skip to content

Low Gear on Ford Escape Hybrid

Created September 23, 2005, at 10:58 am by Anonymous

Thought I'd post some info that was brought up at another hybrid site which I found helpful.

Low is not a gear on the FEH. What low does is engage the generator when letting off the gas pedal. It feels like a low gear because you slow down quicker. In other words, you can go as fast as you do in drive in "L" because of the panetary gear.

The reason I can get 40mpg in my FWD FEH is because I use the EV mode to the Maximum whenever posible. I drive roads with low speed limits and tap the brake pedal to get into EV while under 40mph. The problem I find is I can only go a mile or so when the engine (ICE) kicks on to recharge the battery.

All regenerated brakes means is that the generator turns from the wheels and thus slows down the FEH like brakes. This charges the battery and saves the brake pads.

Up until lately, I had to wait till the ICE recharged my battery (A few miles) before I could use the EV mode again. I did alot of coasting to stops so the ICE would save fuel. Also coasted down hills and bridges alot. Using the brakes didn't charge the battery like I needed but I saw the arrow get thick on my nav. computer which meant the brakes were giving the battery a heavy charge. I couldn't see that the brakes for a few seconds offered much charging to the battery.

This has all changed for me now. Using "L" by itself to slow down first puts alot more charge in my battery. It shut off the ICE like tapping the brakes does. I save the brake pads more also. I have more control to keep the battery charged and cut way back on the time I need to run the ICE at slow speeds. Its like having a bigger battery that charges faster. I think the FEH has the potential of 45-50mpg city now.

Does anyone know if the highlander is set up this way?

Gary

Post a new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.