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by sliken 1257 days ago
Well regenerative braking is limited and even more limited when cool. So Tesla's trying to train you to use the brake pedal when you want stronger braking. Makes sense to me, last thing I want is to get half as much braking as I expected.

So with regen I get variable braking, but I get a reward (more range and less brake wear) if I plan ahead enough to make it work. However if there is surprise or immediate need for more braking then the brake pedal is there. So it's pretty much the best of both worlds, once you get used to it.
2 comments
gambiting 1256 days ago
In a well designed system you have absolutely no idea whether the car is using the regenerative brake or proper brakes when you use the pedal - my Volvo XC60 uses regerative brakes first and you honestly can't tell when the transition happens. There is no "oh shit I need more braking" moment because the pedal operates in a very predictable linear fashion, like in any normal car. Same in my VW e-UP. The algorithms for this have been sorted out for a while now.
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sliken 1256 days ago
So sure, it feels great and provide predictable braking. But is harder to maximize range and minimize brake wear and brake dust.

I generally drive only using regen, because I can tell. If you remove the feedback it's going to be harder, especially since the level of regen available can radically differ based on temperature and level of charge.

So do you want regen to be invisible? Or do you want better range, efficiency, and brake wear?

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gambiting 1256 days ago
In my XC60 the dial just goes below zero when you're breaking into regen zone, and then there is a little red area at the end of it - if you get into the red zone, normal brakes are used. So there is feedback, you just don't feel it through the pedal.

It looks like this:

https://www.swedespeed.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror...

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Tagbert 1256 days ago
Non-Tesla’s also give you “the best of both worlds” by having regen on both the accelerator lift-off and on the bake pedal. Tesla only gives you regen on lift-off.
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sliken 1256 days ago
Not so sure. On other cars say you want to maximize your range and minimize brake wear/dust. How do you drive?

On a Tesla you just lift the throttle, and if that's not enough you are aware of it, and change your driving patterns accordingly.

With a mixed setup, how do you know when and how much the brakes are involved? Doubly so when it's too cold, or the battery is too full for regen.

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