If you've heard of regenerative braking but wondered what it all is about, read on as we'll explain what it all is and how it applies to modern-day electric, hybrid and even ICE cars.
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As far as definitions go, regenerative braking or 'regen' for short, is a mechanism that recoups kinetic energy from a vehicle in motion as it slows down by converting said energy into electricity to be stored in the battery pack to use when needed. Regenerative Braking is commonly found in electric and hybrid cars but is also being used in purely ICE-powered vehicles to power electrical systems like air conditioning, for example. Interestingly, another place where you'd find regenerative braking is electric railways.
How does it all work?
The key component in regenerative braking is the electric motor. When you let off the accelerator and the vehicle slows down, the electric motor spins in reverse, effectively functioning as a generator now, which converts that kinetic energy into electrical energy. When you use regenerative braking, the effect gives off a braking sensation, but it doesn't mean it will slow the car down to a standstill. You still need to use your brakes. However, you'll notice the wear and tear on your brakes will be reduced. You'll hear of 'One Pedal Driving' in this instance since the car can slow down significantly. With purely ICE vehicles, the electric motor is smaller and integrated into the drivetrain, so the effect is a lot more subtle.
How do you use it?
Depending on the car, you can engage regenerative braking by switching to the 'B' drive mode. Whilst in other cars, it's a mere menu away in the car's settings, and you can adjust the sharpness of the effect according to your preference. The sharper it is, the harder the braking sensation and the more energy you can recover. Some cars have more potent effects than others.
Is it beneficial?
Regenerative braking can help extend the range of your hybrid/electric vehicle and help reduce wear and tear on your brake pads. It takes some getting used to, and some systems can be quite sharp despite the adjustability, but in all honesty, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Below are some cars we've tested with regenerative braking:
- Honda FIT e:HEV
- Volvo C40 Recharge
- Haval Jolion HEV
- BMW i7
