How Regen Braking Works in Electric Vehicles - Different Regen Levels Explained!

Regenerative Braking: Every carmaker is working hard to add electric vehicles to their portfolio and make their EV technology up to the mark. Where, we have Tata Motors as India's biggest carmaker, holding a major market share when it comes to sales. On the other hand, International players such as Tesla have also decided to test their luck in the Indian market. In our region, people are gradually becoming aware of EV technology and their benefits.

Electric vehicles are reshaping the future of mobility, not just with zero emissions but also with innovative energy-saving technologies. One of the most groundbreaking features of EVs is regenerative braking which is essentially a system that doesn't just help slow down your car but also recycles energy that would otherwise be wasted. But how exactly does this work? And what's the deal with different regenerative braking levels? This is what I'm gonna explain to you via this article. Before moving ahead, make sure you join our elite 91Wheels Community for more such explainers on new technologies and emerging innovations.

Read more: Hyundai Creta EV vs Mahindra BE 6: Which One Offers Better Value for Money?

What Is Regenerative Braking?

In simple terms, regenerative braking often called regen braking is a system that allows an EV to recover some of the energy usually lost during braking. In traditional vehicles, pressing the brake pedal engages friction brakes that convert kinetic energy into heat, eventually wasting valuable energy.

EVs, however, flip the script. When you lift your foot off the accelerator or press the brake pedal in an EV, the electric motor switches roles and starts functioning as a generator. Instead of drawing power from the battery, here the motor begins converting the vehicle's kinetic energy back into electrical energy, which is then sent back to recharge the battery, adding some more green lines on your instrument cluster and that too on the go. This clever energy recycling process boosts efficiency, extends driving range and reduces reliance on conventional braking systems.

How Does Regenerative Braking Work?

I'm not here to just tell you "What" of the regenerative braking process, but also to tell you the how and why of this process. Yes, I know, the term itself looks quite technical. Just read my explanation and you will easily get to know "How" it all functions and what's the concept behind it.

• Switching Roles: During acceleration, the electric motor uses energy from the battery to propel the vehicle. And when you slow down, the motor switches from consuming power to generating it.

• Kinetic Energy Conversion: As the wheels turn the motor (now functioning as a generator), the kinetic energy from the moving vehicle gets converted into electrical energy.

• Recharging the Battery: The generated electricity flows back into the vehicle's high-voltage battery, adding the green lines on the instrument cluster and boosting the car's charge level.

• Braking Torque: This energy conversion creates resistance in the motor, helping to slow the car down and reducing the need for friction-based braking.

This process captures energy and reduces brake wear as the friction brakes are used less frequently. This makes EVs more efficient and charges your vehicle on the go.

Different Levels of Regenerative Braking Explained

If not all, most modern EVs allow drivers to adjust the strength of regenerative braking. In India also, we have vehicles like the Tiago EV, Nexon EV and the new entrant - the Creta EV. The level customization helps balance energy recovery and driving comfort. Heres how the different levels typically work:

Low Regen Level

• Minimal energy recovery.
• The vehicle coasts more when you release the accelerator, offering a feel similar to traditional cars.
• Best for highway driving, where constant speed is maintained, and sudden deceleration isnt needed.

Medium Regen Level

• A balanced setting that recovers a decent amount of energy while offering a smooth driving experience.
• It's good for city driving, where youre frequently slowing down but still want a natural feel.

High Regen Level

• Aggressive energy recovery.
• Lifting off the accelerator rapidly slows the vehicle - sometimes enough to eliminate the need for using the brake pedal.
• Ideal for urban environments with stop-and-go traffic.

One-Pedal Driving

• Found in some EVs, this mode allows the car to come to a complete stop using only the accelerator. Just for your information- Mahindra's all newborn electric SUVs- XEV 9e and Mahindra BE 6 offer one-pedal driving.
• Maximizes energy recovery and enhances driving convenience.

Benefits of Regenerative Braking

• Extended driving range: Captures energy that would otherwise be lost, giving you extra miles.

• Improved efficiency: Helps lower energy consumption, saving on battery use.

• Reduced brake wear: Less reliance on traditional brakes means lower maintenance costs.

• Eco-friendly: Reduces overall energy waste, making EVs even greener.

Regenerative Braking: Limitations

While regenerative braking offers many advantages, it's not without its downsides. You should also be aware of its limitations.

• Reduced effectiveness at low speeds: At slower speeds, traditional brakes often take over to bring the car to a complete stop.

• Different driving feel: Drivers used to traditional brakes might find the sensation of regen braking unusual or "mushy" at first.

Regenerative Braking: The Way Ahead

With each new generation of EVs, regenerative braking systems are becoming more advanced and efficient. Automakers are fine-tuning this technology to recover more energy while providing a seamless driving experience. As battery technology and EV motors evolve, we can expect regenerative braking to become even more intuitive, possibly pushing energy recovery rates beyond the current 70% benchmark.

Read more: Hyundai Creta Electric: Standout Feature Highlights