regenerative braking

American

[ri-jen-er-uh-tiv brey-king] / rɪˈdʒɛn ər ə tɪv ˈbreɪ kɪŋ /

noun

a braking system that captures the kinetic energy used to stop a vehicle and converts it into electricity to recharge the vehicle's batteries.

If a car is expected to usually be used in stop-go driving, the regenerative braking can be very beneficial.

Etymology

Origin of regenerative braking

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The regenerative braking thresholds are adjustable by way of a paddle shifter on the back of the steering wheel.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

The cars have fully recyclable aluminum shells and a regenerative braking system, according to LAWA.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2024

Like many electric vehicles, the Jaguar I-Pace offers regenerative braking, in which the energy created as the car brakes is re-captured and sent back to the battery.

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2024

From regenerative braking to the quiet hum of battery-powered cruising, electric vehicles are upending many a fundamental when it comes to the traditional driving experience.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 22, 2024

I do wish both the Porsche and Audi offered more-robust settings for regenerative braking to allow “one pedal” electric driving.

From New York Times • Mar. 10, 2022

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023