How do drivers get the most range and durability out of their electric cars? One common answer is in the Regenerative Braking Systems equipped on all our EV and Hybrid BMW vehicles.
How Does Regenerative Braking Work on a BMW?
Converts Kinetic Energy into Electricity
Kinetic energy may not be something you’ve thought a whole lot about since your high school or college physics class, but it is something we’ve thought about a lot. We have figured out how to charge the battery and create electricity from it when otherwise that kinetic energy would be lost in the form of heat.
The vehicle goes into a generator-type mode when you lift your foot off the gas to decelerate or brake. Instead of relying only on traditional friction brakes, the motor slows down the car by converting kinetic energy into electricity.
Electricity Is Directed Back to the Battery
As you brake, coast, or decelerate, our braking system captures that energy, takes it, and stores it in the battery. Each time the electricity is generated through the braking process, it is recovered and directed back to the battery. In other words, each time you brake, your car is recharging itself. It’s like giving yourself a break to recharge, only in this case, the results are tangible, efficient, reliable, and friendly to our environment.
How This Benefits Electric Cars
Improves Overall Efficiency
The energy captured during the braking process is captured and even stored. This not only improves the energy efficiency overall in the car, but it also adds to the overall driving range and distance available in each charge.
Lower Maintenance Costs
Our braking system helps reduce maintenance costs for our luxury vehicle owners by extending the overall lifespan of the brakes and the entire braking system. It also puts less wear and tear on the battery by taking less time to charge and allowing for extended driving ranges.
Intuitive Driving
We’ve ensured that our system operates intuitively by creating a smooth transition from acceleration to braking and deceleration. This allows you to enjoy your drive more and spend less time thinking about how to drive.
Eco-Friendly Choice
We have already shown that this braking system maximizes energy and reduces waste by converting and recovering energy spent into useful electricity and battery power. In doing this, we have reduced the impact of everyday driving on the environment, making it an eco-friendly choice for all our customers.
When you’re ready to see how driving one of our hybrid or fully electric vehicles can give you and your daily travels a much-needed break and recharge, visit BMW of Bloomfield Hills, MI to test out and drive away in one of our luxurious, eco-friendly, reliable, and intuitive vehicles.
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