Better mileage using "B-mode" all the time, or only some of the time?

[MassDeduction]

I watched a YouTube video where the presenter asserted that he shifts into "D", with occasional bursts into "B" in the turns and down certain hills, as he thinks that gives him the best mileage on a charge overall. That's confusing to me. Wouldn't the best mileage overall be to just leave it in "B" all the time? It seems to me that once you get good at one-pedal driving, that it would give you the best overall performance.

 

[JejuSoul]

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You can read some of my thoughts about the 'B' vs 'D' mode debate. - The origin of the 'B' mode setting.

To summarize - Great news. The MY2020 has paddle shifters and Auto-Regen - We can say goodbye to the 'B' mode setting.

 

[FLKiaEV]

I always keep mine in B-mode EXCEPT when driving on the highway because lifting off the accelerator will rob you of too much momentum which requires additional energy to regain. Of course, even in normal non-B mode it regens a bit but less is better in this case. If I could turn it completely off on the highway I would.

 

[Omar]

I am a fan of trying all modes, I own my Soul 2015 since 3 years. I tried all the modes (normal with ECO off, ECO on, B mode) at the same route, trying to optimize the energy consumption. You know what!, I noticed no difference at all !!. It is all about how much you press your pedal, and how much you accelerate. Now since 18 months I drive my car with ECO off, at the normal mode.

I like B-mode in the local streets inside neighborhoods, where I do not like to switch frequently between the 2 pedals.

 

[IanL]

Using D to allow air resistance and friction to slow the car instead of regenerative braking to the same degree is an illusory benefit. The energy lost in slowing is just that - lost. When you want to resume the former speed, you have to expend the same amount of energy with either method. The difference is that, with regen braking (however slight), you put something back into the battery.

If you want zero regen, i.e. "gliding", you need to find the amount of accelerator pressure which neither draws power from the battery, nor returns it. This comes instinctively with practice, and is the ultimate in one-pedal driving.

Provided your control of the accelerator is sufficiently sensitive, you are better off in B. But the difference is probably so little that you may as well follow your preference (or prejudice).

My second car is an old Toyota RAV4 with 4 speed auto transmission, which gives gliding in 4th (overdrive 3rd if you wish). Frankly, having got used to the SoulEV, it's a damn nuisance. I would much rather control retardation on the accelerator pedal.

As for paddle control in the new Soul EV, I don't want it. I see it as no better than having to select O/D OFF or L in the RAV4. B Mode is perfect for me.