Does anyone have a link to more detailed information about when the regenerative braking engages on a mild hybrid Octavia? I have been trying to sense this; sometimes it is clear, for example when the car automatically decelerates due to upcoming speed limit changes or vehicles in front of the car, but I haven't been able to tell with certainty if it is ever activated by pressing the brake pedal. I'd like to understand if pressing the brake pedal always only uses the brake discs, if it sometimes uses both discs and regenerative braking or if in some situations pressing the brake pedal (gently) would activate only regenerative braking but not the discs.

On the Skoda site they say the following, but it is not clear whether this applies to the MHEV range:

"To make the most of it [regenerative braking, my comment], gently press the brake pedal to engage recuperation first; regular brakes only kick in once regenerative braking is maxed out."

However, I can sometimes clearly hear the discs engage (for example when it's been raining and they have a thin layer of oxidation) even when using the brake extremely softly, for example when rolling in a queue 1-2km/h and just tapping the brake.

Edited 16 May16 May by beneix
Added link to Skoda information

On my 4.0 PHEV I have a display on the 'rev counter' that shows when regenerative braking is in force. There is also a diagram available that shown the overall energy flows in real time.

13 hours ago, RobL50 said:

On my 4.0 PHEV I have a display on the 'rev counter' that shows when regenerative braking is in force. There is also a diagram available that shown the overall energy flows in real time.

Rev counter? I have a MK4 PHEV and when the recurp. kicks in, the consumption numbers go from positive to minus.

But I feel you RobL50. It's extremely hard to understand the logic behind the recuperation and the braking. I mean I still think it's a useless tech that only saves the manufacturers from the cost of an alternator.

It's a huge pain and a good reason to reconsider PHEV or even hybrid cars in long distance travel or winter conditions as both functions become literally a mere accessory.

On 16/05/2026 at 15:50, beneix said:

"To make the most of it [regenerative braking, my comment], gently press the brake pedal to engage recuperation first; regular brakes only kick in once regenerative braking is maxed out."

That only applies to EVs. Not even PHEV has this feature, the brakes apply as soon as the pedal is pressed.

7 minutes ago, Edela said:

That only applies to EVs. Not even PHEV has this feature, the brakes apply as soon as the pedal is pressed.

OK, so essentially the regenerative braking on MHEV models only applies to autonomous braking, i.e. not braking using the pedal?

Sorry, I've never driven MHEV so can't comment. I only say that what you quoted from Skoda site is not applicable to hybrids.

I would expect MHEV to engage regen every time brakes are pressed, along the mechanical brakes. I think that is the general logic behind hybrids, no matter the make. Maybe you have a way to see how hybrid system works in infotainment somewhere? We have it on PHEVs and it shows at which moment regen activates. Something like this:

Edited 18 May18 May by Edela

A few years ago I was driving a 1.0e-tec (mild hybrid) mk4 Octavia. From memory, when braking there was some battery regeneration going up to the point where the battery was (or appeared to be) fully charged. After that there was none with the effect that at times the brake pedal feel was different. When regeneration was active the pedal felt sharper and braking more effective for less pressure. Was a bit disconcerting at first. Also the sound of the braking was a little different too.

When lifting the throttle there appeared to be some regen too - but only if lifting the pedal was quick. A gentle lift of the throttle would result in the car coasting and little reduction in speed.

@SteveTheElder Yes, what you write sort of rhymes with my perception. It would be great to find some actual confirmation of what we both feel is going on.

@Edela Unfortunately, there is no read-out of energy flow, the state of the 48V battery or when regeneration is happening on the MHEV range. I suppose Skoda felt it unnecessary and also wanted the overall experience to be "seamless".

Edited 18 May18 May by beneix

I own a 1.5 mhev Octavia and it just feels like the car knows what to do for the best, for instance when approaching a 30mph speed limit at say 40mph with foot off the accelerator the car slows down all by itself to the speed limit by starting the engine and using regen.

Going down hills is similar. So I don't worry about it, I can just 'feel' that the car knows what it's doing and the mpg economy I get certainly back that up.

So if I were you I wouldn't worry about it, just enjoy the driving experience and use your extra concentration to avoid all those flippin' potholes.

Ps gentle application of the brake pedal slows the car using regen

On 18/05/2026 at 08:24, Edela said:

That only applies to EVs. Not even PHEV has this feature, the brakes apply as soon as the pedal is pressed.

They don't unless you brake hard. If there's space on the battery re-gen braking will be used. You can also feel the difference between the two types of braking.

Edited 22 May22 May by Jip

I know on my 2021 etec car, I can sometimes see a symbol showing a lift off the throttle pedal symbol at the top of the dashboard when coming up to a junction or roundabout. If I were to lift off the throttle pedal during that time I can feel the car positively slowing down.