Heavier REGEN as a safety feature?

From the Clarity to Burt Rutan! I never though there was a link between both!

 

I have thought about this as well. My Hyundai Ioniq Electric has a much wider selection range for amount of regen when lifting off the accelerator. 0 shuts regen off completely. I often switch to this because it is the most efficient. The car has a very low drag coefficient, and coasts beautifully. When you put it up to 3, the regen is quite pronounced. I only use that in stop and go traffic, it's hard to get used to. I have always thought about the safety affect of setting it at 0. I have also thought that it would be interesting to be able to have it stay at 3 when my kids are driving it for the immediate braking that starts in an emergency.

The difference between 1 and 4 is so small in the Clarity, that I don't think it makes any significant difference. 1-4 in the Clarity is about equivalent to .7 to 1.6 in the Ioniq.

 

The problem I would have is not knowing how sensitive this brake-light bulb is to deceleration. But it is a great and easy-to install solution.

When I first got my compact, sporty BEV I didn't like not knowing exactly when the brake lights decide to light up. So I connected a tiny red LED inside the hatch that I can see in my rear-view mirror when the brake lights come on. I was disappointed to see how little deceleration is required. I've used the LED to train myself to accelerate to the speed I plan to maintain rather than enjoying all of the car's silent acceleration off the line and then backing off after exceeding the speed limit. Then as I drive I try to minimize brake-light flashing so drivers behind me won't think I'm one of those bozos who drive around with their left foot unconsciously resting on the brake pedal.

@Mark W, does regen braking in your Hyundai Ioniq Electric illuminate the brake lights? If so, does it matter which regen setting you choose?

 

Unfortunately it is not a simple solution. The tail light assembly on the Clarity does not lend itself to using those lights. For other vehicles, maybe. The amount of deceleration required to activate them is programmable, which is good.

 

I believe it comes on only when in Regen level 3, but I'm not sure of it.

 

The Clarity is pretty straightforward on this matter. Full paddle regen, 4 chevrons, will not trigger the brake lights. The brake pedal will trigger the brake lights.