07-09-2017, 11:19 AM
Hybrids and all electric vehicles create their own energy to recharge the battery through a process known as regenerative braking (regeneration mode). We have explained what regenerative braking is and how the process works in general terms, but many people are interested in the deepest screws of electricity generation. They understand that in a hybrid or all electric vehicle the word "regenerative", in terms of regenerative braking, means capturing the momentum of the vehicle (kinetic energy) and converting it into electricity that recharges (regenerates) the battery on board while the vehicle is slowing down and / or stopping.
It is this charged battery that in turn activates the electric drive motor of the vehicle. In a fully electric vehicle, this engine is the only source of locomotion. In a hybrid, the engine works in association with an internal combustion engine. But that engine is not only a source of propulsion, but also a generator.
Any permanent magnet motor can function as a motor or generator. In all electric and hybrid, they are called more precisely an engine / generator (M / G). But the technologically curious want to know more, and will often ask "How, and by what mechanism or process, is electricity created?" It's a good question, so before you start explaining how M / Gs and regenerative braking work on hybrids and electric vehicles, it's important to have basic knowledge about how electricity is generated and how an engine / generator works. Take a minute to read how the engines and generators work and then come back for the regenerative braking process.
It is this charged battery that in turn activates the electric drive motor of the vehicle. In a fully electric vehicle, this engine is the only source of locomotion. In a hybrid, the engine works in association with an internal combustion engine. But that engine is not only a source of propulsion, but also a generator.
Any permanent magnet motor can function as a motor or generator. In all electric and hybrid, they are called more precisely an engine / generator (M / G). But the technologically curious want to know more, and will often ask "How, and by what mechanism or process, is electricity created?" It's a good question, so before you start explaining how M / Gs and regenerative braking work on hybrids and electric vehicles, it's important to have basic knowledge about how electricity is generated and how an engine / generator works. Take a minute to read how the engines and generators work and then come back for the regenerative braking process.