You may have heard of regenerative braking before but don’t know how it works. You’re at the right place if so. This guide will explain what regenerative brake is and its benefits and drawbacks.
WHAT IS REGENERATIVE BRAKING AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Regenerative brake is an option on many hybrid or full-electric vehicles. It converts the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electrical power, and captures the energy from braking. Regenerative brakes also slow down the vehicle, which makes it easier to use traditional brakes.
A conventional braking system causes a car to slow down because of friction between brake pads and rotors. This system is very inefficient at conserving energy. When you brake, almost all the kinetic energy that propels your car forward is converted to heat. This is a lot of wasted energy.
Regenerative brake solves this problem by recovering up to 70% of the kinetic energie that would otherwise be lost while braking. Your car’s model and your driving habits will determine the amount of energy that is recovered.
HOW DOES REGENERATIVE BRAKING PROVIDE ELECTRICITY?
Regenerative brake converts kinetic energy into electric power by reverse engineering the process that propels the car forward. The electric car’s drivetrain is powered via a battery pack. This powers a motor or motors, creating torque-rotational force on the wheels. The battery converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, which spins the wheels.
Regenerative braking uses the energy generated by your spinning wheels to reverse the direction in which electricity flows – from the electric motor(s), to the battery. Regenerative braking can be activated by simply removing your foot from the accelerator, or pressing the brake pedal in certain cases. The electric motor is not only an electric generator but also slows down your car because the wheels consume energy as they turn the shaft.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF REGENERATIVE BRAKING
ADVANTAGES OF REGENERATIVE BRAKING
You can see that capturing and reusing energy from braking has real advantages for your vehicle’s efficiency. It also means that your brakes will last longer. These are the greatest benefits of regenerative brakes:
ROTORS & BRAKE PADS MAY LAST LONGER
Regenerative braking can provide a lot of stopping power on its own but EVs and hybrids are also equipped with hydraulic brakes. Regenerative braking is able to do most of the work while the vehicle slows down, so brake pads and rotors will be used less often.
They last longer, which can reduce maintenance costs. However, routine inspections may still be necessary as part of your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Tires Plus can inspect your hybrid or electric vehicle quickly and conveniently.
EXTENDED RANGE OPTIONS FOR EVS
Your driving range can be extended by capturing braking energy and returning it to your EV’s batteries. Regenerative braking could potentially increase your electric driving range by hundreds of miles per year, according to estimates. This means that you will spend less time charging and can spend more time getting to where you need.
Every mile counts when charging stations are scarce in some areas. You can also reduce the emissions of electricity providers powered by coal or gas by plugging in less frequently to the electric grid.
BETTER FUEL EFFICIENCY FOR HYBRIDS
Hybrids still use internal combustion engines, but they are designed to make the most of their electric motor. Regenerative brake helps drivers keep their battery packs charged so they don’t need to rely on them as often. This reduces fuel consumption and saves money.
DISADVANTAGES OF A REGENERATIVE BRAKING SYSTEM
Regenerative braking has many positives that outweigh its negatives. However, there is no perfect technology. These are just a few examples of where regenerative brakes falls short.
MAY BE LESS EFFECTIVE AT LOWER SPEEDS
Slower speeds mean that your vehicle uses less braking force and has less kinetic energy. The regenerative brake system receives less energy, and the battery pack does not get as much charge. Some car manufacturers feel that the advantages of regenerative brakes in certain situations may outweigh the costs.
BRAKE PEDAL MAY FEEL DIFFERENT
You want to make sure your brake pedal is working while driving. Although hybrid and electric vehicles have brake pedals that work, you may not feel the same way.
It is possible to feel a momentary unresponsiveness, or your pedal may not compress as smoothly as expected. You may have to adjust the pedal in some cases.
This change in the feel of your brake pedal is now less problematic than it was. The newer hybrid and electric models have more responsive brake pedals, which feel just like any conventional brakes.
POTENTIALLY LESS STOPPING POWER
Regenerative braking works well in most situations, but it might not offer the same stopping power as conventional brakes. To achieve the same effect, hybrid and electric vehicle drivers might need to apply more pressure to the brakes.
This problem is being corrected by newer regenerative brake systems. You may not notice any difference in stopping power with newer models of cars.
TRUST TIRES PLUS TO GET YOUR HYBRID OR EV SERVICED PROPERLY
Regenerative braking not only conserves energy but can also save money in the long-term on repairs. Like any other vehicle, electric vehicles need some TLC. Tires plus will provide the best general maintenance and other services for your vehicle.