EV regenerative breaking and no brake lights

[catfood12]

I've been using a relative's Corsa E for the last week. Very good car overall for tooling around town, and it has changed some of my prejudices about EVs.

I've been driving it in regenerative mode, and it does make a difference to the range. It slows down quickly when you take your foot off gas (power), and this seems to catch some drivers following unawares, that may be following too closely behind, or not paying attention, as the speed reduction I guess is similar to light breaking, but obvs no brake lights from the Corsa. This happens regularly.

I've had a couple of very close shaves, one this morning coming down a dual carriageway off slip and slowing from 70 to around 50 on regen, and cruising down the slip road before braking at the end.

I've never heard this mentioned or discussed anywhere else, and appears to me to be a significant aspect of driving an EV around, albeit in my limited experience. Have I missed something, am I doing it right ?!?

[catfood12]

Thanks for all of the speedy replies, double defo no brake lights on regen when you lift off the throttle. I've checked by looking at the car's reflection in a shop window at night, to check when the brake lights come on.

I didn't want to ask if other EVs did this, as I thought it was a stupid question. Although I was surprised that I didn't get brake lights under regen, then put it down to doubts as to how it would work, i.e. when does the ECU decide to put the brake lights on under regen, i.e. current level, speed etc.

My sister, who's car this is, doesn't use it in regen, as she doesn't know the option existed, so not had this issue! The car is two month old, It does sound like a trip to the dealers is required.

Thanks all.

[catfood12]

carlove said:

I’ve been behind a Corsa-e and got caught out by the brake lights no coming on, so gave an even bigger gap and worked off the car in front of the Corsa brake lights, Regen does slow quite sharply.

I have driven a leaf and the brake lights did come on with regen braking(I saw the reflection) it would put me off using the excellent (I really liked one pedal driving) feature if no brake lights came on.

Thanks for all the responses chaps, it's my first time in this forum!

I've double checked again no brake lights when 70-50 on a dual carriageway.

It must be a feature of the Corse E. I'll mention it to my sister or just stay out of regen. It is worth a follow up with the dealer though.

The thing needs charging now, & I have a long trip away tomorrow, so back to the world of ICE for me for the time being.