The article discusses the energy recovery advantages of electric vehicles (EVs), particularly through regenerative braking versus coasting. It highlights a test drive of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, which features two modes for regenerative braking. The findings suggest that while regenerative braking is generally more effective and contributes to energy conservation, coasting can be advantageous in certain conditions. Factors like terrain, vehicle aerodynamics, and driving style significantly influence the efficiency of both methods, with coasting proving more beneficial on flat surfaces than in hilly areas.
One of the greatest advantages electric vehicles have over internal combustion vehicles is their ability to recover energy while slowing down. Instead of wasting the kinetic energy, EVs convert it to electricity, feeding power back into the battery.
In short, I found that regen was more effective overall but it wasn't always the best way to maximize range.
The impact of coasting on efficiency depends on several factors: topography, aerodynamics, vehicle weight, driving style and even weather. It's the most effective on flat terrain and gentle downhill slopes.
The ID. Buzz gets 86 kilowatt-hours of usable battery capacity. The EPA-rated 231-mile range on the AWD trims gives it an efficiency of 2.7 miles per kilowatt-hours.
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