Cars are getting streamlined and minimalist.
Weve seen approval for vehicleswithout a steering wheel or pedalsin the effort to make cars with increased autonomous capabilities.
How does regenerative braking work?
Just a quick refresher.
In ICEs this kinetic energy is released into the air.
During this action, the flow of electricity from the battery to the motor stops.
However, the rotor still turns along with the wheels.
This enables the motor to act as a generator, creating electricity to recharge the vehicles battery.
Currently, all hybrid and electric car braking systems come with backup friction disc brakes.
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The DS E-TENSE PERFORMANCE is built without disc brakes.
What are the benefits of a car with only regenerative braking?
Even in its combined form,regenerative brakingmakes the carmore efficientby producing energy every time the car brakes.
According to researchers, up to55% of roadside traffic pollutioncomes from non-exhaust particles.
Of this,around 20%comes from brake dust.
This is significant as most people think of exhaust emissions when they think of cars causing pollution.
Brake dust is made of iron particles.
Its because of friction between the iron brake rotor grinding on the brake pads when a vehicle slows down.
This brake dust then wears away and becomes airborne.
Many vehicles, includingelectric ones, contain harmful metallic components in the clutch, engine, and brakes.
But regenerative braking is not the only thing vehicle makers are focusing on.
The Infinity Train will use gravitational energy to recharge its battery-electric systems fully.
It means theres no charging needed for the return trip to reload.
Then, it can return home without the need for manual recharging.
If successful, this R&D can advance the sustainability goals of transport as a whole.
Story byCate Lawrence
Cate Lawrence is an Australian tech journo living in Berlin.
