Newbie here, wife getting her 2021 Kona (preferred) six months earlier than expected.

I meant to explain this more for navguy12 but I didn't have time before. Once you tap the left paddle into Level 3 Regen, it should remain there forever. If it slips out or changes to level 2, just tap it back again and it will go back to level 3. I RARELY use my Footbrake. I drive in Eco all the time. When I see a car ahead of me stopping or a red light or stop sign ahead of me I take my foot off the accelerator and the car slows down. As I get closer to the car in front of me or the stop sign or signal, if the car has not slowed to a crawl I will pull on the left paddle until the car stops. If there is no car behind me or in front of me and I am approaching a Red Lite or Stop sign I may take my foot off the accelerator 1/2 block before the Signal or Stop sign and just let it coast to a stop. After doing this about 5 or 6 times you get a feel for how long it will take to stop and the distance at which you should remove your foot from the accelerator. It may do it in 100 feet, 50 feet, or 25 feet depending on your car and the speed you are going before you take your foot off the accelerator. Hieronymous said, "the paddles are just an optional-use accessory which provides no benefit above and beyond traditional driving techniques". I have no idea what he means. They do 4 things for me. 1. Stop my car. 2. Add miles to my Battery. 3. Save my Brake Pads. 4. Save me from having to step on the Brake pedal. I would define these as benefits, at least to me.

 

I’ll see you, and raise you one, @BaylorBob.
I do not use the paddle, I use the brake pedal to stop the car, traditionally what it is designed to do. It does 5 things for me. 1. Stop my car. 2. Add miles to my battery. 3. Save my brake pads. 4. Confirm that the car brakes are working. 5. Gives instant panic braking in an emergency. I would define these as benefits, at least to me.
The regen paddle is a (optional) speed moderating device, which in safe conditions, can bring the car to a halt, but it is NOT a brake. You cannot increase/decrease paddle effect with varying pressure as you can with the brake pedal, and for unexpected panic braking you immediately have to move your foot to start pressing hard on the brake pedal. Until you stop..
Before then my Kona is stopped already, 100 feet further back..

Your choice, @BaylorBob..

 

I’m with Hieronymous on this one. Paddles are fun; brake pedal is safer. No other significant differences.

 

You said, "the regen paddle can bring the car to a halt, but it is not a brake". I don't care what you call it. It Stops my Car. So as far as I am concerned ITS A BRAKE. Is a woman wearing underwear or panties? Different name, same function. You said "You cannot increase/decrease paddle effect with varying pressure as you can with the brake pedal." Maybe your car can't, but mine can and does!

 

Duh...
Book of Jeremiah 5:21...

 

I frequently drive quite quickly over a twisty mountain pass, with regeneration set at three. I like that I can use the left paddle quickly to slow the car more when needed on some bends, compared with shifting my foot to the brake pedal. Electriceddy is correct that on tight corners you can’t operate the paddles, but on those I’m already going slowly.
As far as bringing the car to a full stop, they certainly do, as I know from in-town driving. The paddles are not progressive, and sometimes you have to release the paddle to get closer to whatever is in front, then apply again. It becomes second nature. When stopped with the paddle, the car stays stopped without needing to keep a foot on the brake pedal.
It is a matter of personal preference. I wouldn’t wish to give up the paddles, but can see why others like using the footbrake primarily.


Sent from my iPhone using Inside EVs

 

Yes, the paddles are just simple switches

 

Interesting. Since I moved from San Francisco to Hilo, Hawaii, my range has continued to markedly improve. My GOM regularly shows me getting over 320 miles on a full charge -- the other day it was 332 -- compared to about 285-290 in SF. Part of it, I'm sure, is lack of highway driving as there are very few roads here where you can go over 55, and I don't travel those a lot. And the car really seems to like the 6.5 mile downhill drive from my house in the hills to the places I go for shopping, errands, etc. -- a typical round trip ends up showing about 5.5 mi/kwh. Ambient temperatures are generally warmer, but it rarely got cold enough in SF to have a meaningful impact on range.

 

Nice drive out from Nanaimo Is that Texada Island on the horizon?