Regenerative Braking 

Source- This post on the Regenerative Braking has been created based on the article “In an electric vehicle, what is regenerative braking?”  published in “The Hindu” on 9 July 2024.

The regenerative braking device market is projected to experience significant growth between 2024 and 2031, driven by the increasing popularity of electric vehicles (e-vehicles).

About Regenerative Braking

Regenerative braking is a technology used in electric and hybrid vehicles to capture and reuse energy that would otherwise be lost during braking.

How Does Regenerative Braking Work?

1. Normal Braking: In traditional vehicles, braking converts the car’s kinetic energy into heat, which is then wasted.

2. Regenerative Braking:

i) In vehicles with regenerative braking, pressing the brake pedal causes the electric motor to run in reverse. This reverse action slows down the car similarly to traditional brakes.

ii) Instead of converting kinetic energy into heat, the motor converts it back into electrical energy. The electrical energy is then stored in the vehicle’s battery for later use.

3. Energy Conversion and Storage: The reversed motor converts the kinetic energy of the moving car into electrical energy. This electrical energy is sent back to the car’s battery and stored for future use, such as powering the vehicle or running electrical systems.

Significance of Regenerative Braking

i)  Energy Efficiency: Saves energy by reusing it, reducing the need for frequent battery recharges.

ii) Extended Range: Helps electric and hybrid vehicles travel further on a single charge.

iii) Reduced Wear and Tear: Reduces wear on traditional brake components, leading to lower maintenance costs.

Shortcomings of Regenerative Braking

i) Incomplete Stopping Power: Regenerative braking alone often cannot bring a vehicle to a complete stop and must be supplemented by conventional braking systems.

ii) Hill Descent: Regenerative brakes may not prevent vehicles from backsliding downhill.

iii) Efficiency at Low Speeds: The efficiency of energy recovery drops as the vehicle’s speed decreases, though regenerative brakes are beneficial in stop-start traffic.

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