Relatively new technology that has emerged in the auto industry is regenerative brakes. With traditional braking, a lot of power is required to stop a vehicle. Energy is used to stop the vehicle, but it is heated and ultimately wasted once braking is completed. The issue of wasted energy has been one that has captured the imagination of many engineers. Now, braking power is used more efficiently in hybrid and electric vehicles. Hackettstown area Honda explains regenerative brakes.
What is Regenerative Braking?
Regenerative braking is a system that recaptures and reutilizes the kinetic energy that is traditionally lost during normal braking. Regenerative braking is designed to store energy in a storage battery so that the car can draw on it later to repower the motor when the car is strictly on the electrical power source. So, while an electric car is at a red light or sitting in traffic, braking power is being recouped as reusable energy.
How Does Regenerative Braking Work?
First, the cars are still equipped with traditional, friction braking systems for high-speed braking scenarios such as driving on the highway. Regenerative braking is more effective in stop-and-go driving scenarios. When the driver puts his/her foot on the brakes, the electric motor works in reverse to slow down the vehicle. The backwards motion recharges the car’s hybrid battery system. The car’s motor is able to operate backwards because the car’s momentum is recycled as mechanical energy that puts the motor into reverse. The recaptured energy in the car’s batteries is used to provide power for acceleration after stopping.

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