I haven’t found it in the owners manual, but what, if anything, is the downside of operating the car at high speeds in the “L” setting. I’ve done it numerous times and the only thing I’ve noticed is a very slight and momentary surge when shifting to “D” at speed. I love one-pedal driving for local driving, but it seems unnecessary for highway driving.
“D” v “L”
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There have been numerous posts on the forum on D vs L. It's just setting what the software does regarding regen, it is not changing any gears, so there is no gearing difference between D and L. Worrying about whether there could be harm from driving the car in L at speed would be similar thinking it might be dangerous to listen to the radio when driving on the freeway—sure, someone could come up with an argument (people always can), but at best their argument would be strained, if not outright wrong.
Drive the car in D or L as you please. Many of us drive in L all the time. If you “don't get it”, don't worry. The truth is that you can get identical behavior (and efficiency) out of the car in D and L, although you have to use different means to achieve it. Firm believers in one way or the other will no doubt claim otherwise, but this is more loyalty to “team L” or “team D” than fact. But if you want to see the arguments, please look through old posts rather than dredge the topic up again.
Drive the car in D or L as you please. Many of us drive in L all the time. If you “don't get it”, don't worry. The truth is that you can get identical behavior (and efficiency) out of the car in D and L, although you have to use different means to achieve it. Firm believers in one way or the other will no doubt claim otherwise, but this is more loyalty to “team L” or “team D” than fact. But if you want to see the arguments, please look through old posts rather than dredge the topic up again.
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Actually, the car does behave slightly differently in cruise control in L vs D. I never thought it did, but I was recently on a very rolling road with constant steep ups and downs, going about 55 mph. In L, the slowing down on the downs was more noticeable, so the ride was a bit jerky. When I switched to D, the ride ended up being much smoother.
In D, it still slowed a bit on the downs, but not as aggressively.
In D, it still slowed a bit on the downs, but not as aggressively.
So you'd think, but the reality is, the main benefit of L is one pedal driving. You can't do one pedal driving in D. So it's primary advantage is in any time you aren't able to keep a constant speed.Seems to me, that like with an ICE vehicle, the "L" would be used for steep downhill grades.
I loved the signs, Watch Downhill Speed... OK... 60, 65, 70, 75...
Nope. No difference at all in CC.Seems to me, that like with an ICE vehicle, the "L" would be used for steep downhill grades.
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No, no difference. Any speed, any period of time it will be OK.
Difference is at slowing down, especially at lower speeds, or to a dead stop. L would be overall more efficient as it does not utilize friction brakes, only regenerative braking.
Cruise control will behave same. Not that I noticed any difference.
As for the surge.
It has to do with different mapping of the accelerator pedal.
When in D 100% of the pedal travel is for acceleration, in L about 10% is reserved for braking. Hence, the remaining 90% is acceleration. That means that if you are at 17% power in D, it will be about 11% in L. I am making those numbers up right now, only for the purpose of presentation here.
You get the idea?
Same the other way, if you are at say 5% in L, it will become 10% in D. Or 0% in L (balance - free coasting), shift to D and it will accelerate. And so on...
I thought L stood for one pedaL driving.
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How about:
Less effort
Less brake use
Lazy foot
Leap of faith (you are trusting that it will slow down when you lift your foot)
Larger regen
Liberal regen
Longer range
Lap dance (don't ask)
Like it!
Love it!
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It’s called L because it’s a standard shifter part used on multiple vehicles. Standard parts brought down costs.
100%
Sorry. But, you can do one pedal driving in D (at least I can in my 2020 Premiere; though I still gotta work on certain speeds vs distances. Plus the quicker initial slowing down (gotta make sure no one is too close behind me).
At a quick glance, I thought I saw, Lap Dance.
But, at least it's nice to know I didn't misread it. But, a Lap Dance while driving?!
You can slow down and come to a complete stop without removing your foot from the accelerator pedal?
Maybe if you use the paddle?
The car will slow down, but would take too long to stop.
But, using the RegenBraking Paddle, as @GregBrew wrote, will stop the car in D. And, this is what I've been doing.
Gonna have to try it in L, and see the difference. And, if I like it.
I think you'll find that in D mode the car will keep moving unless you hold down the regen paddle or press on the brake pedal. "D" mode is designed to act like a ICE vehicle with an automatic transition - if you're stopped with your foot on the brake pedal, releasing the brake pedal will cause the car to creep forward at a mile or two per hour without pressing on the accelerator.
Interestingly, this happens in "L" mode as well if you don't have your seat belt fastened, or at least it does on my 2017 Bolt.
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