I know that in D mode (not S) the paddle shifters are meant to be used to aid in long hill descent.
However, on flat stretches, it seems to increase the regen and slow down the car. So, the question is: can I use the paddles to capture more regen energy and minimize braking?
I'm aware of the safety issues. I'd like to understand how it works (mechanically) and discuss any long term wear/tear implications.
Thoughts?

 

I posted the exact question months ago & nobody answered. Does 'downshifting' with the paddles slow the car by regeneration or is it using the engine to slow the car?

 

I don’t have a full definitive answer, but it does rev the engine. I suppose you are getting some regen from it simply turning, especially without throttle, but the engine is what is slowing you down. It probably causes slightly more wear also.

 

It would help to know what kind of car you have.

If it's a 450h+... I 'downshift' to regen brake (to give my foot a break... it does the same thing as using the brake pedal). I don't do it in HV mode because whatever energy is used to rev the engine (even in DFCO) is not giving regen... I just use the brake pedal... I don't want/need the engine turning when it doesn't have to (maybe I would for steep grades). It feels like in HV, 'downshifting' may be more of a sport feature than a regen feature.

 

I have a 350h

 

I believe on a regular hybrid three paddles engine brake without regen braking.

Easy to test: watch the eco meter gauge as you brake gradually. The bar goes down during regen braking.

Now try it work paddle shifters.

I know on my ESh the paddles do NOT regenerate.

 

Yeah, 350h for me also. As said above, you can watch the blue arrow going from wheel to battery in the MID really anytime you have less pedal than speed. It is also on the center screen under energy flow where you can watch the blue going back to battery when you have less throttle than speed. I personally don’t use the paddles for regen due to extra engine wear. You can see in the MID that instant fuel economy during paddle “downshifting” is still 99mpg, so it obviously isn’t using any fuel.