Video narration
When an electric car slows down, it can do more than just waste energy as heat. With regenerative braking, the wheels turn the electric motor, but instead of using power, the motor works in reverse as a generator. That converts the car’s motion—its kinetic energy—into electrical energy. This electricity is sent back to the battery, giving you a small recharge while you slow down. Mechanical brakes still help when you need stronger stops, but regen recovers energy that friction brakes would lose.