill and it made a significant difference in helping to control the speed of the car. It took a big load off the brakes.
Had the spares guy at the official Provincial Toyota dealer try to tell me to leave my newly purchased Corolla wagon in B mode all the time as it charges twice as fast :( Thanks again AMD, you're a life saver.
Even though you don't use any graphics or animation, you have a great talent conveying useful indepth information in a lively lecture. The 6-part series about Toyota hybrid technology was very informative and educational. Thank you for shedding light on technical aspects that are still new to the ICE community
Car Care Nut, we just got our car delivered this friday, the last Prius Wagon + in Belgium (Europe). The dealer was a big let down. The luggage cover was missing and it took five minutes to convince him that it has to be there. The window control on the drivers side isn't working. We noticed this when already on the road.... Thank you for being very clear about the B-mode. That is something I can take off my list :). I will look for more of your video's. Thanks. It is a great car thou.
I am so proud of myself! I knew the oil pump would sling oil. You are the best and it tells me u r a great teacher! Yrs and yrs ago I took a gamble on buying a Prius and I am so glad I did bec I got sold on them very quickly and now I see why. I swear the engineering on these is AMAZING!
When he says “Remembered we talked about this in the last…..” Makes it feel like I’m back in college lectures 😂. Love the detail and how good he is at explaining 💯
Yet another VERY informative video! Fills in the blanks that the humongous Toyota handbooks leave out! My UK 2018 Gen 4 RAV4 AWD doesn't have B mode but does have S+/- but the dealer never explained properly what this option is for. I live out in very rural Scotland & our hilly single-track road out to the main road never gets gritted despite frequent snow. Prior to the Toyota I was very capable and happy to drive front wheel drive cars with "all season" tyres in the snow - the RAV is my first automatic car and I do have reservations (ok - scared almost!) about driving it on snowy slopes despite it being AWD given that I believed I couldn't control the engine braking/gearing like on a front wheel drive car. So now I know - use the "manual" S+/- mode to get the necessary engine "braking" effect for these snowy, hilly roads - thank you!
I regularly drove a 2013 Prius on steep mountain grades, including one that descended 2,000 ft. in elevation in 12 miles. "B" mode definitely works on steep grades such as that. One note though: when the Prius first starts descending a steep mountain grade, as the video noted, putting the gear shift in "B" mode will put the hybrid system in full regenerative braking. For awhile, however, the gasoline engine may only run at idle RPM--until the hybrid battery reaches full charge. Then, the gasoline engine will be revved up to provide engine braking--presumably because the hybrid system can no longer use full regenerative braking because it would overcharge the hybrid battery. By the way, the proof that the hybrid system does greatly improve fuel economy is that my Prius gets about the same fuel economy traveling up and down steep mountain grades as it does traveling on a flat highway. The things that ding the fuel economy of my Prius the most are driving in very hot or very cold weather, or using the A/C a lot.
So I have a concern that my 2014 Prius V is not operating correctly in B mode. On a downgrade of about 1,000 ft. elevation, the B mode causes the drive battery to become fully charged (green battery indicator is at 10 bars). I also begin to experience a hot electrical smell. Other Prius advisors say to avoid fully charging the system, because it will shorten drive battery life. I didn't experience my ICE revving up as this user describes after the drive battery gets to 10 bars. Based on this experience, I have tried free-wheeling into N when I get to 10 bars. Another online advisor has stated that the software has protection when B mode reaches 10 bars. The hot electrical smell makes me doubt that mine system has such protection. Thoughts???
I just finished watching the whole series on Toyota Hybrid technology, and learned a great deal. Now I know what causes the strange noises on my GFs 2012 Prius C! And I will never try to give someone a jumpstart with it. Thank you for putting this together, it is a must-see for anyone interested in buying a hybrid.
As a result 😊of this vid we will stop using the B mode incorrectly Thx for taking the time to research the subject and then converting it to a very good tutorial. SoCal 2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid 27,000. miles. 40 mpg 0 problems.
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Excellent explanation! Thank you- This channel is the best source of information about Toyota hybrid system I ever found. Keep going with this great content. The B mode was for me 8 years a black box. Now you opened it.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. I'm getting my first Toyota product this weekend and it is also a hybrid. I'm looking forward to the experience of hybrid ownership and I can now see it will be a new experience. Thanks to you, sir, I will be better prepared!
I really applaud your efforts to gathering all these helpful information on B mode and making a video so simplistic fit for us layman’s understanding level.
Bravo. Ty for your hard work. Alot of folks figured it was putting on full regen. Noticed that the engine would come on sometimes but not always. I personally figured if the battery was in a low state of charge it just throws it into the battery. If it gets too full or hot/overheated, it burns off the excess with the engine. I imagine the advice of leaving it in Brake mode stems from the Chevy Volt guys doing it. They have a huge battery in comparison to other hybrids so they are almost always able to accept all that extra electricity into the battery. But also, when their battery is full (say they just left their house with a full charge) their engine would rev up to burn the extra electricity as well. I'm not sure if the Prius Prime works that way, but it might. You are definitely right tho it would put alot of extra strain on the generator and engine that usually the friction brakes would take the strain of. Besides, should use them friction brakes when ya can, we get so much rust caking up on them cause we hardly use them 😝. JK but true lol.
You sir are a blessing to new Toyota Hybrid owners. I just bought a 2021 RAV4 Hybrid and your videos are sooooo valuable. Love my new RAV4 Hybrid! Thank you Care Care Nut!
I had my Prius for almost 10 years and never needed to replace the brakes just minor adjustments to the existing brakes. The regen system is great. Only tires and oil changes and replaced regular battery once at 8 years
Thank you dude. I don't need to use B mode often but when I have it has always freaked me out. Engines are not meant to scream like that and I was always concerned with overcharging the battery. Hopefully next time I have to use it I will be a bit calmer :-)
As a fellow Illinoisian, I don't think there's anywhere in this state that we'd really need B Mode. However, if we take a road trip up Pikes Peak, we'll need it on the way back down!
Thanks so much for this series. I am in Australia and have purchased an imported Japanese model 2007 Toyota Estima Hybrid AWD. (I think you might know this as Previa.) All the glovebox books are in Japanese and Australian Toyota dealers know very little as this car wasn't sold here. You have answered so many questions for me and I feel somewhat more comfortable to talk to mechanics about maintenance jobs while getting it approved for Ride-Share registration (Taxi standard) as required in my state. I have started giving my husband and son tips from your other videos for their cars too. I killed my last Toyota (2001Tarago/Previa) from getting poor advice. That is not happening again.
thanks for all your videos ! this serie on "how toyota hybrid system works" is really interesting. I'll have my first hybrid prime next month, and after reading owner manual + watching all your videos, I will have a good idea of how to use it properly. thanks again!
