Hi everyone! I just got my 2025 Hybrid Limited two days ago and I’m loving it. I do have a question about how regenerative braking works. When I press the brake pedal, does it always activate the mechanical brakes (pads touching the disk), or is there a part of the pedal that only triggers regen?
I’m trying to get as much regen as possible to save my brakes, and I want to avoid wearing down the pads unnecessarily during city driving. The owner’s manual isn’t super clear—it only talks about regen settings, but when I brake in ECO mode, it shows I’m charging the battery. Can anyone explain how it works? Thanks in advance!
I saw a video about this recently. The answer is no, it’s not a specific amount of pedal pressure that’s regen versus using the pads. It’s more complicated than that. If you want maximum regen, use the paddle shifters to adjust the regen level. In ECO mode, you can set it to level 3, which is close to one-pedal driving. The paddles switch to gear changes in Sport mode, though.
@Day
I’ve tried level 3, but I find the braking a bit too strong. Plus, the throttle is really sensitive, so it’s tricky to maintain a smooth deceleration. I also don’t want to keep adjusting the regen settings all the time. Does this mean any time I press the brake pedal, the pads are being used?
@Nyx
You’ll get used to level 3 over time. I was hesitant at first, but now I always keep it on that setting. It’s nice letting the car do most of the braking for you.
Pierce said: @Nyx
You’ll get used to level 3 over time. I was hesitant at first, but now I always keep it on that setting. It’s nice letting the car do most of the braking for you.
If you want to slow down less, do you just use the throttle to adjust?
It’s kind of a mix. When you press the brake pedal, you can sometimes feel the difference between regen and the friction brakes. Unless the regen meter on your dash goes past 90%, it’s mostly regen doing the work. If you want a balance, try setting it to level 2 and hold the right paddle to activate AUTO. This will keep it at level 2 but dynamically adjust based on traffic.
@Rory
I played around with AUTO regen earlier and really liked it! My only issue is that I have to turn it on every time I start the car. But I think you’ve confirmed my theory—if the regen meter is maxed out, that’s when the friction brakes kick in. Otherwise, it’s mostly regen.
@Nyx
Exactly. When you’re using regen through the paddles—manual or AUTO—the friction brakes aren’t involved. They only activate if you use the brake pedal or if cruise control applies them.
Rory said: @Nyx
Exactly. When you’re using regen through the paddles—manual or AUTO—the friction brakes aren’t involved. They only activate if you use the brake pedal or if cruise control applies them.
So if I don’t use any regen settings, does pressing the brake pedal always use the friction brakes? Or is there a way to press lightly and just get regen?
@Nyx
The brake pedal doesn’t always use the pads. Check the regen meter—if it’s below 90% or so, it’s just regen. The pads only kick in if you press harder or brake suddenly.
Rory said: @Nyx
The brake pedal doesn’t always use the pads. Check the regen meter—if it’s below 90% or so, it’s just regen. The pads only kick in if you press harder or brake suddenly.
Thanks! Can I ask where you learned this? Or are you just going off how it feels when you’re driving?
@Nyx
I don’t have hard evidence—it’s mostly from driving mine a lot. I’ve done over 11,000 miles in six months. If you pay close attention, you can hear and feel the difference between regen and friction braking.
