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Traditional vehicles are equipped with legacy braking systems that use friction to slow down the car through brake pads and rotors. However, as technology advances at an unprecedented rate, electric vehicles (EVs) keep incorporating next-generation technological advancements — transforming the basic technology and future-proofing them. Globally, EVs are currently incorporating Regenerative Braking that prioritizes conserving energy, using the kinetic energy that accelerates vehicles rather than losing it when friction-based systems apply brakes. EV regenerative braking conserves the subsequent heat following braking, setting new benchmarks in energy conservation in transportation.
However, while regenerative braking has proved its mettle worldwide, many EV users still hold doubts about the capabilities of this modern system. This is major because many users still do not understand how regenerative braking works, which requires significant attention from EV manufacturers. In EV regenerative braking, the energy from the vehicles’ wheels is used to invert the way electricity flows i.e. from the electric motor producing power towards the battery. This simple process requires EV drivers to move their feet from the accelerator pedal, or in some distinct scenarios, apply the brake pedal to activate this technology. In regenerative braking, the brake pedal plays an integral role of a power generator, while also actively assisting in decelerating the cars since the subsequent leftover energy is absorbed by the wheels which rotate the shaft inside the electric motor.
Through regenerative braking, EV manufacturers not only address the pressing challenge of energy wastage but also modernize transportation practices. This technology helps to recapture up to 70% of the previously lost kinetic energy, however, the exact figure depends on specific models and the nature of driving.
What is Regenerative Braking?
Regenerative braking is a transformative system that enhances the efficacy of EVs through electric motors rather than depending on conventional friction-based braking systems to decelerate cars. This technology prioritizes energy efficiency, an aspect that is lost by the usage of conventional hydraulic braking systems that use discs or drums and does not conserve kinetic energy that transforms into heat and is lost. EV regenerative braking, in turn, uses the kinetic energy that accelerates vehicles to bring cars to a standstill — prioritising energy conservation.
The kinetic energy that is lost by conventional braking systems, is transferred to EV batteries. This addresses the range anxiety of EV users in a passive way, replenishing electric mobility with extended range on the go. This conserved energy not only accelerates electric cars but also powers electrical appliances such as audio and climate control. This transformative technology helps to reduce the burden on electrical systems and batteries while enhancing efficiency unprecedentedly.
EV regenerative braking is also used in commercial transportation. This distinctive technology is known as Hydraulic Power Assist and not only transforms commercial transportation but also enhances efficiency in long hauls, reducing downtimes in a passive way. Many EV manufacturers such as Toyota, Kia, Ford, Nissan, Hyundai and others use regenerative braking to enhance the efficiency of their specific vehicles, in both Indian and global markets.
How Regenerative Braking Works?
Before understanding the intricacies of regenerative braking operations, it is imperative for users to comprehend that all moving parts inside a vehicle boast of kinetic energy. In traditional cars that use internal combustion engines, this kinetic energy is absorbed when brake pads and discs/drums are used, and the subsequently produced heat is lost. In EV regenerative braking, this lost energy is recovered and preserved.
In this technology, when a user deploys the system, the electric motor is also deployed by changing its operation mode. At this stage, the electric motor begins acting as a generator and is not powered by the battery. In this scenario, opposite currents are transferred to the rotor and stator windings. The following deceleration of the vehicle is achieved through a braking torque that takes place inside the electric motor, on the shaft. This comprehensive yet simple process uses the kinetic energy available before the braking process begins, which is converted to electrical and thermal energy that is preserved to create electricity and transferred to the battery — enabling EV batteries to charge on the go.
EV regenerative braking actively assists in generating more energy that helps to enhance the range. Up to 70% of lost kinetic energy is conserved through this process, making this process a preferred solution for braking systems.
Advantages
By incorporating EV regenerative braking, electric mobility not only future-proofs itself but also improves the mileage on cars — addressing the range anxiety of EV users. This technology considerably reduces energy wastage, while also equipping itself with a conventional friction-based braking system that offers additional advantage.
However, the primary reason regenerative braking is being preferred by EV manufacturers is because of its passive support towards charging batteries. EV regenerative braking systems capture the kinetic energy of vehicles and transfer it to the batteries — assisting in energy conservation, powering the car’s electrical appliances and more.
The regenerative braking systems are considerably more advanced than traditional braking systems. This system significantly reduces the wear and tear on an EV’s braking system, actively assisting in cost-savings and reducing maintenance hassles, because this system is equipped with an electric powertrain.
Conclusion
The emergence of regenerative braking closely aligns with customer requirements for energy saving, and range anxiety. This highly advanced system is gradually becoming the benchmark for EV manufacturing around the world, and users are also preferring this new-age braking system over traditional friction-based systems. This paradigm shift is directly translating into leading EV manufacturers aligning with customer requirements and preferences, paving the way for a more efficient electric mobility ecosystem throughout the world. The emergence of regenerative braking also indicates technological development in the space at an unprecedented rate, an aspect that is comprehensively transforming the global EV domain and setting new standards.
