An ID.3 breaking on a road

Regenerative braking: what is it and how does it impact range?

Plugging into a charge point isn’t the only way to top up your battery.

Volkswagen electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are able to convert the kinetic energy that’s created when braking into electrical energy as the motor converts to a generator, resulting in a increase in overall range.

How does brake energy recuperation work?

Volkswagen electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are powered by electrical energy. This is why we connect them to an electric power source to gain charge. However, there are other energy sources that can be harnessed when driving. For example, an electric motor draws power from its battery to turn the wheels, creating the kinetic energy (the energy of motion) needed to move. However, when the brakes are applied, the process switches into reverse mode, meaning the energy is redirected back to the battery as electrical energy

Illustration showing how braking recuperation works
Kinetic energy from wheel movement

Brake energy recuperation on the ID.3

As opposed to its combustion engine counterparts, the ID.3 not only uses a front brake and rear brake, but also recuperation for deceleration. The drum-shaped, closed system design of the ID.3’s brakes also decreases the amount of pollution released and protects from cold and wet. Because the design also lessens the stress on the brake pads, a technician will only need to check them once every two years as opposed to yearly.

Illustration of the brake system in ID.3
The brake system in an ID.3

Driving modes: drive it your way

One-size-fits-all has never been our philosophy. Volkswagen electric vehicles come with three distinct driving modes to give you total control over how your car’s power is distributed. They range from making your journey more efficient, to a profile that’s built for performance.

Normal Mode

Gives you full use of climate control systems. It brings down the overall range of the car but is perfect for very hot or cold days.

ECO Mode

Directs less power towards the climate control systems. It’s the ideal setting if you only need to slightly alter the climate in the cabin.

ECO+ Mode

Diverts all power to the electric motor to maximise your car’s range.

Next steps

Important information :

^If you are selecting a Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7, ID.7 Tourer or ID.Buzz then prices shown are the MDP (Manufacturer's Direct Price).  This is the price set by Volkswagen which you pay for the vehicle.  Volkswagen ID vehicles are sold by Volkswagen UK, a trading division of Volkswagen Group United Kingdom Limited (please note that you will need to visit an authorised Volkswagen Retailer (acting as agent for Volkswagen UK) to order, purchase and take delivery of your Volkswagen ID vehicle).  The MDP includes delivery to an authorised Volkswagen Retailer (acting as agent for Volkswagen UK), number plates, new vehicle registration fee, the first year's Vehicle Excise Duty and VAT (calculated at 20%).  You can find out more about the Volkswagen model for selling ID vehicles by clicking https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/en/legal/mdp-explained.html.

If you are selecting any other Volkswagen vehicle (excluding the Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7, ID.7 Tourer or ID.Buzz) then prices listed are Manufacturer’s ‘On the road’ Recommended Retail Price. Actual prices are set by Volkswagen authorised retailers in their sole discretion – always obtain these prices from your chosen Volkswagen Retailer.  Recommended On-The-Road (OTR) retail prices include: delivery charge, number plates, new vehicle registration fee, the first year's Vehicle Excise Duty and VAT (calculated at 20%). Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information above. Prices are taken from the Volkswagen website - this website contains a large number of products and it is always possible that, despite our best efforts, some of the products listed may be incorrectly priced. Volkswagen may change prices at any time (this includes where there are government changes in regulation and/or legislation). There may be a delay to any price displaying correctly on our materials and it is always possible that, despite our best efforts, some vehicles may be incorrectly priced. Always check prices with your local retailer.

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