Why increased efficiency in Sport mode?

[Leegersch]

I’ve got a Lightning Pro purchased in January 2023. Bought it mainly for climate change mitigation. Love the truck. I have just two drive modes, normal and sport. Assuming that normal would be the most efficient, until recently I used that mode exclusively. Recently tried out Sport and was surprised to see about a twenty percent improvement in miles per kWh. I mostly drive around town, at speed limit, so I assume the more aggressive regen is responsible for the improvement. But I’m still a bit confused since the Brake Coach almost always shows 100% of energy returned regardless of driving mode. Similar experiences?

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[hturnerfamily]

it's possible that any 'mode' might seem to initially indicate 'better' range, but, over the long range, it really will not matter - Drive Modes are more about the comfort of the driver, and their driving 'style'...

For the first 50,000 miles, I preferred SPORT mode, with it's higher REGEN, to slow me thru town, versus using the physical brake pedal....
Now, though, it seems I'm perfectly fine with NORMAL mode, since I've moved to an area where the terrain is not as extreme...flat even.

Neither really made any long-range difference, though.

The science of REGEN, over the long-range, through all types of terrains, says that the driving mode, or REGEN level, will not make any difference when it's all said and done.

For instance, if you look at a 100 mile round trip, even with heavy terrain along the way, hills or mountains or long flats, you have to traverse them all, in BOTH directions, equally. All things being the same, the outcome is the same, since NORMAL mode would allow more coasting range, with less 'power' needs ascending hills, and SPORT mode would allow for more REGEN descending hills, but with more 'power' needs on the other side, since it is SLOWING you as you near the bottom, before ascending the next hill, etc.


Give it a try.

 

[hturnerfamily]

btw, any initial mi/kwh data you see, in any short-range travel, is not to be banked on... as it is subject to too many variables in such a short timeframe of travel...

a continue 200 mile trip, without stopping, would be a better, more accurate, gauge...

 

[bmwhitetx]

This my third summer with the truck and I keep a log of every ”fillup”. Always see higher efficiency this time of year. Are you accounting for seasonal variation?

 

[EVO]

Sport mode will get you better numbers if you're a jackrabbit start and last minute braking type of person really personal preferences and the way you drive determines what mode is best for you. Also the type of driving, are you in all City traffic or you mainly highway? All these things come into play. There is no true, This is the most efficient mode. There's a lot of variables

 

[Revenge]

The brake coach only gives you a grade when you come to a full (or almost full) stop. If you applied friction brakes the drove some more then came to a slow controlled stop it will show 100%. My guess is you are using more regen to slow down now and not realizing you were using friction brakes before. I only drive in Sport mode. Reminds me of driving a manual transmission. I rarely us friction brakes to slow/stop.

 

[djwildstar]

Assuming that normal would be the most efficient, until recently I used that mode exclusively. Recently tried out Sport and was surprised to see about a twenty percent improvement in miles per kWh.

My understanding is that the Lightning is capable of maximum efficacy in any combination of Normal or Sport mode, and 1-pedal or 2-pedal driving. Actually getting that efficiency may be easier or harder for an individual driver based on their driving habits.

So pick the mode that works best for you.

I personally prefer Sport + 1-pedal. I suspect this is because I learned to drive on a manual transmission, and the regeneration in Sport mode "feels" a lot like downshifting and engine braking to me. My wife prefers Normal + 2-pedal because this "feels" the most like automatic-transmission vehicles she's used to driving. We both get about the same range and efficency.

 

[LightningDan]

I’ve got a Lightning Pro purchased in January 2023. Bought it mainly for climate change mitigation. Love the truck. I have just two drive modes, normal and sport. Assuming that normal would be the most efficient, until recently I used that mode exclusively. Recently tried out Sport and was surprised to see about a twenty percent improvement in miles per kWh. I mostly drive around town, at speed limit, so I assume the more aggressive regen is responsible for the improvement. But I’m still a bit confused since the Brake Coach almost always shows 100% of energy returned regardless of driving mode. Similar experiences?

Thats so wierd. I have a 2023 Pro ER w/ 9.6kW PPO. I have all four of the modes? Do you update your truck?

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