News Excerpt: 

Electric vehicles are central to efforts towards sustainability aided by state-led incentives and subsidies and Regenerative braking is an important mechanism in these vehicles that increases their energy use efficiency.

What is Electric Regenerative Braking?

• Regenerative braking is a mechanism in electric vehicles (EVs) that converts the kinetic energy of the wheels into a storable form for future use. 
• When a vehicle brakes, it slows down by removing kinetic energy. Regenerative braking converts this mechanical energy into electrical energy which can be stored.

Role in Energy Conservation

• In an EV, the battery powers an electric motor (traction motor) to convert electrical energy into mechanical motion. 

• During braking, the motor acts as a generator, converting mechanical energy back into electrical energy, which is then stored in the battery. 

• This process helps recover some of the energy that would otherwise be lost as heat in conventional braking systems.

Feasibility and Limitations

• While regenerative braking improves energy efficiency, it has some limitations. 

• It often cannot bring a vehicle to a complete stop, requiring a conventional braking system to dissipate the remaining kinetic energy as heat. 
• Additionally, the energy recovered decreases as the vehicle's speed drops. 
• Despite these challenges, regenerative braking is particularly beneficial in stop-and-start traffic conditions, significantly improving the overall energy efficiency of EVs.

Additional Energy Recovery Methods

• Regenerative braking can also convert mechanical energy into other forms, such as increasing the angular momentum of flywheels or compressing air in a pump.
• Flywheels, for instance, can store energy quickly and efficiently, making them useful in various applications, including augmenting engine output in racing or assisting navigation in submarines and satellites.

Conclusion: By implementing regenerative braking, EVs not only enhance their energy efficiency but also contribute to broader sustainability goals by reducing the reliance on external energy sources and improving overall vehicle performance.