jason2020

I just bought a 2020 450h two month ago. I still try to figure out why it is claimed that brake pads last longer on hybrid cars like RX450h. I know hybrid cars use Regenerative Braking to charge battery, but I still need to push brake pads every time I need to stop or slow down, and the "foot on brake time" does not seem that much less than a gas version. So what gives ?

JDR76

Using regenerative braking doesn't mean that you aren't using the brake pedal.

Under normal braking (with pedal), the electric motors provide the resistance for braking. It's only when you really get on the binders that you will engage the brake pads. You can tell which is being used by the instrument display. If the needle dips into the CHARGE portion, then you are using regen braking.

Hope that makes sense.

jason2020

Thanks. I didn't know that pressing brake pedal on RX450h does not necessarily mean the brake pads will be engaged.

ericsan13

When you can't even tell when the brake pads are engaged, you know they did a good job with the design. Seamless transition.

golferjack

Unless you jump on the brakes, the electric motors do the work of slowing down the car. At about 8 MPH, the regular brakes take over and stop the car. You can maximize the brake pad life by leaning how to slow down with just the motors. If you are a driver that waits until the last second to slow down and stop, then your benefits will be less, because your will be forcing the regular brakes to do most of the work.
Here is an article on how it all works. https://www.drivezero.com.au/chargin...braking-guide/

riredale

The regenerative braking on the 450h is helpful for mileage and will extend the life of the pads but it is not a powerful effect as it would be on an EV car like a Tesla. You can see for yourself just how much braking effect there is by simply shifting into neutral before braking. Regen will then be turned off, and you will be braking using only the brake pads.

Kiddd

[QUOTE=jason2020;10672327]I just bought a 2020 450h two month ago. I still try to figure out why it is claimed that brake pads last longer on hybrid cars like RX450h. I know hybrid cars use Regenerative Braking to charge battery, but I still need to push brake pads every time I need to stop or slow down, and the "foot on brake time" does not seem that much less than a gas version. So what gives ?

Responding to your question about regen braking.
Years ago I bought a 2008 Prius brand new. I was curious about the brakes as well. They too were regenerative. The car stopped very well and after 150,000 miles when I sold it, I never had to put new brakes on it. It somehow uses the hybrid motor to do most of the braking and from what I read, in case of an emergency stop, that is when it would engage the pads.
Regular braking on that car felt no different than normal. Pretty wild.

golferjack

[QUOTE=jason2020;10672327]I just bought a 2020 450h two month ago. I still try to figure out why it is claimed that brake pads last longer on hybrid cars like RX450h. I know hybrid cars use Regenerative Braking to charge battery, but I still need to push brake pads every time I need to stop or slow down, and the "foot on brake time" does not seem that much less than a gas version. So what gives ?

You don't need the brakes to slow down, but to come to a complete stop you do. Never tried this but if you have access to a long flat road that is not used much you could try taking your foot off the gas and see how far you get to where you are going about 10mph. Then rerun the test and take the car out of gear and see how far you coast until you are going 10mph.

DunWkg

I have a small trailer on a 450h and it maybe the first time I get brake dust inside the rims. If I keep the car and trailer, I may have to get a brake job. I’m not familiar with that type of maintenance.

golferjack

If you just touch the brake peddle you will see the charge needle start to go to 0, which the closer to 0 is max charging. The higher the needle the less charging. What this means is that the regenerative braking is engaged. You don't need to press it hard for it to go to max charging. If you get used to lite touches of the brake peddle, you will begin to understand the braking effect of the motors.

RGSW

Good explanation of regenerative braking on a Toyota product