What is Regenerative Braking?

Regenerative braking is a technology that captures kinetic energy generated when a vehicle or rotating body decelerates and converts it into electrical energy, rather than wasting it as heat. As of 2026, it is an essential technology adopted across all industries—including EVs, robots (AGV/AMR), elevators, and heavy equipment—to achieve carbon neutrality and maximize efficiency.

Main Principles and Necessity of Regenerative Braking

In mobility applications, the motor acts as a generator during deceleration, generating back-electromotive force (back-EMF). This current is sent to an Energy Storage System (ESS) for reuse.

• Increased Driving Range: Extends the driving range for electric vehicles.
• Cost Reduction: Reduces maintenance costs by minimizing wear on physical brakes.
• Energy Efficiency: Optimizes overall system power consumption by recycling wasted energy.

Disadvantages and Limitations of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries (LiB) have critical weaknesses in high-power situations:

• Slow Acceptance (Low C-Rate): Cannot absorb sudden high current, releasing it as heat.
• Rapid Lifespan Reduction: Frequent intense charging promotes dendrite formation.
• Thermal Management Issues: Spike in battery temperatures increases fire risk.

Strengths of Supercapacitors: High Power & Long Life

Supercapacitors perfectly complement the limitations of batteries through physical charge adsorption:

• Overwhelming Power Density: Absorbs most regenerative energy without loss.
• Superior Lifespan: Guarantees a cycle life far superior to batteries.
• Reliability: High reliability in extreme low and high temperatures.

Application Example: HSS (Battery + Supercapacitor)

HSS (Hybrid energy Storage System) leverages both energy storage capacity and high power output to maximize system efficiency.