Regenerative braking powers BEV performance gains

What’s powering this leap in capability? S&P Global Mobility’s forecast for BEV performance is grounded in solid data and clear trends. Key drivers include:

• Battery technology: Higher nickel-content chemistries and the upcoming introduction of solid-state batteries boost energy density and power output, enabling faster acceleration and higher top speeds.

• Powertrain innovation: Silicon carbide inverters and more efficient electric motors reduce drivetrain losses and improve responsiveness. This means BEVs can deliver power more effectively, with instant torque and smooth acceleration. 

• Thermal management: Improved cooling systems keep performance high during extended use, allowing BEVs to operate at high power levels without overheating — essential for performance and battery longevity. S&P Global Mobility’s E-Mobility Technology Module emphasizes the critical role of thermal management in maintaining peak performance.

Together, these innovations ensure BEVs deliver consistent, engaging performance under real-world conditions.

Understanding performance also means comparing BEVs to their ICE counterparts. Performance modeling — analyzing how a vehicle accelerates, handles and responds under different conditions — differs fundamentally for BEVs and ICE vehicles. Electric motors provide peak torque instantly, enabling immediate acceleration, while ICE vehicles must rev to reach peak torque, creating a noticeable lag in response. This key difference significantly alters the driving experience.

BEVs also benefit from a lower center of gravity due to battery placement, which improves handling and stability. Unlike ICE vehicles, which are constrained by engine heat, BEVs must carefully manage battery and motor temperatures, particularly during high-demand situations, to maintain performance and prolong battery life. These shifts underscore that BEVs are not just efficient, they are redefining performance.

Regenerative braking efficiency is one key factor driving BEV performance. Regenerative braking — a system that converts kinetic energy into stored electricity during deceleration — enhances BEV efficiency by capturing energy that would otherwise be wasted. These systems can recover up to 30% of energy during braking, improving efficiency and extending range. Regenerative braking in electric cars, particularly in premium models, is achieving energy recovery rates exceeding 70% under optimal conditions — transforming every stop and slowdown into an opportunity to increase range.

S&P Global Mobility’s research showed that regenerative braking systems gained traction across all BEV segments. In 2024, over 90% of new BEVs featured some form of regenerative braking. As this technology became standard, and as manufacturers refined their systems, improved efficiency rates were observed—some systems achieved energy recovery rates exceeding 70% under optimal conditions.

S&P Global Mobility projects distinct adoption patterns across regenerative-braking adjustment types. The chart below shows the percentage take-rate for each option — multimedia-system integration, gear selector-knobs, mode-selection buttons, multi-option interfaces and pedal shifters. This highlights where OEMs and customers are converging on preferred interaction models.  

These choices embody trade-offs between cost, safety, driver learning and software flexibility (for example, infotainment integration enables OTA updates and easier customization, while tactile controls appeal to performance-oriented buyers). The chart explains not just that regenerative braking is ubiquitous, but how it will be surfaced to drivers across segments through 2030