What is the role of regenerative braking in improving EV efficiency?

Regenerative braking plays a significant role in enhancing the efficiency of electric vehicles (EVs) by recovering kinetic energy during braking and converting it into electrical energy, which is then used to recharge the vehicle's battery. When an EV slows down or comes to a stop, the electric motor that usually drives the vehicle acts as a generator. Instead of wasting the kinetic energy as heat in conventional friction brakes, this process allows the vehicle to capture some of that energy and store it for future use.

This not only extends the driving range of the EV by making better use of the energy originally used to accelerate the vehicle but also reduces the wear on traditional braking components, leading to lower maintenance costs over time. It essentially recycles energy that would otherwise be lost, thereby improving overall energy efficiency and contributing to the sustainability of electric mobility.

The other options, while relating to different aspects of vehicle design and operation, do not correctly describe the function or benefits of regenerative braking in the context of improving EV energy efficiency.