What does the term "regenerative braking" refer to?

Regenerative braking refers to the process of recovering kinetic energy that would otherwise be lost as heat during braking in electric and hybrid vehicles. When the driver applies the brakes, instead of simply dissipating that energy through friction, regenerative braking systems convert some of this kinetic energy back into electrical energy. This energy is then directed to the vehicle's battery for later use, effectively extending the vehicle's range and improving overall energy efficiency. This technology is especially important in electric vehicles where maximizing battery efficiency can significantly enhance performance and driving range.

The other choices do not accurately represent regenerative braking. Turning the vehicle's lights off during braking does not relate to energy recovery, while merely using brakes to slow down a vehicle pertains to traditional braking methods that do not harness energy. Lastly, while applying resistance can improve braking performance, it does not specifically involve the energy recovery component that defines regenerative braking.