I'm a big fan, you have taught me so much useful info. I am giving my 2012 XLE Camry Hybrid (150,000) mile and ZERO problems with std maintenance to my daughter. I am waiting for delivery of my 2023 RAV4 Premium Hybrid so I really want to understand everything I can and you have supplied me with details I could not easily find. OK so this B-mode lesson has me a bit confused. Under normal braking the engine stops and the both the wheels and MG2 are directly attached to the ring gear all of which spin with the inertial force of the wheels applying input to MG2 and its reactionary drag to the wheels - as you say life is good (I understand) B mode still has me scratching my head. Going downhill foot off the accelerator, MG2 still providing (insufficient) braking force so the engine is off but directly attached to the planetary gears and these are now spinning the engine too as an additional input force from the wheels thus supplying more engine braking force to augment MG2 braking force alone???? Why do we need HVB energy to spin the engine by way of MG1, this would negate engine braking. MG1 is attached to the sun gear. Why cant the ring, planets, and sun all be turning at once supplying even more braking by way of MG1 charging (not depleting the HVB) Its confusing but this is how I would imagine it might work. I cannot account for the direction of spin with each all of them turning. Perhaps MG1 needs HVB energy simply to hold the sun gear stationary in order for the ring to supply all of its force to the planets (and its attached engine) ??? I'm still confused.
Another very informative video, thanks. 2 interesting observations from my corolla:1-during long downhill driving in D mode, after a while I feel the system runs as if in B mode. Engine starts and runs at high rpms like in B mode. Probobly for people who do not use B mode, preventing breaks overheat. The 2nd observation: in B mode downhill driving, if you push throttle pedal, you will see your rpm of the engine will decrease. :). Push throttle for lower rpm.. :)
Thank you for watching my video! Very awesome observations! So the newer hybrids have the ability to pick up when it’s going down hill automatically and will try to help the brakes automatically. Also the reason the rpm goes down is the car decreasing the effect of b mode as an acceleration method.
Glad I stumbled upon your videos while searching reviews on my new RAV4 XSE HYBRID. You are very informative and I am definitely learning a lot for you. Keep up the great work and stay blessed!
so b mode is a break pad saver on big down slope hills, while helping to keep brake pads cooler and helps keep them from burning up while maintaining a safe speed down hill. so the owners manual should say to only use b mode when needed traveling on steep downgrades. very well done video. thank you. word of caution : dont have 7 adults and a rv trailer in tow going down a large steep hill with your prius, or youll be paying this guys toyota dealer tech an extra 8 car payments while you sit in the waiting room, bring your tent and sleeping bag, youll be camping out at the toyota dealer campground. sir did you happen to see the brake pads in your rear view mirror ? no sir mr. tech------- the smoke was to thick.
I click on, and thumbs up some of your videos just because your a Christian and you are trying to help people. I hope your channel grows like crazy. You are truly trying to help people from the heart and the love of God shows through you. Keep it up!
Love your videos. By the way, you have a beautiful speaking voice. Your diction is perfect and every word is precise. Now that I have buttered you up, my wife's car bought new is an '18 RAV4 hybrid XLE and love it. I am a low tech guide and since we have owned it I have never used any gear except P R N and D. Never opened the sunroof, don't use bluetooth, voice commands, etc.but have the enhanced radio because I needed the built in NAV system. Believe me folks don't read the owner's manual. To boring. Heck the stereo system manual is over 300 pages so anyway I am looking how to turn on the heated outside mirrors and never could figure it out so I laboriously went through the owner's manual until I found it.(not easy) WaLa! If you turn on the rear windown defroster the heated mirrors come on. Who knew and what a stupid thing to do.Anyway I have a question for you. I wanted the additional Toyota side steps to help us get in and out but the Toyota dealer was unable to find them in the parts computer but listed for non hybrid models. Can you tell me why? thanks, and what great videos.
PS: Lou again. Forgot to add I have never used the "E Mode" switch either and don't have a clue what it does. When I see the "D" on the display that is all I have used.
Hi Lou! Thank you! About the running boards that's odd that they couldn't find it. Email me your VIN no. and let me see what I can find. And regarding the E Mode could it be EV mode? If that's the case then this allows you to drive the car full electric for a very short distance at lower speeds. Basically you can use that in slow traffic to save gas.
@@TheCarCareNut Thanks for the info. The VIN is JTMRJREV1JD168477. The Toyota parts guy speculates that where the attachment hangers go underneath they could interfere with the hybrid differences in the under carriage. Again just his opinion and he even called someone (don't knew who) and they couldn't come up with the sidestep part number. I don't want to use an aftermarket step(s) because he said it could void the warranty if they modify something. That was his advice.
On my Toyota RAV4 (2018), which was manufactured in Japan and is driven in the UK, I don't have a "B" gear but I do have "S" to manually control gear selection. However, I've found a good way of controlling my speed when going down long hills (of which there are many in South Wales here in the UK) is to simply put the car into cruise control mode and set the speed to, say, 40 mph. I find that the car maintains that speed going both down and up hill, deviating only when I get too close to the car in front, at which point it slows down and speeds back up to 40 when the car in front is far enough away. It saves me having to constantly monitor the speed as the car does it all for me until I apply the foot brake.
Eureka! This all makes sense. Yesterday I drove up to the Kitt National Observatory. It's a 12 mile drive up from 2K to 7K ft altitude. My 2117 Prius performed flawlessly going up, 25 to 30 mph. Coming down I thought I'd try the B Mode. (I didn't recall exactly what it was for.) I immediately felt the car feeling resistance. It was an off day so there were no other cars on the road, good. I moved along 20-25 mph and then I heard the engine spin up...gasp! Was this good or not? I kind of freaked and a few times I slowed and put it in D letting the speed go up to 30. I had no issues on the drive down partly because I was white knuckle driving being more concerned with not going over the side of the mountain! 8-] Hello? Now I know that when the engine spun up it was being lubricated with oil and no fuel was being pumped into the cyclinders. Whew! The system was functioning exactly as it was designed. Thank you CCN! Now when I got back down from the mountain it was HOT (Which was why I went up the mountain in the first place, 85! versus 100+). This brings up another concern. It's mid June and it's getting hot. (It was 112 when I got home, summer is spinning up) I have made it a point to have the AC set to circulate throughout the entire car, not just focusing on the driver. I specifically set the passender dash vent to focus airflow downward along the door towards the back floor board where the fan intake to the HV battery is located. I also make sure there is nothing on the back floorboard that could affect the air flow. (I replaced the filter also) I'm thinking this will help a bit and it certainly won't hurt. I just seems reasonable. Summers in Tucson are brutal and when you see a roadrunner carrying a canteen you should give it some thought. Thank you CCN, it's now very clear how B mode works. I bought my 2017 Prius about a year ago from the dealer about a mile from my place. It was Certified "Pre-owned", had 60K miles, was clean and in beautiful condition. It was from your videos that I learned much more about how the Prius hybrid functions. Mine has functioned flawlessly and I enjoy driving it. You are a gold mine of information, thank you, thank you, thank you.
1. How well will the hybrid AWD in mild off roading? 2. In the event there is a problem with the hybrid AWD front drive, how well will the hybrid AWD "Rear Drive" perform to get the vehicle home or to a repair facility? You've got my attention with the AWD Rear Drive (MGR and running gear) as part of a 4WD system, possible selectable rear drive, possible emergency drive system, also what kind of and how much torque/horsepower does this rear drive MGR produce? All of a sudden I can see potential possibilities especially in the aftermarket on road and off road driving! HHMMMMMMM!
Hi Car Care Nut. Your series on Toyota hybrid cars is some of the best I have seen. Thank you for making such great videos. I have a RAV4 hybrid 2020 model. Could you please explain (or perhaps make a video) how the “S mode” works in newer Toyota hybrids? Thanks again
As I understand it, S mode on the newer hybrid models is B mode, but with selectable levels of electric braking. The “lower” the gear you select in S mode, the faster MG1 spins the engine, and the more electric braking force is provided.
