Audi E-Tron’s Regenerative Braking System Defies Logic

Audi has detailed the advanced regenerative braking system of the upcoming E-Tron crossover. Prepare to have your mind blown.

According to the German manufacturer, the E-Tron’s electric powertrain works in such a way that in more than 90 per cent of all deceleration maneuvers don’t require touching the brake pedal. How?

The crossover features three different modes of energy recuperation that can add one kilometer (0.6 miles) or range for every kilometer traveled downhill. To do so, the two electric motors work alongside the electro-hydraulically integrated brake control system and the driver has three different modes at their disposal.

The first involves manual coasting recuperation using the shift paddles, the second involves automatic coasting recuperation via the predictive efficiency assist, and the third combines brake recuperation with the partial use of the traditional wheel brakes. This system contributes to up to 30 per cent of the SUV’s total range.

To show off this technology, Audi took a fleet of E-Tron’s to Pikes Peak and was able to travel down the mountain with barely any use of the wheel brakes. In fact, CNET reports that during the descent, the Audi engineer behind the wheel of its e-Tron only had to touch the brake pedal a few times. By the end of the descent, the recuperation system had added 6.8 kWh to the 95 kWh battery pack.

As the traditional brakes are required so rarely, Audi has been forced to develop a daily self-cleaning cycle for them to ensure that the steel discs don’t become rusty.

Over the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), the Audi E-Tron has been rated at 248.5 miles (400 km).

The Audi E-Tron will be unveiled to the world at an event on September 17 in San Francisco.