Does regenerative braking really increase range?

It’s a funny question, you might think, since the aim of this automatic braking system is to recover energy. That’s true, but not always.

This device surprises drivers who transition from a thermal vehicle to a hybrid or electric model because the braking is significantly different when you take your foot off the accelerator. It can be compared to engine braking which allows slowing down the vehicle without having to engage the brakes, but there is a notable difference in power.

Regenerative braking is a system implemented on electric and hybrid vehicles, operating on a fairly simple principle. In practice, rather than engaging the brakes, it activates a sort of dynamo that recycles the residual energy that is naturally released during braking. The kinetic energy that is lost in thermal vehicles during braking is converted here into electrical energy. This energy is then stored for later use. So, an obvious gain in range… well, not quite that much.

Braking is a science

Attractive thanks to its advantages, regenerative braking is not without its criticisms. Among the complaints that slightly tarnish its image, ULYS has listed two major ones:

• Limited effectiveness in winter. When external temperatures drop, the power of the electric battery decreases. During the first kilometers, regenerative braking may lose power, which can surprise drivers accustomed to more effective regenerative braking.
• Abusive use harms eco-driving. In trying to fully take advantage of regenerative braking to recharge the vehicle’s battery, there is a significant risk of shifting into a driving mode that strays from eco-driving principles. Put another way, it’s sometimes better to let the car “coast” without engaging regenerative braking rather than trying to activate it for energy recovery and then being forced to re-accelerate to cover the same distance.

Accelerating will always consume more energy than you can recover through braking. Therefore, your foot remains the best means to extend range by managing the effort like a marathon runner might during a race. Electric vehicle users know this well, and mastering consumption quickly becomes a rather enjoyable game behind the wheel. Plus, it helps maintain constant attention while driving, so it’s all good!

While regenerative braking is indeed a technological advance for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, it is not a panacea. It is better to learn how to master it well to optimize its use and effectiveness.

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