It’s been approximately twenty years since the first electric vehicles went mainstream and forever changed the way the world would view transportation. Consumers have found that there are countless perks to switching from a traditional gas vehicle to one that’s fully electric or even a hybrid. Besides the obvious long term benefits to our wallets and the environment, electric vehicles are much more energy efficient and simpler to maintain than traditional cars.

What is Regenerative Braking?

Did you know that electric cars use a completely different type of braking system than traditional gas vehicles do? The technology going on behind the scenes in electric braking systems is pretty incredible and can be found in electric bikes, scooters, skateboards and more! These brakes work by storing the energy that typically is lost in braking for future use. The motor of the vehicle works like a reverse generator and stores the energy until it’s next needed to accelerate.

Maintenance

Electric vehicles are praised for their minimal maintenance requirements from the fluids and the battery to the brakes. Due to the fact that much less energy and wear is put on these braking systems, regenerative brakes can last twice as long as traditional brakes. Keep in mind that the brake pads and brake fluid still need to be inspected, topped up, and changed periodically.

Conclusion

Purchasing a vehicle can be one of the largest financial commitments we make in our lives. Part of being a responsible vehicle owner are regular services and maintenance to ensure longevity and most importantly, safety. The braking system in your car is responsible for the safety of you and others, and only you are responsible for your brakes. Whether or not you have a vehicle with regenerative braking, trust the experts at Mike’s Brake and Alignment Shop for high quality brake services every time!