Regeneration, an important factor of electric driving which is often overlooked. Although the range, regardless of the regeneration, should be sufficient, it is an aspect which can have a surprisingly big influence on the battery capacity and energy consumption.
What is regeneration and how does it work?
Regeneration is a process where the electric motor works as a generator during braking, converting the vehicle’s kinetic energy back into electrical energy. This energy is then stored in the vehicle’s battery, helping to extend the driving range by reusing energy that would otherwise be lost as heat in traditional braking systems.
When a driver lifts their foot off the accelerator in an electric vehicle, the electric motor begins to operate in reverse. Instead of using electricity to drive the wheels, the wheels drive the motor, which acts as a generator. This slows the vehicle down and produces electricity, which is fed back into the battery. The amount of energy recovered can vary based on the driving conditions and how aggressively the driver slows down the vehicle.
Influencing regeneration
The amount of regeneration can be influenced by several factors:
- Driving Terrain: Hilly or mountainous terrain can enhance regenerative braking, as the vehicle has more opportunities to convert downhill motion into energy. Flat terrain provides fewer chances for regeneration.
- Speed: Regeneration is more effective at higher speeds, where there’s more kinetic energy to be converted back into electricity.
- Driving Style: Driving style significantly impacts the regeneration of an electric vehicle. Smooth, controlled acceleration and gradual deceleration allow the regenerative braking system to capture more energy, which is fed back into the battery. In contrast, aggressive driving with rapid acceleration and hard braking reduces the efficiency of regeneration, as the system may not have enough time to convert kinetic energy effectively.
Data monitoring
With Ebusco Live, the buses can be monitored and driving data can be collected. Each day, alongside other data, the consumption and regeneration are registered.
As shown in the image below, this real-life example highlights a regeneration rate of up to 38.48%. However, it also illustrates how driving behaviour can significantly impact the percentage of regeneration.
This 10% missed regeneration equates to approximately 35 kWh. Given a consumption rate of 0.65 kWh per kilometre, this results in more than 50 lost kilometres which the vehicle could have driven with optimal regeneration.
Optimising regeneration reduces overall power consumption, which not only extends your vehicle’s range but also cuts costs and lessens environmental impact. Educating drivers on how to effectively operate an electric vehicle can therefore be highly beneficial.
To help maximise the efficiency of electric vehicles, Ebusco offers driver training sessions. These sessions demonstrate the best practices for operating an electric bus. Ebusco’s goal has always been to minimise energy consumption, but by integrating product innovation with daily operations, we can truly make a difference.