Snow Mode / Regenerative Brake Assist observation

[RivianMatt]

I'm reading the email that I just got from Rivian regarding the Regenerative Brake Assist in this latest software update 2023.50, and I'm wondering how it will impact an upcoming mountain ski trip. The email partially states: "With this feature enabled, if the accelerator pedal is released when regenerative braking is unavailable, the vehicle will automatically engage the brake pedal to decelerate in the same manner you’d expect if regen were available. With this feature, the brake pedal will physically move during operation." We know when turning Snow Mode on, regain is set to low. Does Regenerative Brake Assist then kick in when in Snow Mode? And it if does, does this mean that I could still practice "one pedal driving", because it looks like when I release pressure on the accelerator pedal, that the brake pedal is going to be automatically engaged? Wow. I would presume if that's the case that the brake pedal would be engaged proportionately to the degree by which the accelerator is released? Looks like there's a lot to learn here.

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[RexRemus]

The whole point is to keep you doing OPD and keep a consistent feel when doing so - in this case blending in the friction brakes as needed to keep the deceleration curve consistent for all cases when using OPD.

Meaning don't overthink it, just drive as you have, you actually have less to worry about now since when braking from regen is reduced for any number of reasons the pedal feel will now be the same as under normal conditions

 

[Runs_4_beer]

For those that have used it, is there any indication on the dash the friction brakes are being applied?

 

[Boudro]

No indication on screen and 100% better. I just drove two evenings with it. It feels like one pedal driving again. I do not worry about the sudden loss of regen. The brake is not noticeable and did not compromise driving in snow. We got one foot last night in Tahoe. I was even like is it on??? I went to settings and turned off the assist and the gray section on regen showed back up. It’s a great feature. Set it and forget it. Improves the driving experience!

 

[DTown3011]

Just drove up and over Berthoud Pass in Colorado tonight, 13,000 feet. Basically the “reduced regen” notifications are gone - the truck brakes consistently down without reducing regen or limiting your braking. You basically don’t know it exists - it’s incredible!

 

[Ravenron]

I haven't tried it yet but this thread raises some questions in my mind. There may be times when you don't want to brake but, instead wish to coast. Does this feature remove that option (i.e. foot not on gas then we're braking). I'm thinking when extremely slick and wanting to simple use existing momentum to pass through it. Any observations along this line from those that have used it?

I suppose I could simply modulate the throttle as I do now when I wish to maintain a given speed. I'm probably just over-thinking it (as mentioned above ). I guess I'll just have to see. Regardless, it's still awesome to have Rivian so actively working to add features and improve the vehicle.

 

[Andystroh]

I haven't tried it yet but this thread raises some questions in my mind. There may be times when you don't want to brake but, instead wish to coast. Does this feature remove that option (i.e. foot not on gas then we're braking). I'm thinking when extremely slick and wanting to simple use existing momentum to pass through it. Any observations along this line from those that have used it?

I suppose I could simply modulate the throttle as I do now when I wish to maintain a given speed. I'm probably just over-thinking it (as mentioned above ). I guess I'll just have to see. Regardless, it's still awesome to have Rivian so actively working to add features and improve the vehicle.

I believe this removes the occasional coasting that R1s could exhibit, e.g. they are not regen braking because they can't, so they coast. In my experience it was more of an intrusion in the behavior of the vehicle because you are so accustomed to it braking when you lift your foot.

I haven't had to use this feature yet, but what I am hoping for is that it is the first 'brake blending' feature, and in the future they release a mode for true coasting, where regen braking is applied via the brake pedal. I would enjoy a coasting option for highway and snow driving, but where we can still regen through the brake pedal when necessary.

 

[downranger12]

I think what they might be trying to do is replicate regenrative braking to a lesser degree allowing some time for you to get your foot to the brake pedal so you can be back in control.
We have gotten over two feet of snow in the last four days, so I will have plenty of chances to see if that is the case. 40 mph winds tonight and few snowplows running.

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