It's Really smart! So regen is playing the role of engine braking and half the work of the friction disk brakes. It fills the battery with charge and then spins the engine to make room for further regen braking.
Hello, I'm from Montreal Quuebec Canada' L'm a french canadian veteran' I first bouth a Toyote Corolla in 2014 a S model, After 7 years I chsanged it for another corolla, but this one is hybrtd, I love it my wife love it. Everybody love it here.. I had ro get information on hybrid system, a friend of mine gave me your site address, I learn so mutch from you. I still don't know you name but I have to tank you. Guy Arsenault CD Montreal
Very cool. You are selling alot of toyota hybrids with these videos. I am convinced that the next vehicle I buy will be a Toyota hybrid. Looking forward to the Tundra hybrid to see what they engineer
I love using b mode in my Lexus CT! I use it everyday, mainly for slowing down at a red light and decelerating off the freeway. Although it's not the same, it reminds me of driving a manual. Keep up the great and informative videos!
I've loved your series on the hybrid Toyotas and I've learned quite a bit. However, I have one bone to pick with you on this Part-6 video. At about 9:00 minutes in you state that there is no heat generated in B-mode engine breaking. I don't believe this is correct. As the car goes downhill the potential energy stored from the car having climbed up the hill is converted to kinetic energy as the car accelerates downhill, and to slow the car down, that energy has to go somewhere. I believe in this system, MG2 converts the kinetic energy to electrical energy as it provides regenerative breaking, this electrical energy is routed to spin MG1 which then spins the ICE. The ICE provides the drag to put a load on MG1, and hence MG2, but to provide this drag, the energy is converted to heat, and a lot of heat, which then has to be dissipated, probably by the ICE cooling system. So I believe the continual compression and expansion of the air by the pistons in the ICE cylinders is the conversion of the electrical energy to mechanical energy, and then to heat in the ICE. And that's how the energy being released as the car tries to accelerate downhill is dissipated.
Actually, the toyota cars automatically put themselves in "B mode" when they detect a descending slope and you let off the acceleration pedal, especially if you have cruise control activated. The car engages the motor and tries to maintain speed without applying the brakes. Actual B mode is almost never needed because of this, since the car automatically uses the engine to brake in D mode. I have only used B mode in mountain descents through slow speed roads, that's the only situation when I found it to be useful, other than that the normal D mode is enough.
@@scoschegn When I say they go into "B mode" it's not actually changing the mode, it just engages the motor with no ignition so it helps braking the car without overworking the batteries when descending. Should be normal behavior to prevent battery overheating in all "hibryd synergy drive" cars, but 2006 highlander is petrol so that's out of the scope here.
Thank you so much for the explanation about “B” mode. I was concerned that it might over rev the engine if used at high speed. I understand that the ICE is freewheeling, but at a high rpm. I ❤️ my 2012 Prius. ,
Thank you for making this series about Hybrids best I ever seen so far. Great job. Wanted to add that in a Prius eAWD the MGR is actually not generating energy it is only working as an engine when need of course brilliant Toyota did it to keep best fuel efficiency every with Prius. And it worth noticing is that in PP in EV mode in B gear it is not turning on the engine it uses only regenerative breaking and then after certain time it turns on the engine to cool off invert. In HV mode it works like you described.
How do you use B mode. When do you use it? Do you use it to break while you're driving. Do you shift while you're driving into B mode? Do you shift into it. Let your battery charge. Then turn it off? I just got a 2013 Prius Persona. I took auto tech. I am lost right now. I love you're channel though. You're the reason I bought my Prius. Love n Respect brother
B mode is like downshifting your transmission, it gives engine braking so use it when going downhill just like shifting an automatic to 3 or 2 instead of D. You can shift to B while driving at any speed, it won't hurt anything. Don't drive in B mode all the time because it's ineficient and you fuel economy will be worse.
Best explanation of B-mode that I have seen. I drive on a limited-access highway at 70 mph and get off an exit which is a long, steep downhill grade to a stop light. Am I doing any damage by shifting to B-mode at 70 mph? I don't think I am, but it never hurts to check with an expert. Thanks.
Really enjoyed this series, it was enlightening to understand how things are different and why has engine components are no longer there. Some great engineering is going into these cars.
Thanks for your replies to my previous comments. Could you please do a video on the latest (2021) Camry Hybrid SE that has the gear change Paddle shifters on the steering wheel. It would be interesting to know how the gearbox "simulates" gear changes in this type of transmission.
Rav4 in D mode and cruise control - if the battery is fully charged and downhill beginns or the car in the front slows down - rav4 does the “B” effect on it’s own. Alternatively, on slow speeds, I use S mode and up/down shifters.
In the UK my RAV4 has an 'S' instead of a 'B' for 'Sport' mode and the manual changes up and down the gears. On steep downhill, shifting to 'S' mode does result in engine braking as above.
One of my gripes with the user interface on Toyota hybrids is that the hybrid system screen is not completely truthful in terms of B mode operation. Whenever B mode is in operation (whether by manual selection from the user, or by automatic selection from the control system), there is NEVER a power arrow originating from MG1 going towards the ICE, even though you can hear MG1 spinning up ICE to high levels of RPM. Also, using B mode unnecessarily WILL decrease fuel economy, because for whatever reason, there are instances where gas is being burned while the ICE is spinning. This is evident in my RAV4 Prime; when in dynamic cruise mode in EV driving mode and B mode activates automatically to slow the vehicle, the HV range DOES decrease about 1 mile every min or so depending on how much braking the car is doing and whether the ICE is still rotating. Additionally, in situations where the control system de-rates or completely cuts out regenerative braking, the power needle on the instrument cluster remains at whatever charge level it was at previously, which to me feels disingenuous. I would have like for Toyota, or most suppliers of hybrid / plug-in / electric vehicles to provide a gauge or an indicator which would inform the driver of how much friction braking is being applied at any instantaneous moment, as this would better inform some of us on what the car is actually doing when we are depressing the brake pedal, instead of having to rely on feel and intuition.
The fuel economy shows you're still getting infinite mileage per gallon. You know how it is if you're riding the bike in low gear... you might make a lot of rpms but not exert a whole lot of effort and the bike is not going very fast uphill
Hi interesting video series, does the engine still use conventional igniton system, ie crank and cam sensors and igntion coids ecu etc and fuel sustem normal electic pump in tank etc Fred.
Thanks for this good series of Videos, I learned a lot, could you please make a video about Toyota highlander hybrid XLE 2023, similar to what you did for RAV4 hybrid.
Sir thank you again for your videos. You explain very well and I learnt lot's of things about my car thanks to you. I own a 2019 Lexus Is300h here in France. It has a 2.5 liter gasoline engine. It's a wonderful car to drive. I'll go clean my battery ventilation filter right away. In the past vidéo, you were talking about the B mode in Prius, surprisingly, in the IS I have shifter paddles instead which are quite weird for a ecvt transmission. Do you have any explanation about that? I'm sharing your videos among our facebook community. Great work and explanations and keep up the good work!
Thank you for watching my video! So on your Lexus the paddle shifter is basically going to artificially vary the level of b mode to give the feel of manually shifting a transmission but it’s actually also b mode just the intensity is changed with the paddle shifters.
