Skip to main content

I really like the Tesla regenerative braking

Regenerative braking is simple - it uses the electric motor to slow down the car, while generating electricity and recharging the battery. It is almost magic. The other day I was driving along stretch of downhill highway. At the top of the hill, the car displayed 220 miles of range. When I reached the end of the downhill stretch, it showed 224 miles. I drove the car, did not have to use the brakes (no wear, no dust of brake pads - good for the environment) and also "recharged" my battery. You can see when and how much it generates by the length of the green bar on the display. Again, simple concept, but still amazing!

I also noticed that using regenerative braking leads to a smoother, forward planning and more efficient driving style overall. When I approach a STOP sign, I slowly ease acceleration and try to stop at the sign without using the brake. Just after a few weeks it's all automatic, and frankly, I really try to not use the brakes at all. It makes driving even more quieter, flowing and calm. I think it takes out some of the stress of driving, because everything feels smooth. And if you need a little kick, there is always the Tesla acceleration!

Also, sometimes the reg braking is limited, and there is a green icon on the display. This happens for various reasons, either the battery is fully charged (100%) or the outside temperature are too hot or cold for charging the battery. Usually, after a few minutes of driving it recovers. One more reason not to charge to 100% when you live on a hill. You charge to 95% and then go down the hill, ending up with 100% - at least in theory. 



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

My new Tesla Model Y

Early in August 2023, I finally decided to place an order for a Model Y - from the App. No dealership, no haggling, no waiting, I just configured it and placed an order on the iPhone.  A couple weeks later, I got the text - it's ready. I had decided to pick it up in Fremont - where the car is made. And I have to say this car is amazing. It's not only my first new car (my whole life I saved money by buying used cars, mostly Honda's) it is an amazing car. It's beautiful, it is quiet, it is luxurious, it is fast (really fast), it has amazing audio (love Spotify streaming!) and the interior is so sporty/comfortable/simple you just want to sit in there. But most important was that I can charge it almost everywhere (SuperCharger network) and that it has lots of cargo space for my work. Everyday, when I see it in my driveway I still cannot believe that this is my car now.  I have been waiting for this for almost 10 years (I will explain in a later post why I waited to buy a Te...

How to maximize the range of a Tesla or any other EV

Most Teslas offer a range between 270 and 400+ miles. Of course that is just a theoretical calculated number and depends on many factors such as temperature, driving style, up/downhill, etc. Some of the conditions you have influence over (driving style, etc. ) and others not (temperature, uphill, etc.). Here are some tips and consideration on how to maximize the range: Moderate acceleration of car reduces energy consumption  Lower highway speed: 60 or 65 instead of 708 or 75  Use Regenerative braking (recharge battery versus brake pedal when slowing down Reduce the use of heating and cooling (AC) when possible Minimize the load (remove weight that is not being used from car) Remove roof rack when not used Limit sentry mode to places where necessary (e.g. turn off at home if possible) Have tires with correct tire pressure In summary, there are many ways to conserve energy and maximize range, but I guess the two most important factors are quick acceleration and high speed on fre...

Tesla and Hilton Hotels announce 20,000 EV chargers at 2000 Hilton locations in North America

As a follow up to my recent article on how to charge your Tesla for free , I just saw that Tesla and Hilton announced a partnership to install 20,000 chargers at 2000 Hilton locations in North America. In my other article I was describing how level 2 destination chargers are a great way for businesses to attract and retain customers. They usually offer charging for free if the customers buy/use their services (lodging) or products (food, etc. ). It is interesting that Hilton will use the new Tesla "Universal Wall Connector". This wall connector supports both charging standards, the Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) and the J1772 adapter - making it very easy to charge Tesla and non-Tesla EV's. I am planning a business trip and actually will stay at a Hilton in the next few months. It looks like the partnership will start in 2024, but I am interested if the place I selected already offers charging and what type of charger they offer.  With the increasing adopti...