Regenerative Braking

A central question not yet examined in the literature is whether regenerative braking provides a kinematic negative acceleration advantage in time and distance over traditional driver accelerator release and service braking. This research explores three conditions of braking (traditional service braking, a low level of regenerative braking, and a high level of regenerative braking) to determine any safety advantages regenerative braking may offer. Thirty participants took part in a simulator study with a between-subjects study design, allocating 10 participants per condition. The study drive took place in a simulator and involved three braking events. The results showed a significant difference between the means of the three conditions for average acceleration of the vehicle in the time interval between the driver releasing the accelerator and pressing the brake for all three events. When events 1 and 2 were combined, there was significance with the same variable, as well as with maximum brake force. The significant measure, which compared the three means of the average acceleration of the vehicle in the time interval between throttle release and brake press, did indicate an acceleration advantage that was imparted to the driver. However, this advantage was not observed to propagate into traditional safety measures such as minimum TTC.