There's no b mode in my '24 CC hybrid AWD. Then I found when you move the shift lever into 'S'hift position, significant increase in regeneration braking 😊
This is super informative and useful. I really did learn something. Thank you👏. I have a 2014 Toyota Estima Aeras Hybrid. Beautiful car we imported directly from Japan to Ireland. I really want to everything i possibly can to maintain it well and this channel will greatly help me to do that. I'm not sure if you come across these. But any particular advice specific to these models in the future, will be of great value to me. Onwards an upwards with the channel. I seriously think your YT following will increase deservedly going forward. Keep em coming.. 👍 Niall
I understand what is your explanation and catch up the content, my recommend if you could add more pictorial during explanation will be much more clear to the person who require another level.
Enjoying this great series on hybrids. I'm understanding so much more about the engineering. But b-mode still confuses me. Why does mg-1 spin up the gas engine to effect air braking. In a traditional engine, as you say, the downshifting changes the ratio between the wheel rpm and the engine rpm any of he immediate effect is that the compression resistance on the unpowered engine slows the car down. So does the mg-1 only wind up so it can then effect this compression resistance? Perhaps I've answered my own question. I guess the confusion lies in why the planetary gear system is not directly linked to the engine speed. At any rate great videos on your part. Keep it going!!🙏
Because the engine is otherwise completely disengaged. Think about your hybrid as an engine/I.c.e. and a motor/electric working together back and forth to try and get you the beat balance of power and efficiency. Why I still have mine? Power.
Thanks great advices yeah just for testing b mode does waste more gas in my experience when going flat road and not a downhill but I wanted to tested and it does charge battery faster but you waste more gas power cause the car feels heavier due to the resistance on gen1 . I wonder why on gen2 you can go 1-10 mph background on Ev mode” pure electric and sometimes gas engine kicks in but it’s rare yet on forward pass 4 /5 mph the gas engine kicks in .
Firstly i would like to congratulate you for your videos and your advices to all of us. I have a question about B mode. You said and explained in a very simple way about this mode, and you said that while the B mode is deployed the engine is not typical running but i still see gasoline consumption on my trip computer. Why is this happening, if the engine not using gasoline but is moving by the mg only? Thank you in advance!!! Keep up the good work!!!!
Great explanation of “B” mode. One question is under extreme conditions, after completely draining the hybrid battery (as far as the computer allows) by going up a steep mountain grade, will the battery possibly be too warm to accept full regenerative braking? I was descending down Pike’s Peak and I had to ride the hydraulic brakes, even though I was using the B mode at 15 mph; and the display showed no interaction between the engine and the battery. As a result, at the brake temperature checking station, I had to pull over for 20 minutes for brake cooling. I don’t know how I could have done anything differently to prevent possibly losing my brakes.
Hello, the mg1 has to spin in order to simulate a low gear and doing so, use engine brake. Remember that Toyota hybrid ICE is actually physically connected to the wheels, however the MG 1, spinning forward, backwards or, non spinning, can change the gear ratio and thus, combined with the planetary gear set, obtain any gear ratio, and even a neutral. When you are in D and use regenerative braking, MG 1 spins in a way that allows ICE to not spin at all and MG2 (which is always rotating with the wheels with a fixed gear ratio), acts as a generator. When you use B, MG1 rotates in a way that allows ICE rotation as it would with a low gear in a manual transmission, dissipating part of the kinetic energy that comes from the wheels.
Another difference between D-mode and B-mode: the car will 'think' HOW to apply the brake. When driving slow downhill in EV in D-mode and brake like 5% it wil use hyrdraulic brake, brake a little more and the hydraulic brake wil work harder (and burn eventually, lol). Do the same 5% braking in B-mode and the MG2 is in full action, still without ICE! If you brake a little more in B-mode, like to 6% the car will calculate if ICE or hyrdraulic brake is needed. (Sorry for my English, i'm Dutch)
Awesome clear explanation! I though there were front drive shaft to the 1.8L engine lol! So the engine is basically only use for B mode at time and to recharge the battery? If that’s the case how bad the Prius’s battery have to become until is it not drivable anymore? Would anyone be stranded on a freeway due to battery or MG failure? How likely is that to happen?
The engine can drive the wheels through the planetary just not directly like a conventional car. If the battery fails the car will be underpowered and will be able to move by the power of the engine only. If mg fails the system shuts down and is not drivable anymore in most cases
Thank you for this. I did a ton of research on what the B mode is and so many people were saying they drive it in B mode all the time. I'm glad I came to my trusted TH-cam channel for facts and not opinions.
I rented a Prius in California and was visiting a friend who lives in a very hilly neighborhood and the street she lives on is very steep. I tried B mode when going down that hill and it made a significant difference in helping to control the speed of the car. It took a big load off the brakes.
OK Got my answer thanks keeping it simple
Ah yes, the elusive B mode explanation. Brilliant.
Had the spares guy at the official Provincial Toyota dealer try to tell me to leave my newly purchased Corolla wagon in B mode all the time as it charges twice as fast :( Thanks again AMD, you're a life saver.
Even though you don't use any graphics or animation, you have a great talent conveying useful indepth information in a lively lecture.
The 6-part series about Toyota hybrid technology was very informative and educational.
Thank you for shedding light on technical aspects that are still new to the ICE community
J
I agree! Also he adds a bit of fun to it as well which is very very good!
Car Care Nut,
we just got our car delivered this friday, the last Prius Wagon + in Belgium (Europe). The dealer was a big let down. The luggage cover was missing and it took five minutes to convince him that it has to be there. The window control on the drivers side isn't working. We noticed this when already on the road....
Thank you for being very clear about the B-mode. That is something I can take off my list :). I will look for more of your video's. Thanks.
It is a great car thou.
I am so proud of myself! I knew the oil pump would sling oil. You are the best and it tells me u r a great teacher! Yrs and yrs ago I took a gamble on buying a Prius and I am so glad I did bec I got sold on them very quickly and now I see why. I swear the engineering on these is AMAZING!
When he says
“Remembered we talked about this in the last…..”
Makes it feel like I’m back in college lectures 😂. Love the detail and how good he is at explaining 💯
So true! It also makes me go back and re-watch those previous videos to get reminded 😀
Yet another VERY informative video! Fills in the blanks that the humongous Toyota handbooks leave out! My UK 2018 Gen 4 RAV4 AWD doesn't have B mode but does have S+/- but the dealer never explained properly what this option is for. I live out in very rural Scotland & our hilly single-track road out to the main road never gets gritted despite frequent snow. Prior to the Toyota I was very capable and happy to drive front wheel drive cars with "all season" tyres in the snow - the RAV is my first automatic car and I do have reservations (ok - scared almost!) about driving it on snowy slopes despite it being AWD given that I believed I couldn't control the engine braking/gearing like on a front wheel drive car. So now I know - use the "manual" S+/- mode to get the necessary engine "braking" effect for these snowy, hilly roads - thank you!
Just ordered my first Toyota hybrid and I've learned more from your videos than anyone in the UK. Excellent channel.
Congratulations on your first hybrid!
