Regenerative Braking

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Mercury Milan, 2011 Lincoln MKZ, and 2011 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

During a braking event (not an ABS or other stability control event), the regenerative braking system utilizes the electric motor portion of the Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) as a generator to create electrical current. This current is used to recharge the High Voltage Traction Battery (HVTB) and creates brake torque that is used in place of, or in combination with, the conventional friction brakes to slow the vehicle. The amount of brake torque provided by the electric motor is dependent upon the state-of-charge of the HVTB. When the HVTB is almost fully charged, the amount of brake torque provided is limited to avoid overcharging the HVTB and vehicle deceleration is produced by conventional friction braking alone.