Question 1

What is regenerative braking?

Accepted Answer

Regenerative braking is a specific braking system that utilizes an energy recovery mechanism to slow down your car. It does this by converting kinetic energy into energy that can be used to charge your car battery. Kinetic energy is defined as energy possessed by being in motion. So basically, what this means is that, unlike a conventional braking system that allows the kinetic energy to go to waste, a regenerative braking system harnesses the kinetic energy and uses it to charge the battery in electric or hybrid vehicles.

Question 2

How is it different from conventional braking systems?

Accepted Answer

The brake systems in modern-day cars have not evolved drastically over time. Most car companies have stuck with the tried-and-true conventional braking system. These brake systems consist of a brake pedal sending fluid to the brake pads and rotors and pressure creating friction between the brake pads and rotors. When friction is created, kinetic energy is transformed into thermal energy, which ultimately results in heat. So how is it different? Well, in that use regenerative braking, when the car decelerates, the vehicle’s intricate brake system uses an electric vehicle’s motor as a generator to transform kinetic energy created by being in motion. Once the energy is converted, it will recycle that converted energy by storing it in the battery. This energy stored in the battery will then be used the next time the car accelerates. Regenerative braking is the reason that hybrids typically do not need to be plugged in to charge. This is because the braking system recharges the battery while the car is in use. Image source: Self Drive Vehicle Hire

Question 3

Why you should consider regenerative brakes

Accepted Answer

If you are hesitant about regenerative brakes, no need to panic: because regenerative brakes cannot function alone, all-electric and hybrid cars have conventional braking systems as well. In fact, regenerative brakes actually work in conjunction with other braking systems that use friction to make your car stop. These brakes are also unable to immobilize a stationary vehicle, like if you are trying to brake while you are downhill. They are also ineffective if you need to slam on your brakes to slow down suddenly. Even though your car has to have a friction-based braking system, having a regenerative brake system should be considered an additional asset. While regenerative brakes may increase the cost of the car initially, it will eventually save money because cars that use regenerative braking require fewer brake replacements when compared to their friction-based counterparts. Another reason that you should consider regenerative brakes, is because this specific brake system will help improve the fuel economy of your car, which will, in turn, save you money by reducing the number of trips to the gas station. Because it helps charge your battery while you are driving, it also prevents you from having to plug in your car if you have a hybrid.

Question 4

What factors determine their effectiveness?

Accepted Answer

The purpose of regenerative braking is to convert energy to charge the battery. So you are going to want to get as much charge as possible. There are a few factors that influence their effectiveness. One factor is your commute. If your commute involves city traffic that requires frequent stopping, you are going to get more energy from your brakes. If your commute takes you down a highway where you are driving at high speeds without braking, your car battery will not be charged as often. This is because you will not be using your brakes as frequently. Also, you as the driver can influence their effectiveness. Certain cars, such as the Chevy Bolt, have the option available.  You decide how much of the regenerative brake you want to use by moving the gear shift when you are slowing down. Better known as “one-pedal” driving. Your driving habits, such as how you use your brakes when you are approaching a stop, are another factor that determines the brake system’s ability to capture kinetic energy. If you want the best performance, you should slow down well before you reach the stop sign or red light.

Question 5

Which cars use regenerative brakes?

Accepted Answer

Regenerative brakes have come a long way from their first use in 1967 in the AMC Amitron electric concept car. Although regenerative brakes are only used on electric and hybrid vehicles, there is a large range of vehicles to choose from. Modern choices of cars that utilize these braking systems include: While these are some of the more notable models, many additional electric car models also utilize these systems.

Question 6

Potential setbacks

Accepted Answer

As with any piece of technology, regenerative brakes also have issues that may prompt you to be hesitant to purchase a car that utilizes this brake system. One concern is how regenerative braking affects your commute, which is not a factor that you can control. Another characteristic that may make you feel uncomfortable is that the brake pedal and stops do not always feel the same as a conventional braking system.  Regenerative braking takes a longer amount of time to slow down. Therefore, you will have to step harder on the pedal sooner than you would if you were driving a car that used a friction-based braking system.

Question 7

Final thoughts

Accepted Answer

Whether you are an electric car enthusiast or not, regenerative braking is an effective, power-generating system. It charges the battery of the car while you are driving. This is a great concept because it does the work of charging your car for you. All you have to do is drive. Change can be beneficial, and regenerative braking is no exception.

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