@@TheCarCareNut thanks 👍
I regularly drove a 2013 Prius on steep mountain grades, including one that descended 2,000 ft. in elevation in 12 miles. "B" mode definitely works on steep grades such as that. One note though: when the Prius first starts descending a steep mountain grade, as the video noted, putting the gear shift in "B" mode will put the hybrid system in full regenerative braking. For awhile, however, the gasoline engine may only run at idle RPM--until the hybrid battery reaches full charge. Then, the gasoline engine will be revved up to provide engine braking--presumably because the hybrid system can no longer use full regenerative braking because it would overcharge the hybrid battery. By the way, the proof that the hybrid system does greatly improve fuel economy is that my Prius gets about the same fuel economy traveling up and down steep mountain grades as it does traveling on a flat highway. The things that ding the fuel economy of my Prius the most are driving in very hot or very cold weather, or using the A/C a lot.
So I have a concern that my 2014 Prius V is not operating correctly in B mode. On a downgrade of about 1,000 ft. elevation, the B mode causes the drive battery to become fully charged (green battery indicator is at 10 bars). I also begin to experience a hot electrical smell. Other Prius advisors say to avoid fully charging the system, because it will shorten drive battery life. I didn't experience my ICE revving up as this user describes after the drive battery gets to 10 bars. Based on this experience, I have tried free-wheeling into N when I get to 10 bars. Another online advisor has stated that the software has protection when B mode reaches 10 bars. The hot electrical smell makes me doubt that mine system has such protection. Thoughts???
I'm just in the process of getting a new 2022 Prius, and I've really loved this six part series - thanks a bunch!!!
I just finished watching the whole series on Toyota Hybrid technology, and learned a great deal. Now I know what causes the strange noises on my GFs 2012 Prius C! And I will never try to give someone a jumpstart with it. Thank you for putting this together, it is a must-see for anyone interested in buying a hybrid.
As a result 😊of this vid we will stop using the B mode incorrectly Thx for taking the time to research the subject and then converting it to a very good tutorial. SoCal 2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid 27,000. miles. 40 mpg 0 problems.
Excellent explanation! Thank you- This channel is the best source of information about Toyota hybrid system I ever found.
Keep going with this great content.
The B mode was for me 8 years a black box. Now you opened it.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. I'm getting my first Toyota product this weekend and it is also a hybrid. I'm looking forward to the experience of hybrid ownership and I can now see it will be a new experience. Thanks to you, sir, I will be better prepared!
I really applaud your efforts to gathering all these helpful information on B mode and making a video so simplistic fit for us layman’s understanding level.
Bravo. Ty for your hard work. Alot of folks figured it was putting on full regen. Noticed that the engine would come on sometimes but not always. I personally figured if the battery was in a low state of charge it just throws it into the battery. If it gets too full or hot/overheated, it burns off the excess with the engine.
I imagine the advice of leaving it in Brake mode stems from the Chevy Volt guys doing it. They have a huge battery in comparison to other hybrids so they are almost always able to accept all that extra electricity into the battery. But also, when their battery is full (say they just left their house with a full charge) their engine would rev up to burn the extra electricity as well. I'm not sure if the Prius Prime works that way, but it might.
You are definitely right tho it would put alot of extra strain on the generator and engine that usually the friction brakes would take the strain of. Besides, should use them friction brakes when ya can, we get so much rust caking up on them cause we hardly use them 😝. JK but true lol.
You sir are a blessing to new Toyota Hybrid owners. I just bought a 2021 RAV4 Hybrid and your videos are sooooo valuable. Love my new RAV4 Hybrid! Thank you Care Care Nut!
I had my Prius for almost 10 years and never needed to replace the brakes just minor adjustments to the existing brakes. The regen system is great. Only tires and oil changes and replaced regular battery once at 8 years
Thank you dude. I don't need to use B mode often but when I have it has always freaked me out. Engines are not meant to scream like that and I was always concerned with overcharging the battery.
Hopefully next time I have to use it I will be a bit calmer :-)
As a fellow Illinoisian, I don't think there's anywhere in this state that we'd really need B Mode. However, if we take a road trip up Pikes Peak, we'll need it on the way back down!
Thanks so much for this series. I am in Australia and have purchased an imported Japanese model 2007 Toyota Estima Hybrid AWD. (I think you might know this as Previa.) All the glovebox books are in Japanese and Australian Toyota dealers know very little as this car wasn't sold here.
You have answered so many questions for me and I feel somewhat more comfortable to talk to mechanics about maintenance jobs while getting it approved for Ride-Share registration (Taxi standard) as required in my state.
I have started giving my husband and son tips from your other videos for their cars too. I killed my last Toyota (2001Tarago/Previa) from getting poor advice. That is not happening again.
Thank you! Great explanation for "B" mode. A find that a lot people are confused of will they recuperate more energy in that mode
thanks for all your videos ! this serie on "how toyota hybrid system works" is really interesting. I'll have my first hybrid prime next month, and after reading owner manual + watching all your videos, I will have a good idea of how to use it properly. thanks again!
I'm a big fan, you have taught me so much useful info. I am giving my 2012 XLE Camry Hybrid (150,000) mile and ZERO problems with std maintenance to my daughter. I am waiting for delivery of my 2023 RAV4 Premium Hybrid so I really want to understand everything I can and you have supplied me with details I could not easily find.
OK so this B-mode lesson has me a bit confused. Under normal braking the engine stops and the both the wheels and MG2 are directly attached to the ring gear all of which spin with the inertial force of the wheels applying input to MG2 and its reactionary drag to the wheels - as you say life is good (I understand)
B mode still has me scratching my head. Going downhill foot off the accelerator, MG2 still providing (insufficient) braking force so the engine is off but directly attached to the planetary gears and these are now spinning the engine too as an additional input force from the wheels thus supplying more engine braking force to augment MG2 braking force alone???? Why do we need HVB energy to spin the engine by way of MG1, this would negate engine braking. MG1 is attached to the sun gear. Why cant the ring, planets, and sun all be turning at once supplying even more braking by way of MG1 charging (not depleting the HVB)
Its confusing but this is how I would imagine it might work. I cannot account for the direction of spin with each all of them turning. Perhaps MG1 needs HVB energy simply to hold the sun gear stationary in order for the ring to supply all of its force to the planets (and its attached engine) ???
I'm still confused.
Another very informative video, thanks. 2 interesting observations from my corolla:1-during long downhill driving in D mode, after a while I feel the system runs as if in B mode. Engine starts and runs at high rpms like in B mode. Probobly for people who do not use B mode, preventing breaks overheat. The 2nd observation: in B mode downhill driving, if you push throttle pedal, you will see your rpm of the engine will decrease. :). Push throttle for lower rpm.. :)
Thank you for watching my video! Very awesome observations! So the newer hybrids have the ability to pick up when it’s going down hill automatically and will try to help the brakes automatically. Also the reason the rpm goes down is the car decreasing the effect of b mode as an acceleration method.
Very clear and very necessary explanation of B mode. Thanks!
Amd, you are such a good teacher, explaining everything so simply.
Glad I stumbled upon your videos while searching reviews on my new RAV4 XSE HYBRID. You are very informative and I am definitely learning a lot for you. Keep up the great work and stay blessed!
so b mode is a break pad saver on big down slope hills, while helping to keep brake pads cooler and helps keep them from burning up while maintaining a safe speed down hill. so the owners manual should say to only use b mode when needed traveling on steep downgrades. very well done video. thank you. word of caution : dont have 7 adults and a rv trailer in tow going down a large steep hill with your prius, or youll be paying this guys toyota dealer tech an extra 8 car payments while you sit in the waiting room, bring your tent and sleeping bag, youll be camping out at the toyota dealer campground. sir did you happen to see the brake pads in your rear view mirror ? no sir mr. tech------- the smoke was to thick.
