Hybrid brakes-Q.

New to the forum and learning as much as I can from other posts. I’m curious how the hybrid braking system works. Similar to the standard brake booster setup on a non-hybrid? Seems like the hybrid motor regens to fill the battery to around 80% capacity. Wasn’t sure if it’s a typical braking system or unique to the Tundra hybrid. Thx

 

I think all Toyota hybrids have brake regeneration and the Tundra is no different. Not sure exactly how the system works though

 

The hybrid motor in the middle acts as a generator under braking. The hydraulic brakes still work normal. But the generator creates a drag and creates a/c power, then fed to the battery and inverter.

the regular brakes are less taxed. One bonus to hybrids is the brakes tend to last WAY longer

on cars the brakes tend to rust to annoyingly bad levels causing vibrations before pads are low enough to warrant replacement

 

If you’re VERY light on the brakes you can feel a point in the feedback from the brake pedal where it seems to be resisting your push so as not to use the vehicle brakes and rely on the motor/generator to drag your speed down. There are corresponding downshifts in the transmission that seem to keep the motor spinning around 1200-1500 RPM (this is only apparent when the engine is still running, but I assume during conditions that the engine shuts off the transmission still shifts to keep the electric motor at those RPM’s, we just can’t see it since the tachometer is off). Push harder on the brakes and you feel the pads grab the discs. It’s very subtle.

The battery can be regenerated to 100% but you need a long grade to do it. I did it down the pass on I84 coming into Pendleton OR. I say 100%, I don’t know if the gauge actually represents 100% or not, but the gauge was completely full.

 

As others stated, the electric motor will slow the vehicle down via regen, same as EVs. Depending on the hybrid battery state of charge and brake pedal pressure, you can stop the vehicle without engaging the brakes and saving your pads/rotors. If you brake harder, the motor can’t regen any more and the brakes are added in.