Book 22, Question 42
How Do Electric and Hybrid Cars Save Energy While Braking?
Electric and hybrid cars save energy while braking by using the turning wheels to make electricity that charges the battery.
Most brakes turn a car's moving energy into wasted heat. But electric and hybrid cars have a clever trick. They save the energy to use again!
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Quick answers
What is this called?
This is called regenerative braking.
How does it work?
When the car brakes, a generator makes electricity from the turning wheels and sends it back to the battery.
Can you plug in a hybrid?
No. A hybrid's battery is charged by the engine and by braking instead.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy
More fun facts
- A hybrid car has a gasoline engine plus one or more electric motors that run on batteries.
- A hybrid can't be plugged in to charge its battery.
- Instead, its battery gets charged by the engine and by braking.
- When the car brakes, a generator makes electricity from the turning wheels and sends it back to the battery.
- This is called regenerative braking.
- The battery can also cut down on engine idling when the car is stopped.
Sources: U.S. Department of Energy
Questions kids ask
Why can a hybrid have a smaller engine?
The extra push from the electric motor can let carmakers use a smaller engine.