I click on, and thumbs up some of your videos just because your a Christian and you are trying to help people. I hope your channel grows like crazy. You are truly trying to help people from the heart and the love of God shows through you. Keep it up!
Thank you!
the guy is explaining how a car works ,...not saving starving children...religous freak..
@@mathw2703 Two people being nice to each other. Why did you do this? Maybe if you'd left off the last two words it would not have been so bad.
@@SirGregory because its true...thank u!
Seeing your video is the highlight of my day dear AMD. Thank you so very much sir!
Thank you Dominic!
Excellent series on the hybrid. I am considering one even more. It really helps to have an understanding of the characteristics
You won’t be disappointed I have two and I LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM
Keep these hybrid series videos coming!
Love your videos. By the way, you have a beautiful speaking voice. Your diction is perfect and every word is precise. Now that I have buttered you up, my wife's car bought new is an '18 RAV4 hybrid XLE and love it. I am a low tech guide and since we have owned it I have never used any gear except P R N and D. Never opened the sunroof, don't use bluetooth, voice commands, etc.but have the enhanced radio because I needed the built in NAV system. Believe me folks don't read the owner's manual. To boring. Heck the stereo system manual is over 300 pages so anyway I am looking how to turn on the heated outside mirrors and never could figure it out so I laboriously went through the owner's manual until I found it.(not easy) WaLa! If you turn on the rear windown defroster the heated mirrors come on. Who knew and what a stupid thing to do.Anyway I have a question for you. I wanted the additional Toyota side steps to help us get in and out but the Toyota dealer was unable to find them in the parts computer but listed for non hybrid models. Can you tell me why? thanks, and what great videos.
PS: Lou again. Forgot to add I have never used the "E Mode" switch either and don't have a clue what it does. When I see the "D" on the display that is all I have used.
Hi Lou! Thank you! About the running boards that's odd that they couldn't find it. Email me your VIN no. and let me see what I can find. And regarding the E Mode could it be EV mode? If that's the case then this allows you to drive the car full electric for a very short distance at lower speeds. Basically you can use that in slow traffic to save gas.
@@TheCarCareNut Thanks for the info. The VIN is JTMRJREV1JD168477. The Toyota parts guy speculates that where the attachment hangers go underneath they could interfere with the hybrid differences in the under carriage. Again just his opinion and he even called someone (don't knew who) and they couldn't come up with the sidestep part number. I don't want to use an aftermarket step(s) because he said it could void the warranty if they modify something. That was his advice.
Fantastic series, watched all six and boy I learned a lot. I look at our rav4 in a different light. Thank you
I
Very informative series, I now have a better understanding of this hybrid system. Thanks very much
On my Toyota RAV4 (2018), which was manufactured in Japan and is driven in the UK, I don't have a "B" gear but I do have "S" to manually control gear selection. However, I've found a good way of controlling my speed when going down long hills (of which there are many in South Wales here in the UK) is to simply put the car into cruise control mode and set the speed to, say, 40 mph. I find that the car maintains that speed going both down and up hill, deviating only when I get too close to the car in front, at which point it slows down and speeds back up to 40 when the car in front is far enough away. It saves me having to constantly monitor the speed as the car does it all for me until I apply the foot brake.
Eureka! This all makes sense. Yesterday I drove up to the Kitt National Observatory. It's a 12 mile drive up from 2K to 7K ft altitude. My 2117 Prius performed flawlessly going up, 25 to 30 mph. Coming down I thought I'd try the B Mode. (I didn't recall exactly what it was for.) I immediately felt the car feeling resistance. It was an off day so there were no other cars on the road, good. I moved along 20-25 mph and then I heard the engine spin up...gasp! Was this good or not? I kind of freaked and a few times I slowed and put it in D letting the speed go up to 30. I had no issues on the drive down partly because I was white knuckle driving being more concerned with not going over the side of the mountain! 8-] Hello?
Now I know that when the engine spun up it was being lubricated with oil and no fuel was being pumped into the cyclinders. Whew! The system was functioning exactly as it was designed. Thank you CCN! Now when I got back down from the mountain it was HOT (Which was why I went up the mountain in the first place, 85! versus 100+).
This brings up another concern. It's mid June and it's getting hot. (It was 112 when I got home, summer is spinning up) I have made it a point to have the AC set to circulate throughout the entire car, not just focusing on the driver. I specifically set the passender dash vent to focus airflow downward along the door towards the back floor board where the fan intake to the HV battery is located. I also make sure there is nothing on the back floorboard that could affect the air flow. (I replaced the filter also) I'm thinking this will help a bit and it certainly won't hurt. I just seems reasonable. Summers in Tucson are brutal and when you see a roadrunner carrying a canteen you should give it some thought.
Thank you CCN, it's now very clear how B mode works. I bought my 2017 Prius about a year ago from the dealer about a mile from my place. It was Certified "Pre-owned", had 60K miles, was clean and in beautiful condition. It was from your videos that I learned much more about how the Prius hybrid functions. Mine has functioned flawlessly and I enjoy driving it. You are a gold mine of information, thank you, thank you, thank you.
Great video! can you do a video about off-roading and towing with a hybrid vehicle?
I second that notion! Do both with may 2019 RAV4 hybrid XSE. Crappy fuel economy towing but otherwise she pulls 1050lb trailer great!
1. How well will the hybrid AWD in mild off roading?
2. In the event there is a problem with the hybrid AWD front drive, how well will the hybrid AWD "Rear Drive" perform to get the vehicle home or to a repair facility? You've got my attention with the AWD Rear Drive (MGR and running gear) as part of a 4WD system, possible selectable rear drive, possible emergency drive system, also what kind of and how much torque/horsepower does this rear drive MGR produce?
All of a sudden I can see potential possibilities especially in the aftermarket on road and off road driving! HHMMMMMMM!
Great topic especially about towing.
Untill now I was thinking B mode is “Battery” mode, for charging battery 😀. Thanks for explaining
Watched all videos about how hybrid system works.
Great work !!
So happy I found your feed, I just bought a 2022 Corolla Hybrid so your informational videos are awesome.....
Super explanation!! Thank you!Usually I hear "battery mode" in YT videos, wich is totally wrong. Is more a "breaking mode". ;)
Hi Car Care Nut. Your series on Toyota hybrid cars is some of the best I have seen. Thank you for making such great videos.
I have a RAV4 hybrid 2020 model. Could you please explain (or perhaps make a video) how the “S mode” works in newer Toyota hybrids?
Thanks again
I too hope for a video on the newer S mode. I understand it to be a more versatile version of B mode, but I'd love to hear more.
Maybe that is just "Sport" which makes the car accelerate easier and gives you full control of the paddle shifters.
As I understand it, S mode on the newer hybrid models is B mode, but with selectable levels of electric braking. The “lower” the gear you select in S mode, the faster MG1 spins the engine, and the more electric braking force is provided.
Thank you it's my first Prius and didn't know how to use the b mode
Precious information that I hadn't seen anywhere else! Thank you very much!
