Yes, regenerative braking can often be adjusted while driving, depending on the vehicle and its controls. Various electric and hybrid vehicles provide ways to control the level of regenerative braking on the fly, allowing drivers to customize how much deceleration they experience when lifting off the accelerator or pressing the regen control.
Methods to Adjust Regenerative Braking While Driving
- Steering Wheel Paddle Shifters:
Some vehicles, like certain Kia EV models, let drivers adjust regenerative braking intensity via paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Pulling the left paddle increases regen braking levels (up to a maximum level), while pulling the right paddle decreases it. Holding the left paddle can even bring the vehicle to a complete stop using regen braking alone. This allows on-the-fly fine-tuning of deceleration strength while driving. - Touchscreen Controls:
Tesla Model Y owners can change the regenerative braking level using the touchscreen interface under Controls > Dynamics > Deceleration Mode. They can choose between modes like “Standard” (maximum regen braking) and “Reduced” (less aggressive regen, allowing longer coasting). This setting can be changed while the vehicle is moving, affecting how quickly the car slows down when releasing the accelerator. - One-Pedal vs Two-Pedal Modes:
Some cars, such as Honda and Ford Mustang Mach-E, offer “One-Pedal Driving” modes that maximize regenerative braking and allow the car to slow significantly when the accelerator is released. Drivers can toggle one-pedal driving on or off, thereby adjusting how strong the regen braking feels. Additionally, some vehicles provide “Regen On-demand” paddles to increase deceleration temporarily, even if one-pedal driving mode is off. - Adjusting by Accelerator Pedal Release:
In some vehicles like the Chevy Bolt EV, the degree of regenerative braking can be subtly adjusted by how quickly or how far the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal. Faster or more complete lift-off can trigger stronger regenerative braking, making it a more intuitive, though less direct, method of control.
Summary
- Many modern EVs and hybrids allow regenerative braking adjustment while driving through paddle shifters, touchscreen controls, or selectable driving modes.
- The adjustments can range from mild regenerative braking (longer coasting) to aggressive braking (strong slowing down when lifting off the throttle).
- In some cars, holding a paddle shifter can bring the vehicle to a complete stop using regenerative braking alone.
- The availability and range of these adjustments depend on the vehicle make and model.
This flexibility lets drivers tailor regenerative braking to their comfort, driving conditions, and efficiency preference.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/can-regenerative-braking-be-adjusted-while-driving/
