A braking system in electric and hybrid vehicles that converts kinetic energy back to electricity, charging the battery. Reduces brake wear.
Regenerative braking is a braking system used in electric and hybrid vehicles that converts kinetic energy back to electrical energy and stores it in the battery. When the driver lifts off the throttle or applies the brakes, the electric motor (which was driving the wheels) reverses to act as a generator, slowing the vehicle and producing electricity. The result is energy recovery instead of conversion to heat as in traditional friction brakes.
Regenerative braking has several benefits. Energy recovery extends EV range (typical real-world energy recovery is 5-15% of total energy used). Brake wear is reduced (the friction brakes are used less, lasting longer). One-pedal driving (where the driver primarily uses the throttle, with regen handling deceleration) is enabled in many EVs. The disadvantage is somewhat different brake feel; some drivers find the transition between regen and friction braking less natural than traditional friction-only braking.
Different EVs implement regen differently. Tesla Model S and Model 3 have aggressive regen by default (the car decelerates noticeably when throttle is released). Porsche Taycan has lighter regen by default (closer to traditional automatic transmission feel). The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has variable regen levels with paddle controls. The choice of regen aggressiveness is partly a driver preference issue.