Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids often have features to help get the most out of their unique capabilities. Their brakes are no exception. While most EVs still use friction-based brake systems that run on hydraulic fluid, many also have a new system called regenerative brakes.
But what are regenerative brakes? How do they work, and what are their pros and cons? If you already drive an EV or plan to own one, you’ll want to know how to get the most out of the regenerative braking system and how to maintain and repair it.
Regenerative brakes decelerate and halt the vehicle using the EV’s electric motors. Regenerative brakes operate those motors in reverse to slow down the EV.
The regenerative braking system takes its name from how it contributes to the EV’s power generation. They collect the kinetic energy moving your vehicle forward and convert that into energy that’s then stored in the batteries for later use instead of letting it go to waste as heat. This helps replenish your EV’s range.
In hybrids, regenerative brakes provide power to several auxiliary functions. They increase efficiency by reducing the power load that the engine and electrical system must meet.
Compare this with disc or drum brakes in non-electric cars. These hydraulic-powered brakes generate friction that slows down the wheels. Friction brakes don’t produce usable energy–they only generate heat.
All electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles sold in the U.S. market today have regenerative brakes. You can also find them in several hybrid models, such as the Toyota Prius.
The following are merely some of the EV models that use regenerative brakes:
Regenerative braking systems have several things going for them. Here are the biggest benefits of using regenerative braking:
Regenerative brakes get some use out of the kinetic energy that would end up as useless heat in a friction braking system. Extra energy never hurts!
Stopping the EV once or twice with regenerative brakes doesn’t produce significant amounts of energy. However, you’ll hit the brakes plenty of times over long periods. The more you use the regenerative braking system, the greater the total kinetic energy it recaptures and stores. .
Using the regenerative brakes as often as possible reduces the need for the friction brakes. Less usage means less wear on brake parts like pads, rotors, and shoes, extending their service lives.
While it would be nice if regenerative brakes were perfect, they also have some drawbacks. Here are the disadvantages of regenerative braking:
Regenerative braking systems don’t work in the same way as friction brakes. You can sense the difference in their performance, which can throw you off if you’re used to traditional friction brakes.
Regenerative braking is a relatively new technology that hasn’t worked out all its kinks. It cannot match the performance of friction braking in some aspects, such as when you need to stop the car or truck immediately while driving at high speeds. Hybrids and EVs have both regenerative brakes and friction brakes for this purpose.
The biggest bonus to regenerative brakes is their ability to capture kinetic energy and turn it into extra power. But if the vehicle moves slowly, it has much less kinetic energy available, reducing the amount of energy the brakes can collect.
If you drive in a city or an area with slow-moving traffic, the regenerative braking system cannot capture enough energy to contribute meaningfully to battery charging.
The process of turning on the regenerative braking system can vary among the different manufacturers and models. Some hybrid and EV models have a paddle shifter that enables the brakes. Simply push the appropriate switch or move the shifter.
In most hybrids and EVs, stepping on the brake pedal engages the regenerative and friction brakes together. They combine the stopping power of the two brake systems while capturing kinetic energy for storage in the battery.
Some electric cars have a feature called one-pedal driving, which activates the regenerative braking system as soon as the accelerator pedal is lifted. The brake lights automatically turn on when the regenerative brakes engage. After all, the regenerative braking system has the same job as the friction brakes.
Regenerative brakes can help restore some of the range your EV loses as you drive. You can try to maximize them or keep the same driving habits and let them work in the background.
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