Understanding Regenerative Braking on a CR-V Hybrid

[@DefHamster]

As a new 2025 CR-V Sport L owner, this is the absolute best explanation of this system that I've found. My dealership didn't even bother explaining it, I imagine a lot of first-time hybrid owners are going to be disappointed in MPG because they won't realize how to maximize the regen. Thank you!

[@kunalakajim]

This is so much better explanation on whats "B" mode. Thanks Jacob

[@Napier363]

I recently bought a 2025 CRV Hybrid Touring. I absolutely love the car it drives like a dream. Thank you for the informative video I will try my CRV in “B” mode next time I drive it.

[@a32tl]

My dad just bought a ‘25 Accord Hybrid Touring and I’m going to show him this video. He’s all about maximizing his fuel economy. Thanks for the information.

[@19bbl]

Thank you. This is the best explanation of regenerative braking I have seen.

[@sixsamlegend]

This is the best explanation i’ve ever heard

[@Timba1960]

I normally wouldn't tune-in to an Auto Dealership review of their vehicles, as they over sell and under deliver. However, this short explanation of hybrid regeneration was very helpful - unusual for a salesperson endeavoring to explain. Thanks.

[@wandaraphael8790]

Thank you this was very helpful for one who is new to hybrid.

[@tonymcflattie2450]

Not too shabby, but you forgot to mention blended brake pedal. Pressing on the brake pedal gently also uses regen braking. The system is smart like that, always finds energy

[@rossman1377]

Helpful video. I have a 2024 Sport Touring and have had the battery only power the car at 70 mph on occasional long trips on a flat section of road when in Normal driving mode.

[@lfguyj]

God bless you for this amazing explanation

[@vlayag1]

I just bought a CRV hybrid, thank you for explaining how to get better gas mileage.

[@mlsims1]

Thanks so much for this Jacob! I be getting my hybrid car-v in September. I’m saving this and can’t wait to share this nice “trick”. 5:53

[@wildjames]

whoa sleepy kitty!

[@yooo692]

I love using this b system, just making the drive so fun

[@diegocastmetal]

Man you explained it perfectly gracias

[@randisney]

Really informative video Jacob, thank you! I'm planning on buying the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid when it's released. From what I've read, it also has four levels of regen braking and I wasn't exactly sure what that meant until watching your video.

[@pi.actual]

I bought a Civic two weeks ago. You will quickly adapt to the paddles, they are very intuitive to use.

[@billpotter647]

Nicely explained. In the manual for the 2025 CRV touring hybrid they say that B is for going down hills. I asked Honda online and they quoted the manual. I wanted to know if there is any reason to not use B in daily driving or at highway speeds. Will that damage the motors? It will sure save the brakes. The online guy could only quote the manual. Do you have an opinion on this? it seams odd that there would be a function like this for only going down hills.

[@TheJamesstenley]

Very clear thank you.

[@lnd6822]

Great video. But when in D mode, I see that the levers - and + can also be used for regenerative braking, just like in B mode. So, what exactly the pros and cons of B mode ? Should it always be used while driving in town instead of D mode ?

[@jeffjo8732]

Both used regen. "B" mode just uses more, and won't reset the level you select when you start up again. It essentially mimics a low level of one-pedal driving.

[@LevelBoo]

I had the exact same question

[@LevelBoo]

@@jeffjo8732 Thank you

[@dustinaleksiuk37]

I watched this video and had the same question so I started reading the owner's manual. It's on page 32 of the online manual. It seems to me that if you use the paddles while in D mode, it "temporarily" turns on the engine braking. It says that "you can control the rate of deceleration without removing your hands from the steering wheel". B mode turns it on all the time, and leaves it on whatever setting from 1 to 4 that it was set to. Next time I drive my new car I'm going to just try the paddles in D mode. I'm guessing that as soon as I hit the gas it will reset. So I'm thinking using B, or D with paddles, is the exact same effect.

[@kvcooks814]

Thanks so much, Jacob! This helps me understand my new car. I have had my 2025 CR-V for a week. When i was leaving the dealership the salesman actually pointed out that I had the car in B-mode, that I should switch to D and that the paddles were paddle shifters. Maybe Honda needs to do a bit more training?

[@sound2loud]

Don’t blame Honda, blame the dealership. Also you should ask more about your purchase before putting it on them. It’s a 40 grand car, why didn’t you research?

[@Mrtellitlikeitis]

Sales people are just order takers. Thats it. They generally dont know shit about the cars.

[@sound2loud]

@@Mrtellitlikeitis considering we spend hours learning about them before hitting the floor imma have to disagree with ya there

[@ROCKGY1]

Nice video does your brake lights come on when you apply the B or the other way with the paddle?

[@new_boy74]

That was super informative, thanks

[@markkennedy5335]

Nice job very informative

[@emychan2401]

I like this video. When I pickup the car, I am told that B mode is like using on the slope. Now I understand coz I used to drive a manual Civic Si. I accidentally adjust the brake... now I know why it felt a bit stiff and not like normal gasoline car. Thank you.

