Mode When It's Downhill All the Way?
 

Greetings!
Our new NX450h+ is on the boat and expected before the end of the year. We commute once a week from the mountains to Denver and back, crossing two mountain passes at an average speed of 60 mph. Downhill regenerative braking is significant in our BEV and needs no application of the brakes. Cruise Control keeps the speed constant. What 450h+ Mode provides the most regeneration on a long downhill? Do any of the Modes require actual braking and does that braking contribute to regeneration? The longest downhill span is almost 80 miles.

Our objective is maximum use of battery power during the current trip, exhausting the battery at the end, then charge at our destination. With so much downhill, we would assume any Mode would fully charge the battery to the point that we could use EV-only Mode for the rest of the way. Traveling this route weekly or less, it would take several months to experiment and we'd like know what other mountain goats have already experienced.

S modes second gear or possible 3rd gear depending on your desired travel speed.

YMMV,
MidCow3

P.S. - Also turn on Proactive Driving Assist.

Since getting my 2025 450+, I have "experimented" with different settings and driving styles to extend my EV only range. In the end, I determined that regenerative charging has a negligible affect on my EV range. Since you will delete your EV range before you reach your destination and will recharge before your return trip, then have to recharge when you get home ..... just drive it, and let the car do it's thing. FWIW ....

Paddles are really helpful in an ICE vehicle. Can I assume the increase in engine speed with downshifting will create enough regen regardless of the Mode selection?

When you put it in Sport mode it automatically has greater Regen. You could drive in S mode and lower the number to achieve greater Regen. You really need to drive it on that mountain to see how much you can maintain the car at the speed and Regen. Keep in mind that when you go back up the mountain you'll use a lot more range to get back to the top. So at the end you'll lose more than gain back.

See post #2 S mode is the answer already,

YMMV,
MidCow3

I appreciate both answers, but what is "S Mode"? Is that the same as Sport Mode? In reading the RAV4 forums, it appears you can play with the modes, and it will feel different, but there's no need to try to outsmart the Toyota engineers.

Now, has anybody seen my car out there on the dock in Long Beach?

@BillRadio There are several driving modes: on 350h Eco, Normal, and Sport on 450h+ : Eco, Normal, Sport, Normal/Custom ,Sport+

450h+
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...b13cd01115.jpg


The S is a driving shift position that uses the paddle shifters:
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...a7d933bb2e.jpg


Good Luck!



YMMV,
MidCow3

Just to clarify

250/350/350h: Eco, Normal, and Sport
450h+ Non F-Sport: Eco, Normal and Sport
350 F-Sport / 450h+ F-Sport: Eco, Normal, Custom, Sport, Sport+ (different markets get 350h FSport and they will get the same modes as well)

Thanks for the help.

I'm totally aware, but I don't think I can answer the question without talking about the same thing again. If you want credit, sure.. you have it.. and take it.

I just wanna say that the amount of mode combinations is just ridiculous. Throw in the trail mode, traction control off button, and hill assist is just making me laugh. This thing isn't a bugatti, hellcat, or even a vette that needs a valet mode for cryin out loud. Just traction control actually off and I'd be happy.

I'm happy with mine.

LOL, yup. I'll be impressed when I see "Sport ECO Extra Plus" mode. All other modes are just gimmicks in comparison ;)

Yes, I thought they eliminated manual transmissions and now we have a 'selector' instead of a gear shift. The pendulum has swung. I have to admit, if you like to drive, you like to 'adjust' your ride. I actually look forward to renting cars in Europe, they are almost exclusively manual. What causes terror in the younger members of my family is a thrill for me.

Andy: I am so envious of your Grecian Water color. In almost a year of trying, we couldn't get one and settled on another color. I realize we're 'lucky' to find any 450h+.