abasile said:Has any RAV4 EV driver noticed drop-offs in available regenerative braking on long mountain descents, in colder temperatures, or at SOCs around 60-70%? Of course there have to be limits on regen to protect the battery pack. I'm wondering if anyone has a sense as to how much the RAV4 tends to limit regen compared to the 2011/2012 LEAF. I expect that having a larger battery pack means that, all else equal, the RAV4 accepts more regen power. Also, compared to driving the LEAF, a hilltop/mountaintop dweller might be able to maximize regen by starting at a lower SOC, thanks to the increased battery capacity, and still have enough energy to complete a given drive on a single charge.
While I'm not sure that we are yet ready to make the leap to a RAV4 EV, I wouldn't be surprised if I end up being among the first LEAF owners to wear out the brake pads or require significant brake work.
All of that said, I would hope that the RAV4 EV (and Tesla S) is smart enough to not allow too much regen on long descents in certain conditions. While I'd like more regen, it is better to err on the side of protecting the battery pack.
The model S reduces regen if the battery is too cold to accept the current
or when the battery is too full to accept it (immediately after a rangecharge)
but putting on the heater or ac resolves this when battery is too full