[@jeffjo8732]

Well, on a Toyota, "B" mode is for long slopes. A Honda does that automatically. It's called "Hill Descent Control System" in your owner's manual. For regen to work, electricity has to be sent somewhere. If the battery becomes full, it can't be sent to the battery. Much like (in Thermodynamics, it is "just like") when the chain on a bike brakes, the regen brakes can no longer "push pack" at gravity. So the system will use the electricity to make the generator spin the engine, just like engine braking, and your braking is unaffected. But is is surprising when the engine suddenly seems to come on while coasting downhill. Your "B" mode does two things. The rate of deceleration when you lift your foot off of the accelerator increases; I think the equivalent of two paddle clicks, but I'm not sure. So two "v" symbols become the equivalent of four. Then, the "M" will appear, meaning that the "v" level won't reset when you start moving again. The net result is that you get more realistic "one pedal driving."

[@FredFlintstone21]

It's worth mentioning, pressing somewhat lightly on the brake pedal, if you watch the battery load meter, it climbs nicely, just like using the negative paddle.

[@kymbartley8104]

Can you make one of these videos for the 2025 Civid Hybrid regen braking? Also, I heard that I can hold the negative paddle down and keep it in regen mode. Is that true?

[@pi.actual]

I recently bought a Civic hybrid which I believe is pretty much an identical system. This was a good explanation of regen however I would disagree on your description of the parallel operation. I find my car will go into pure EV mode quite often even at highway speeds and especially during long descents. This can be seen both on the power distribution graphic and by illumination of the EV symbol on the instrument panel. Perhaps this is less so with the CR-V being heavier and less aerodynamic. Driving the Civic normally without intentionally attempting to maximize economy I consistently get just under 50 mpg highway/city combined.

[@sorinpirtea2306]

The Civic does not have B mode. Moreover, in Europe the powertrain of the Civic is the same as of the CR-V. Even the power and the torque are the same. So, you would have a better dynamic and less fuel consumption on the Civic, rather than on the CR-V. Instead, you would have bigger boot and more comfort on the CR-V. It’s all about your specific needs.

[@bobbyndallas]

When using max regen braking, and the cars slows when the accelerator is released, do the brake lights activate? I bought a new CR V Sport L Hybrid yesterday and noticed it does decelerate quickly and I saw cars approaching me quickly. Good video, the dealer could not explain this.

[@briq4409]

They do not.

[@brooksfire9580]

No, just like in down-shifting a manual car, the brakes do not light.

[@jeffjo8732]

My understanding, from the Accord side, was that (A) "B" mode adds two levels to the paddle selection; so two arrows in "B" is the same as four in "D". And that the equivalent of fice or six arrows (so only in "B") lights the lights. But I don't drive the CR-V. Can you test it by seeing a reflection of the center light in the back window at night?

[@sound2loud]

SOME do though

[@jeffjo8732]

@@sound2loud If they have more regen levels, yes. Only with those higher levels. The change was made to appease the naive people who think it matters. BTW, I've many complaints that if the brake lights come on when you lift your foot off the accelerator to coast a little, that the driver behinds you will emergency brake. You just can't satisfy those who trust "common sense" more than actual facts.

[@MagnumDB]

I've never heard of "B Mode" is that something in the 2025 Civic Hybrid?

[@TalatGamil]

Great video

[@mirrorcube3709]

doesn’t regenerative breaking put wear and tear on your normal brakes? Or is it using a different mechanism than the brakes that are applied when you used the break pedal? ive been hesitant. why would i add extra wear on my brakes when the car already regens from normal brake usage? and then it slows coasting so you have to apply more throttle than you would otherwise…. what gives?

[@jamesmac8424]

Regen braking is using the drive/electric motor that’s connected to the drive wheels to slow the vehicle. It saves friction (traditional) brakes from being used as much.

[@mirrorcube3709]

@ i suspected this was the case i just havnt been able to find detailed information on the system.

[@jamesmac8424]

@@mirrorcube3709 Since I'll be picking up an Accord Hybrid in 2 days, I've also been researching the subject of regenerative braking. This 20 min or so video might be a deeper dive than you're interested in, but I really liked it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2WckHWkoa-ir7csi=jTA7icowybcP8zjP

[@himanshushah7301]

I know this is complete off topic but want to address this on this forum with Jacob and fellow Honda CRV Hybrid users. I have noticed a constant clicking/rattling sound coming somewhere from the honeycomb grille on the dash, especially when the car drives above the speed of 30 km/hr and on not so smooth roads like highways. On highways this sound does not come even at high speeds but I believe it's because of the even and smooth road surface. Anyone else has faced this issue? @Jacob can you please advise on the solution for this?

[@marcoromano3973]

Does it have to be in B mode to use the paddles to adjust regen? Or can you leave it in D and use the paddles

[@edwood7741]

Leave it D, it works very well.

[@A-Q-R-S]

Questions: 1) Does the engine turn off while "regen" coasting? 2) Does the engine turn off while "no-regen" coasting (to keep high-speed on slightly downhill motorway)? E.g. 10km only slightly downhill?

[@zl1David]

I have this model ( only 2 weeks so far) but can answer question 1. It will still remain in gas mode until the battery reaches optimum output level. That being said, In regen mode expect that to be a quick gas to ev transition.

