What Is Gear “B” in Hybrid and EV Cars and When Should You Use It?

(Photo credit: Car from Japan)

If you’re driving a hybrid or electric vehicle (EV) for the first time, you might notice an unusual gear marked “B” on the gear selector. But what does it actually do and when should you use it?

In this article, we’ll break down what the “B” gear is, how it works, and the best situations to use it to help you get the most out of your hybrid or EV.

What is Gear B?

In hybrid and electric vehicles, Gear B stands for “Brake.” It’s designed to provide engine or motor braking, similar to using low gears (like “L” or “2”) in a conventional automatic car.

Unlike regular cars that may have multiple gears, many hybrids and EVs use a single-speed transmission. Gear B allows the car to slow down more efficiently without relying solely on the brake pedal.

How Gear B Works

Gear B has two primary functions:

1. Engine/Motor Braking: When you shift into Gear B and take your foot off the accelerator, the car decelerates more quickly than in Drive (D). This is because the system uses engine or motor resistance to slow down the vehicle—helping reduce the need to press the brakes constantly.
2. Regenerative Braking: As the car slows down, the electric motor acts like a generator, converting the car’s kinetic energy into electricity and feeding it back into the battery. This boosts energy efficiency and extends your driving range—especially helpful in stop-and-go traffic or when driving downhill.

When Should You Use Gear B?

Gear B is best used in specific driving situations. It’s not meant for everyday cruising on flat roads. Here are the most common use cases:

• Driving Downhill or on Steep Descents: This is the most recommended scenario. Gear B helps slow down the car without overusing your brakes, which can overheat and lead to “brake fade.” At the same time, it allows regenerative braking to recharge your battery.
• Heavy Traffic or Stop-and-Go Driving: Using Gear B can help reduce constant braking and allow for smoother deceleration, while also gradually feeding power back to the battery.
• Approaching a Red Light or Stop Sign: Switching to Gear B in advance can help slow the car more gently and reduce brake wear.

Additional Tips to Know

• You Can Switch While Driving: It’s perfectly safe to shift between D and B while the car is moving—no need to stop the car.
• Avoid Using B on Flat Roads: On level roads, Gear B can make the car feel like it's being pulled back when you lift your foot off the accelerator. This can reduce driving comfort and may waste energy compared to coasting in Drive mode.
• Don’t Confuse B with S (Sport Mode): Sport Mode is intended to hold the revs higher for better acceleration, while Gear B is all about slowing the vehicle efficiently and boosting regenerative braking.

Summary

Gear B is a smart feature built into many hybrids and electric vehicles that helps slow your car down while recharging the battery. It’s most useful when driving downhill or in heavy traffic but should be avoided in normal, flat-road driving.

Understanding how to use Gear B correctly not only improves your driving experience but can also help extend your vehicle’s range and reduce brake wear over time. So if you’re new to hybrid or electric vehicles, give Gear B a try in the right conditions — it might just make your drive smoother and smarter.

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