How Regenerative Braking Systems Work

One of the newest technologies to grace the automotive industry is regenerative braking. This groundbreaking innovation is what fully electric and gas-electric hybrid vehicles use, such as the Chevrolet Volt, now available here at Cox Chevy in Bradenton. Let’s take a look at how it works!

Traditional Brakes vs. Regenerative Brakes

Traditional brakes use a signal that compresses brake pads onto the rotor, causing the wheel to slow and then stop. The friction causes heat, and heat is energy, but this energy is lost while trying to stop the vehicle.

Regenerative brakes recapture some of the energy that would be lost via traditional braking methods. Physics states that energy is never actually destroyed, it just changes from one form to another form. In traditional braking, the form that the friction energy is transformed into is heat. In regenerative braking, the friction is changed into an energy that the engine can use.

How it Works

In electric and electric hybrid vehicles, the way that the motor works is tied into the braking system, and switches the engine into operating in reverse, which counters the direction of the wheels. This reversal basically turns the engine into a power generator, so the energy from the brakes is powering the engine, which then helps charge the battery. This won’t completely recharge the battery, because you drive the car more than you apply the brakes. The regenerative brakes can operate as the sole braking system at lower speeds, but at higher speeds and emergencies, the traditional brakes are needed to quickly stop the vehicle.

The Chevy Volt

The Chevrolet Volt is an electric and gas car that has regenerative brakes, making it the ideal choice for commuters who consistently deal with stop-and-go traffic. Volt drivers report going an average of 900 miles between fill-ups, and charging costs about $1.60 a day. The electric-only range of the Chevy Volt is 38 miles, which is farther than the average commuter drives their car, so the average commute actually costs less than $1.60. Trust us, It’ll feel good to pass all of those gas stations.

Test Drive a Chevy Volt at Cox Chevrolet

Cox Chevrolet has the latest Chevrolet Volt models currently in stock, with a variety of trim styles and options. We’re a family business that knows how to meet your family’s needs with a new car, so visit our dealership soon! We are located at 2900 Cortez Road West in Bradenton, and can be contacted by dialing 941-749-2699.