What Is Regenerative Braking And Why Does It Matter For Electric Vehicles?

What is regenerative braking, and why does it matter for electric vehicles?
10/25/19

What Is Regenerative Braking?

Simply put, regenerative braking ("regen") is an energy recovery system that slows a vehicle by converting its movement into electrical energy. When a vehicle is not accelerating, an electric motor (or more than one) uses the vehicles momentum to recover some of the energy that would otherwise be lost to the brake discs as heat. 

Vehicles with regenerative braking systems, typically Hybrids, Plug-In Hybrids, or full Battery Electric Vehicles, can use this method to partially recharge the battery on the go.

The History Of "Regen"

The oldest credit for a car using a regenerative braking system that we can find is given to an EV concept car, the AMC Amitron in 1967. This car never made it to production of course, but it does show just how long it took before the technology was widely used!

Many people familiar with the Formula 1 racing series may remember the use of the KERS, or Kenetic Energy Recovery System, as early as the 2009 system. 

These days regenerative braking systems are found on nearly all vehicles that have an electric motor.

Why Is Regenerative Braking Important?

To answer this question we must look at the alternative, the traditional brake disc and pads.

Traditional braking systems convert kinetic energy into heat through the friction that is created when brake pads squeeze the brake disc to slow the vehicle. In addition to wasting energy, this method also creates a lot of brake dust and wearing of the pads and brake discs. 

By using a regen system, electric vehicles not only recapture and then reuse energy, but they also minimize the use of the traditional braking system. Many EVs can travel hundreds of thousands of miles and never need to replace their brake pads or discs due to wear. Obviously, just like with a traditional system, the actual performance of the system depends on your driving habits and how you USE the brakes in your vehicle.