[@mikebieberle5262]

You said it only gets more battery by regenerative braking, but that is not correct. The internal combustion engine is the primary source of electricity to the battery and regen braking supplements it. When the position of the accelerator pedal calls for more power to propel the vehicle than the battery can supply, the ICE will provide the extra current to drive the electric motors at the wheels. At certain vehicle speeds, the ICE will mechanically connect with the drive motors as well.

[@MOUTHonesixtyseven]

So is there a benefit to using the regenerative braking?

[@mikebieberle5262]

Absolutely! It will make your brake pads and rotors last much longer and it recharges the drive battery. Under normal driving conditions, regen braking is the primary means of stopping the vehicle. Only when the vehicle is traveling too slow (around 5mph and below) or in a panic stop when you mash the brake pedal hard and fast does the hydraulic brake system take over. Using the levers on the steering wheel applies regen braking but does not turn on the brake lights on the rear of the vehicle.

[@MOUTHonesixtyseven]

@@mikebieberle5262 That is so interesting. Great response, thank-you! I wonder if it's somehow degrading the life expectancy of the battery though, saving the brakes to make the battery work harder would probably be a trade off I'd want to avoid. What do you think? Also the video states you need to be in B to take advantage of the regen, I found this is not true and it works in normal drive mode as well.

[@jeffjo8732]

To understand this, it helps to know that the engine is most efficient between about 28 and 50 HP. If the car needs less than 28 HP in Hybrid Drive, the engine runs in that range and charges the battery with the excess. If it needs more than 50 HP, it adds what power it can from the battery. Watch the power flow monitor (carefully!) while you drive, and you will see this happening.

[@sound2loud]

That’s actually NOT correct. How does the engine be the main source? Braking Regan is the main source. Regen charged MORE AND faster. I suggest you look at the power feed when you actually drive one to understand. What sense would it make for the engine to charge the battery when it had kinetic charging? It’s not as you described at all.

[@Estragonist]

When the battery is fully charged on a long downhill ride, what happens to the recuperation? Does it still work and if so, where does the energy go and how is it used?

[@sanmac9621]

I guess for city drive maximum decelerate/regenerating is good, but for high way D drive is good because it will take car to more distance by it self. thanks for this info i am new in hybrid

[@gavinmatten4524]

But does it actually use the brakes to slow down, or is there a different mechanism used for the regenerative braking?

[@gavinmatten4524]

@CCHJacob so the process utilises both the motor itself and the brakes?

[@pi.actual]

No, the brakes are not used unless you step on the pedal and even then they contribute nothing towards regen. The drive motor converts to a generator and the force required to generate the power for the battery slows the vehicle. It is trading the kinetic energy (speed) for electricity. Also you do not get 100% back there is still heat created which is lost energy. Stepping on the brake pedal however is 100% loss of energy.

[@stevebarrett8039]

Why does the Honda CRV make so much noise going up steep hills, driving through West Virginia you can really hear engine winding?

[@FredFlintstone21]

What year is your crv? Mine is pretty quiet

[@crystalcanonigo4859]

I haven’t watched too many videos about this but this is the first so jsut want to understand it better. So I can drive in B mode at any time?? Even on the freeway??

[@garybarclay6374]

😮I heard the paddles are for regenerative braking, four levels on (+) and off (-). The e-CVT runs off the big electric motor all the time until the speed reaches 100 KPH, then it couples the gas engine to the wheels. That was for the 2nd generation e-CVT It may have changed in the newer generations of e-CVT. I think the e-CVT is serial type, not parallel, at least for Honda. Oh, the Sport-L is the EX-L in Canada.

[@jelianekayenakila2443]

So is it okay to always use the B everytime I drive? Like when you start the car you automatically go to B indtead of D? Please help. 😅

[@MarkKirkpatrick1]

You might point out that cruise control won't work in B. On the highway you'll be in D all the time if you want to use it. I drive around town in B exclusively.

[@peacepeace2379]

How do you enter into B mode from D mode? Hybrid 2024 sport

[@andreafinta8707]

Yes please explain how to use this. Same car here and not sure how that works

[@buzoku7199]

I suggest going to the users manual book for more clarification but in the hybrid model not sure about others you can switch from D -> B mode with out pressing the button on the gear shifter but have to press the button to go back From B -> D same for R->N->D no button is need to be pressed but back up in reverse D->N->R->P not sure which page it was on the manual but the diagram perfectly showcases which gears you can transition into without pressing your shifter button hope this helps!!

[@Coxrmz]

If the stop light doesn’t work with deceleration, there high possibility for the behind car crash you

[@RD-ce6bb]

Do not tailgate. Problem solved.

[@garysimon2966]

That’s true.

[@sound2loud]

It does in most models.

[@jeffjo8732]

I've driven one for 6 years now. I use the paddles extensively, and they don't turn the brake lights on. Nobody's crashed into me yet. Or come close, except when I do use the brake pedal and the lights do come on.

[@pi.actual]

In all normal non-hybrid, non-ev cars for the past 100+ years if you take your foot off the gas the car decelerates and the brake lights do not illuminate. This is no different.