Knowing How Regenerative Braking Works In Electric Cars

Hyundai Ioniq 6. (Doc. Hyundai Motor Group)

JAKARTA - Electric cars (EVs) have a different technology from conventional combustion engine (ICE) cars. In addition to differences in the heart of the runway and energy source, one of the unique features EVs have is a system called regenerative braking.

This feature has been adopted in various EV models, including Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6. Regenerative braking is claimed to play an important role in increasing energy efficiency in electric cars.

Bonar Pakpahan, Product Expert from PT Hyundai Motors Indonesia (HMID), explained that this system is capable of charging batteries by utilizing the kinetic energy produced when the car slows down or during braking. The energy that is usually wasted during the braking process can now be taken and converted into electrical energy that can be stored in a battery.

"This process is a form of energy returns, where kinetic energy that appears when the car slows down or braking can be returned and used as needed," said Bonar, as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, October 5.

Although this regenerative braking system has a similar principle to braking an internal combustion engine car, which wastes energy during the braking process, electric cars are able to optimize and utilize it as a resource.

When the driver removes the gas pedal on an electric car, the electric motor is still moving thanks to the kinetic energy of the vehicle's movement. This energy is then converted into electric power that charges the battery.

In addition to contributing to battery charging, regenerative braking also reduces dependence on conventional brakes, makes braking more efficient, and extends the life of the brake disk. This means the car can slow down to stop by itself when the driver removes the gas pedal, without having to step on the brake pedal.

Thus, regenerative braking not only increases energy efficiency in electric cars, but also makes motorists more efficient and reduce brake usage, which in turn can increase brake component resistance. An innovation that further strengthens the advantage of electric cars in the modern automotive market.