It's Really smart! So regen is playing the role of engine braking and half the work of the friction disk brakes. It fills the battery with charge and then spins the engine to make room for further regen braking.
Nowhere near half. Perhaps 5 to 10%
Also more like an assist to the brakes. Not doing anything gor them just adding to them.
Great video prefect explanation. Now Toyota has to come out with a Camry hybrid AWD
Hello, I'm from Montreal Quuebec Canada' L'm a french canadian veteran' I first bouth a Toyote Corolla in 2014 a S model, After 7 years I chsanged it for another corolla, but this one is hybrtd, I love it my wife love it. Everybody love it here.. I had ro get information on hybrid system, a friend of mine gave me your site address, I learn so mutch from you. I still don't know you name but I have to tank you. Guy Arsenault CD Montreal
Very cool. You are selling alot of toyota hybrids with these videos. I am convinced that the next vehicle I buy will be a Toyota hybrid. Looking forward to the Tundra hybrid to see what they engineer
I love using b mode in my Lexus CT! I use it everyday, mainly for slowing down at a red light and decelerating off the freeway. Although it's not the same, it reminds me of driving a manual. Keep up the great and informative videos!
I've loved your series on the hybrid Toyotas and I've learned quite a bit. However, I have one bone to pick with you on this Part-6 video. At about 9:00 minutes in you state that there is no heat generated in B-mode engine breaking. I don't believe this is correct. As the car goes downhill the potential energy stored from the car having climbed up the hill is converted to kinetic energy as the car accelerates downhill, and to slow the car down, that energy has to go somewhere. I believe in this system, MG2 converts the kinetic energy to electrical energy as it provides regenerative breaking, this electrical energy is routed to spin MG1 which then spins the ICE. The ICE provides the drag to put a load on MG1, and hence MG2, but to provide this drag, the energy is converted to heat, and a lot of heat, which then has to be dissipated, probably by the ICE cooling system. So I believe the continual compression and expansion of the air by the pistons in the ICE cylinders is the conversion of the electrical energy to mechanical energy, and then to heat in the ICE. And that's how the energy being released as the car tries to accelerate downhill is dissipated.
Thanks, i was googling for 2 days about B Mode.
Actually, the toyota cars automatically put themselves in "B mode" when they detect a descending slope and you let off the acceleration pedal, especially if you have cruise control activated. The car engages the motor and tries to maintain speed without applying the brakes.
Actual B mode is almost never needed because of this, since the car automatically uses the engine to brake in D mode. I have only used B mode in mountain descents through slow speed roads, that's the only situation when I found it to be useful, other than that the normal D mode is enough.
A very good explanation for my 13 Toyota Avalon hybrid Limited.... I've experienced this myself...
I've been wondering how this works for a long time on my hybrid plug-in. Now I know.
Complicated things made simple - simply amazing!
Thank you!
My 2006 Highlander does not automatically go into B mode. What year did this become automatic? It would actually be handy if mine did.
@@scoschegn When I say they go into "B mode" it's not actually changing the mode, it just engages the motor with no ignition so it helps braking the car without overworking the batteries when descending. Should be normal behavior to prevent battery overheating in all "hibryd synergy drive" cars, but 2006 highlander is petrol so that's out of the scope here.
@@raultorrellas4512 Ah, ok. My 06 Highlander does not do this. I actually gain speed going down hills unless I manually place it into B.
Thank you so much for the explanation about “B” mode. I was concerned that it might over rev the engine if used at high speed. I understand that the ICE is freewheeling, but at a high rpm. I ❤️ my 2012 Prius. ,
Great video and thank you for clarify the B mode .... and I truly enjoy it even I don’t own a Toyota Hybrid...yet
Thank you for making this series about Hybrids best I ever seen so far. Great job.
Wanted to add that in a Prius eAWD the MGR is actually not generating energy it is only working as an engine when need of course brilliant Toyota did it to keep best fuel efficiency every with Prius.
And it worth noticing is that in PP in EV mode in B gear it is not turning on the engine it uses only regenerative breaking and then after certain time it turns on the engine to cool off invert. In HV mode it works like you described.
How do you use B mode. When do you use it? Do you use it to break while you're driving. Do you shift while you're driving into B mode? Do you shift into it. Let your battery charge. Then turn it off? I just got a 2013 Prius Persona. I took auto tech. I am lost right now. I love you're channel though. You're the reason I bought my Prius. Love n Respect brother
B mode is like downshifting your transmission, it gives engine braking so use it when going downhill just like shifting an automatic to 3 or 2 instead of D. You can shift to B while driving at any speed, it won't hurt anything. Don't drive in B mode all the time because it's ineficient and you fuel economy will be worse.
Thank you! I was looking for information about MGR. You're very good!
Started using it this weekend. Regen some miles coming down a step hill. Very useful.
Best explanation of B-mode that I have seen. I drive on a limited-access highway at 70 mph and get off an exit which is a long, steep downhill grade to a stop light. Am I doing any damage by shifting to B-mode at 70 mph? I don't think I am, but it never hurts to check with an expert. Thanks.
Hi! If you need it there’s no damage done because it’s computer activated not a manual mechanical change
@@TheCarCareNut Holy cow! How nice to get such a quick reply. Thanks so much!
Superb AMD! I watched all of the videos in this series..
All the videos are extremely knowledgeable!
Thanks a ton for the videos...
Subscribed...
Really enjoyed this series, it was enlightening to understand how things are different and why has engine components are no longer there. Some great engineering is going into these cars.
Thanks for your replies to my previous comments.
Could you please do a video on the latest (2021) Camry Hybrid SE that has the gear change Paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
It would be interesting to know how the gearbox "simulates" gear changes in this type of transmission.
More great information that is easy to understand, well done mate
Rav4 in D mode and cruise control - if the battery is fully charged and downhill beginns or the car in the front slows down - rav4 does the “B” effect on it’s own. Alternatively, on slow speeds, I use S mode and up/down shifters.
Great explanation!!! Awesome video from AMD as expected! Thank you so much!
In the UK my RAV4 has an 'S' instead of a 'B' for 'Sport' mode and the manual changes up and down the gears. On steep downhill, shifting to 'S' mode does result in engine braking as above.
One of my gripes with the user interface on Toyota hybrids is that the hybrid system screen is not completely truthful in terms of B mode operation. Whenever B mode is in operation (whether by manual selection from the user, or by automatic selection from the control system), there is NEVER a power arrow originating from MG1 going towards the ICE, even though you can hear MG1 spinning up ICE to high levels of RPM. Also, using B mode unnecessarily WILL decrease fuel economy, because for whatever reason, there are instances where gas is being burned while the ICE is spinning. This is evident in my RAV4 Prime; when in dynamic cruise mode in EV driving mode and B mode activates automatically to slow the vehicle, the HV range DOES decrease about 1 mile every min or so depending on how much braking the car is doing and whether the ICE is still rotating.
Additionally, in situations where the control system de-rates or completely cuts out regenerative braking, the power needle on the instrument cluster remains at whatever charge level it was at previously, which to me feels disingenuous. I would have like for Toyota, or most suppliers of hybrid / plug-in / electric vehicles to provide a gauge or an indicator which would inform the driver of how much friction braking is being applied at any instantaneous moment, as this would better inform some of us on what the car is actually doing when we are depressing the brake pedal, instead of having to rely on feel and intuition.
