Hey everyone! Quick question: when you’re stopping using regen braking, is it better to slow down gradually or to come in hot and brake harder to generate more energy? Or do both methods generate the same amount?
Braking slowly is more efficient. Hard braking can exceed the regen limit, causing you to use friction brakes more often.
Ronald said:
Braking slowly is more efficient. Hard braking can exceed the regen limit, causing you to use friction brakes more often.
Plus, slow braking means you drive slower overall, which saves energy.
Ronald said:
Braking slowly is more efficient. Hard braking can exceed the regen limit, causing you to use friction brakes more often.
Exactly!
Ronald said:
Braking slowly is more efficient. Hard braking can exceed the regen limit, causing you to use friction brakes more often.
With one-pedal driving, you won’t accidentally use friction brakes. But blended braking can lead to using them without knowing.
Ronald said:
Braking slowly is more efficient. Hard braking can exceed the regen limit, causing you to use friction brakes more often.
Is it good to use friction brakes occasionally to prevent rusting?
@izael
Once a month should be enough for most drivers.
Ronald said:
Braking slowly is more efficient. Hard braking can exceed the regen limit, causing you to use friction brakes more often.
If the regen limit isn’t reached, will a faster approach and more aggressive regen actually generate more power?
@jabali
You get more power, but for a shorter time. Energy is about power multiplied by time. Slower braking is usually more efficient overall.
@jabali
Aggressive braking might have slightly more heat losses than gentle braking, so slow is usually better.
@jabali
I believe slow regen causes less heating and is slightly more efficient.
@jabali
Fast starts and stops aren’t as much of a problem in EVs compared to gas cars, but smooth driving is still more efficient.
Ronald said:
Braking slowly is more efficient. Hard braking can exceed the regen limit, causing you to use friction brakes more often.
With one-pedal driving, friction brakes only kick in at low speeds.
Ronald said:
Braking slowly is more efficient. Hard braking can exceed the regen limit, causing you to use friction brakes more often.
There’s a point where regen efficiency decreases at low speeds. You want to slow down at the maximum regen rate, which isn’t just a gradual pedal release.
More aggressive braking means you used more energy maintaining speed.
Thomas said:
More aggressive braking means you used more energy maintaining speed.
Not if you’re coasting! Modern EVs can coast far without throttle.
Gentle stops are better for your passengers too; sudden braking can be jarring.
Safety first! But slower braking is usually more efficient.
Regen braking uses the motor to fight momentum. Quick braking tends to generate less useful energy for charging.
I notice my regen isn’t effective below 15 mph, so I try to time my stops smoothly.