Speak EV - Electric Car Forums banner

Downshift sensation

1523 Views 3 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  Big Paul
Can anyone explain what the sensation is when I decelerate.

Driving in "L" take my foot off the accelerator and get to 2-3mph and then there appears to be what I can only describe as an auto box downshift?

So we have three clutches and three motors, what am I feeling? What is going on?
1 - 4 of 4 Posts
At that low speed it's probably the regeneration ceasing to operate efficiently (or shutting off), when the regen stops the deceleration will reduce and it will feel like you sped up a little, I have noticed it when braking lightly. Just before you stop (ie 1-3mph) you need to press the brake peddle a bit more.
Parax is correct. At very low speeds there isn't enough regen power generated to operate as an effect brake and so it switches to mechanical brakes for the last second or two when stopping.

Ideally if should be seamless but all the EVs I have driven it is slightly perceivable. It seems a little more noticable on the Ampera than on the Leaf.

It can catch you out the first couple of times so leave extra room between you and whatever is in front when stopping until you get used to it ;)
I noticed this effect as soon as I first drove the Ampera but now it's second nature.

I always marvel at how the brain copes with change.

I drove a regular (hire) car on holiday recently and thought how "strange" the brakes felt.

Big Paul
1 - 4 of 4 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top