Regen braking sound caught my attention

[Kijuju Neighbor]

I have a 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid and noticed a new noise during regen that has me wondering. It started around 1,500 miles and only happens when I'm going downhill for a long stretch. It's like a soft engine brake noise, not harsh but enough to catch my attention. My dad said it might be normal for hybrids but I've never heard it on his Escape. Does this happen more when the battery is full or when using cruise control?

 

[MavFamily56]

I drive a 2023 Maverick Hybrid and heard the same soft brake sound last fall while going downhill near LA. It's normal. When the battery is full, the car uses the engine to help slow down. You'll notice it more with cruise control on since the car tries to keep your speed steady. It surprised me at first, but it's just how hybrids work.

 

[fmv_echo559]

I have a 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid and noticed a new noise during regen that has me wondering. It started around 1,500 miles and only happens when I'm going downhill for a long stretch. It's like a soft engine brake noise, not harsh but enough to catch my attention. My dad said it might be normal for hybrids but I've never heard it on his Escape. Does this happen more when the battery is full or when using cruise control?

Yeah, I'm with @MavFamily56. That's a common observation and nothing to worry about. The sound is due to engine braking. It's most noticeable when the battery is topped off and can't absorb any more energy from regeneration, especially on a long downhill. The car needs to get rid of that extra energy and slow itself down, so it uses the engine to do so. Cruise control definitely makes it more pronounced because the system is constantly trying to maintain your set speed. Hope this helps you feel better about it!

 

[Kijuju Neighbor]

Knowing this is normal engine braking when the battery is full answered my question. Your explanation about using the engine to control speed on a long downhill, once the battery can't take more charge, was very helpful. That was exactly the information I needed and put my mind at ease.