As part of the low carbon vehicle technology project, a study was undertaken of the issues associated with regenerative braking control. There are a number of issues that need to be addressed whilst designing these systems, including compliance with legislation, providing good pedal feel and driver confidence, as well as maximising energy recovery.

Whilst many vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers are spending considerable time and resources on investigating regenerative braking and control systems, there is little information in the public domain about how well these systems work in practice, especially with respect to driver confidence and pedal feel.

This paper seeks to contribute to the understanding of these systems and their effectiveness by summarising the legal constraints on these systems and the implications on their design and extensive subjective and objective brake tests. The paper will summarise areas where these systems work well and also where there are shortcomings, as well as highlighting some of the strategic decisions that need to be made when developing the control strategies.

Curry, Eddie - MIRA Limited