The fuel economy shows you're still getting infinite mileage per gallon. You know how it is if you're riding the bike in low gear... you might make a lot of rpms but not exert a whole lot of effort and the bike is not going very fast uphill
My 2006 HHy shows the ICE sending power to the HyBatt when in B.
awesome explanation 👍
This was such a great explanation. Thank You Sir!
Hi interesting video series, does the engine still use conventional igniton system, ie crank and cam sensors and igntion coids ecu etc and fuel sustem normal electic pump in tank etc Fred.
Yep
great series of vids. thanks for your work.
Soon u r going to get lot of views and subscription from india
Brilliant video series thank you very much
So can I tow a 2020 Prius AWDe front wheels on a tow dolly behind my RV? Since it does not have mechanical transfer case.
After all of that one wonders why Toyota could not just have told us that! I've been wondering what B-mode was since I got my 2006 Prius. THANKS!
Great explanation video. Thank You very much.
Thanks for this good series of Videos, I learned a lot, could you please make a video about Toyota highlander hybrid XLE 2023, similar to what you did for RAV4 hybrid.
Sir thank you again for your videos.
You explain very well and I learnt lot's of things about my car thanks to you.
I own a 2019 Lexus Is300h here in France.
It has a 2.5 liter gasoline engine. It's a wonderful car to drive.
I'll go clean my battery ventilation filter right away.
In the past vidéo, you were talking about the B mode in Prius, surprisingly, in the IS I have shifter paddles instead which are quite weird for a ecvt transmission.
Do you have any explanation about that?
I'm sharing your videos among our facebook community.
Great work and explanations and keep up the good work!
Thank you for watching my video! So on your Lexus the paddle shifter is basically going to artificially vary the level of b mode to give the feel of manually shifting a transmission but it’s actually also b mode just the intensity is changed with the paddle shifters.
@@TheCarCareNut thank you very much
There's no b mode in my '24 CC hybrid AWD. Then I found when you move the shift lever into 'S'hift position, significant increase in regeneration braking 😊
Thanks for that important information!
This is super informative and useful. I really did learn something. Thank you👏.
I have a 2014 Toyota Estima Aeras Hybrid. Beautiful car we imported directly from Japan to Ireland. I really want to everything i possibly can to maintain it well and this channel will greatly help me to do that. I'm not sure if you come across these. But any particular advice specific to these models in the future, will be of great value to me. Onwards an upwards with the channel. I seriously think your YT following will increase deservedly going forward.
Keep em coming.. 👍
Niall
Thank you Niall! While we don’t have that specific model in my area but it does share a similar hybrid system as all Toyota hybrids do.
I understand what is your explanation and catch up the content, my recommend if you could add more pictorial during explanation will be much more clear to the person who require another level.
Very interesting and informative videos. Thanks a lot!
Enjoying this great series on hybrids. I'm understanding so much more about the engineering. But b-mode still confuses me. Why does mg-1 spin up the gas engine to effect air braking. In a traditional engine, as you say, the downshifting changes the ratio between the wheel rpm and the engine rpm any of he immediate effect is that the compression resistance on the unpowered engine slows the car down. So does the mg-1 only wind up so it can then effect this compression resistance? Perhaps I've answered my own question. I guess the confusion lies in why the planetary gear system is not directly linked to the engine speed. At any rate great videos on your part. Keep it going!!🙏
Because the engine is otherwise completely disengaged. Think about your hybrid as an engine/I.c.e. and a motor/electric working together back and forth to try and get you the beat balance of power and efficiency. Why I still have mine? Power.
Thanks great advices yeah just for testing b mode does waste more gas in my experience when going flat road and not a downhill but I wanted to tested and it does charge battery faster but you waste more gas power cause the car feels heavier due to the resistance on gen1 . I wonder why on gen2 you can go 1-10 mph background on Ev mode” pure electric and sometimes gas engine kicks in but it’s rare yet on forward pass 4 /5 mph the gas engine kicks in .
Firstly i would like to congratulate you for your videos and your advices to all of us. I have a question about B mode. You said and explained in a very simple way about this mode, and you said that while the B mode is deployed the engine is not typical running but i still see gasoline consumption on my trip computer. Why is this happening, if the engine not using gasoline but is moving by the mg only?
Thank you in advance!!!
Keep up the good work!!!!
It's using fuel because the pistons are being engaged thus the efi pulls gas. Not a lot but some.
Thank you! I use B mode a bit back & forth to work, & I've always wondered why the charging indicator doesn't do anything during B mode.
It should. Mine does.
@@doordash-nh1ih Not when use use the hybrid Jake brake-you're USING battery power, opposite of charging.
@@davidrhea3716 no
Great video series!!! Thank you.
🙏❤️
Great explanation of “B” mode. One question is under extreme conditions, after completely draining the hybrid battery (as far as the computer allows) by going up a steep mountain grade, will the battery possibly be too warm to accept full regenerative braking? I was descending down Pike’s Peak and I had to ride the hydraulic brakes, even though I was using the B mode at 15 mph; and the display showed no interaction between the engine and the battery. As a result, at the brake temperature checking station, I had to pull over for 20 minutes for brake cooling. I don’t know how I could have done anything differently to prevent possibly losing my brakes.
Great series 👏
It’s an amazing video.
I have Lexus is300h
How does the hybrid system work on Toyota/Lexus rear/all wheel driver ?
Some of them work in a different fashion slightly. Added to the list thanks for the suggestion
another educational video. Have you seen many issues with the 2nd and 3rd gen MG1,MG2, or the transmission go out?
Hello, the mg1 has to spin in order to simulate a low gear and doing so, use engine brake. Remember that Toyota hybrid ICE is actually physically connected to the wheels, however the MG 1, spinning forward, backwards or, non spinning, can change the gear ratio and thus, combined with the planetary gear set, obtain any gear ratio, and even a neutral. When you are in D and use regenerative braking, MG 1 spins in a way that allows ICE to not spin at all and MG2 (which is always rotating with the wheels with a fixed gear ratio), acts as a generator. When you use B, MG1 rotates in a way that allows ICE rotation as it would with a low gear in a manual transmission, dissipating part of the kinetic energy that comes from the wheels.
Right, and in doing so uses fuel which is why it's actually less efficient. My bad habit. Oh well. I tried to change but can't.
Another difference between D-mode and B-mode: the car will 'think' HOW to apply the brake. When driving slow downhill in EV in D-mode and brake like 5% it wil use hyrdraulic brake, brake a little more and the hydraulic brake wil work harder (and burn eventually, lol). Do the same 5% braking in B-mode and the MG2 is in full action, still without ICE!
If you brake a little more in B-mode, like to 6% the car will calculate if ICE or hyrdraulic brake is needed.
(Sorry for my English, i'm Dutch)
Awesome clear explanation! I though there were front drive shaft to the 1.8L engine lol! So the engine is basically only use for B mode at time and to recharge the battery? If that’s the case how bad the Prius’s battery have to become until is it not drivable anymore? Would anyone be stranded on a freeway due to battery or MG failure? How likely is that to happen?
The engine can drive the wheels through the planetary just not directly like a conventional car. If the battery fails the car will be underpowered and will be able to move by the power of the engine only. If mg fails the system shuts down and is not drivable anymore in most cases
Thank you for the great content.