Misunderstanding regenerative “brakes”

Regenerative “brakes”

In researching common questions about regenerative “brakes”, it became clear that there are serious misconceptions about the topic, all of which surround the use of the word brakes or braking.

Here are some all too common questions:

1. How much longer do regenerative brakes last?
2. Can regenerative brakes overheat?
3. Does regenerative braking wear out brake pads?
4. Do regenerative brakes need maintenance?

Each one of these questions implies that there are actual brakes involved in regenerative braking. As used here, braking is actually a concept requiring a definition from physics: the process of controlling the velocity of an object by inhibiting its motion.

Regenerative braking does not require a physical brake! As we explained in this post, releasing the accelerator removes the current from the electric motor and applies torque to it, which comes from the still turning wheels. The motor is now a generator returning charge to the battery.

This process ignores the traditional friction brake system. So, the answers to the previous questions are:

1. this is not relevant as it is not a “brake”. The vehicles actual friction brakes will last longer.
2. no, the electric motor will not overheat while generating energy. There is no friction involved.
3. no, since the brake pads are not involved.
4. no, but the electric motor, which does the regeneration, may require maintenance at some point. This would impact all aspects of the vehicle’s operation, not just braking.

So, remember that there is no actual regenerative brake. There is, however, a process called regenerative braking.

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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

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