Regenerative braking, or energy recovery, is a system used in some electric and hybrid vehicles to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy that can be used to recharge the vehicle’s battery.
The vehicle’s kinetic energy is dissipated as heat through the mechanical brakes during conventional braking. However, with regenerative braking, the electric motor acts as an electric generator, reversing its operation and converting kinetic energy into electrical energy.
When the driver applies the brake pedal or releases the accelerator, the electric engine enters generator mode and produces electrical energy. This energy is then stored in the vehicle’s batteries to be used later to power the electric engine during acceleration or to power auxiliary electrical systems.
Regenerative braking allows energy to be recovered that would otherwise be dissipated as heat. This increases the overall energy efficiency of the vehicle and contributes to a more extended range. Secondly, it reduces the wear and tear on conventional mechanical brakes, as electric braking is mainly used.
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