How does regenerative braking contribute to an EV's range?

Regenerative braking plays a vital role in extending an electric vehicle's range by converting kinetic energy produced during braking back into electrical energy. When a driver applies the brakes in an EV, the electric motor that normally drives the vehicle is reversed, acting as a generator. It captures the energy that would otherwise be lost as heat during traditional braking and channels it back into the battery. This process replenishes the battery's energy reserves, allowing the vehicle to use that stored energy again for propulsion. As a result, regenerative braking enhances overall efficiency and maximizes the distance an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge.