Analysis of Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems in Electric Vehicles

The recovery of kinetic energy (KER) in electric vehicles was analyzed and characterized. Two main systems were studied: the use of regenerative brakes, and the conversion of potential energy. The paper shows that potential energy is a potential source of kinetic energy recovery with higher efficiency than the traditional system of regenerative brakes. The study compared the rate of KER in both cases for a BMWi3 electric vehicle operating under specific driving conditions; the results of the analysis showed that potential energy conversion can recover up to 88.2%, while the maximum efficiency attained with the regenerative brake system was 60.1%. The study concluded that in driving situations with sudden and frequent changes of vehicle speed due to traffic conditions, such as in urban routes, the use of regenerative brakes was shown to be the best option for KER; however, in intercity routes, driving conditions favored the use of potential energy as a priority system for KER.