More efficient driving thanks to recuperation

Range plays a major role for e-car owners in everyday life and on longer trips. It determines how flexible and carefree we are when traveling with an electric vehicle. In this article, we look at how you can get the most out of every charge thanks to recuperation. 

Recuperation is a key technology in electric cars that helps to increase efficiency and extend range. Recuperation, also known as energy recovery, is the conversion of kinetic energy into electrical energy. In electric and hybrid vehicles, this happens when you release the accelerator pedal or brake. The electric motor functions as a generator and feeds the recovered energy into the battery. The result: A longer range and more efficient use of vehicle energy. This mechanism can significantly improve your range and extend the service life of your mechanical brakes, especially in frequent stop-and-go city traffic or when driving downhill for long periods.

1. Increase in range: The recovered energy is fed directly into the vehicle's battery. This increases the range of your electric or hybrid car. You spend less time at a charging station and save money.
2. Fuel savings with hybrids: In hybrid vehicles, recuperation supports the electric motor, which reduces the consumption of the combustion engine. This allows you to save fuel and improve your carbon footprint at the same time.
3. Reduced brake wear: Because recuperation reduces kinetic energy, the demands placed on mechanical brakes are lower. This leads to a longer service life for the brakes and lower maintenance costs.
4. Environmental protection: By using energy more efficiently and reducing fuel consumption, you actively contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions.

Here are some practical tips to help you maximize energy recovery, saving you time and money:

Drive with foresight
Good route planning and a smooth driving style maximize the efficiency of recuperation. The most common navigation systems help you find an energy-saving route. Choose routes with a steady flow of traffic and fewer gradients to increase the recuperation potential. Also consider the locations of charging stations to plan your route so that you can maximize the opportunities for energy recovery. Brake gently and with foresight in order to recover kinetic energy optimally. Frequent, abrupt braking leads to more energy being unused and lost.

Consciously select your driving mode 
The driving mode you choose has a significant influence on recuperation. Recuperation is most effective in Eco mode because it generates strong deceleration when the accelerator pedal is released. Use this mode especially when you are traveling in a city and want a high level of energy recovery. Comfort mode provides a smoother driving experience, but recuperation is less pronounced here. Sport mode contributes the least to recuperation. 

Use one-pedal driving
Some electric vehicles enable so-called one-pedal driving, in which the vehicle decelerates sharply as soon as you take your foot off the accelerator. This means that the braking energy can be optimally recovered, and you don't need to use the mechanical brakes as often.

Set recuperation levels manually
Many vehicles have shift paddles on the steering wheel or in the infotainment system, which you can use to manually adjust the recuperation levels. A higher level enables greater energy recovery, while a lower level offers smoother deceleration and more driving comfort. Use this function to adapt the driving experience to the current traffic situation.

Regular maintenance
Make sure you have your vehicle serviced regularly. This is the only way to ensure that all systems, including recuperation, function optimally. 

The battery is the heart of every electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle. Our optional Battery Plus cover module offers protection against the financial consequences of battery problems: Costs arising from damage or excessive loss of capacity in the first three years of operation are covered. In addition, the insurance covers disposal costs for the battery of up to a maximum of CHF 2,000.

And if you do get stuck: Our roadside assistance service for electric vehicles is on hand around the clock to help you quickly in the event of an empty battery or other emergency situation.