City driving can play to an EV’s strengths
Stop. Go. Brake. Repeat. In a petrol or diesel car, that kind of driving usually means more wasted energy.
In an electric car, some of that energy can be recovered. EU vehicle regulations define electric regenerative braking as a system that converts some of the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electrical energy while the car is slowing down.
At the same time, lower urban speeds can reduce the energy needed to push through the air. That means city traffic is not necessarily bad news for an EV. In the right conditions, it can actually be where an electric car feels most efficient.
Traffic is not always bad news for an EV
When a petrol or diesel car slows down, much of the car’s movement is turned into heat by the brakes. An electric car can recover part of that energy instead.
With regenerative braking, the motor helps slow the car while converting some of its movement back into electrical energy. This is the same principle described in EU braking regulations.
So every red light is not exactly a free recharge, but some energy that would otherwise be lost can be reused.
Why city driving can suit an EV
One reason is simple: lower speeds. At motorway speeds, the car has to work harder against the air.
Research from the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre found that a simulated battery electric car used more energy during motorway driving, with higher air resistance and higher motor speed contributing to the increase.
Around town, speeds are usually lower and there are more opportunities for regenerative braking as the car slows down. That combination can make urban driving surprisingly well suited to an EV.
There can also be a maintenance benefit. The European Commission notes that battery electric cars generally need less brake-part replacement because regenerative braking reduces wear on the conventional brakes.
Does that mean traffic is good for your range?
Not always. Temperature, heating or air conditioning, hills, rapid acceleration, traffic conditions and the individual vehicle can all affect how much energy an EV uses.
But slow urban driving is not automatically bad for an EV. In many situations, lower speeds and regenerative braking can make city journeys more efficient than people expect.
Quick Q&A
Questions, answered.
Tap a question for a quick, evidence-based answer.
What is regenerative braking?
It is a system that uses the electric motor during deceleration to convert some of the car’s movement back into electrical energy. EUR-Lex describes this process in EU braking regulations.
Does an EV recharge every time I brake?
It can recover some energy when slowing down, but not all braking energy is captured. The amount depends on the vehicle, the situation and how the braking system is being used.
Why can motorway driving use more energy?
Higher speeds increase aerodynamic resistance. Joint Research Centre simulations also found higher energy consumption for a battery electric car during motorway driving than in the comparison test cycle.
Does regenerative braking replace normal brakes?
No. EVs still have conventional friction brakes. Regenerative braking works alongside them and can reduce how often the friction brakes need to do the work.
A quick reality charge
Your commute might suit an EV better than you think
Traffic lights. Roundabouts. Slow-moving streets. They may not sound like ideal driving conditions.
But an EV can recover some energy when slowing down, while lower speeds can reduce the energy needed to overcome air resistance.
Sometimes, going slower really can take you further.