Sailing or regenerative braking: which is better for range?

When driving an electric car, learning to make the most of every kilometer can make a difference. Between regenerative braking and coasting, which technique really helps you cover those 3 or 4 km more in range? Let’s discover together the advantages, limitations, and ideal contexts of each strategy to understand which is the best ally for electric braking batteries.

What is coasting and why can it gain kilometers 

The principle of inertia movement

Coasting (or "coasting") is a driving technique where the car moves without accelerating or braking. In this condition, the electric motor is off and the wheels spin freely, relying solely on the vehicle's inertia.

The benefits of coasting

• No energy is consumed from the battery

• No resistance from the electric motor

• Speed is naturally maintained

• Ideal on gentle slopes or flat stretches
  
  

Often underestimated, coasting hides immense potential for increasing range. When you manage to coast for several consecutive seconds, the average consumption drops and you gain precious kilometers.

How regenerative braking works

Energy recovery, but with limits

The regenerative braking is an intelligent system that allows the car to recharge its electric braking batteries during deceleration. When you lift your foot off the accelerator or press the brake, the electric motor acts as a generator and converts part of the kinetic energy into electrical energy.

Main advantages

• Energy recovery in urban stretches

• Reduction of wear on mechanical brakes

• Increased efficiency when going up/down

Comparison: is it better to coast or regenerate?

The answer is not absolute but depends on the context and driving style. Here are some key points to compare the two techniques:

• Coasting is perfect when you can anticipate traffic, for example, on rural roads or downhill. In these cases, letting the car go without burdening the motor leads to real savings.

• Regenerative braking performs best in city routes, where slowdowns are frequent and inevitable. Recovering part of the energy during braking helps limit losses.
  
  

In practice, coasting is a preventive strategy, while regenerating is corrective. If you can avoid braking, it’s always better: coasting allows you not to waste a single watt. If, however, you need to slow down, regeneration is a great compromise to avoid losing everything.

Road experiences: how much can you really gain?

Tests conducted by specialized magazines and enthusiasts show that coasting, if well applied, can save 3 or 4 km for every 100 km, especially in rural contexts. In contrast, those relying solely on regenerative braking may achieve partial benefits, but not always equivalent.

The most interesting data? Many drivers find that by learning to coast at the right moments, they can complete critical routes with the last 5% of battery, where they would have previously been stranded.

When is it worth coasting and when is it better to brake and regenerate

Better to coast if:

• You are on a flat stretch or slight descent

• You can maintain a constant speed for many seconds

• You know the road and anticipate slowdowns
  
  

Better to regenerate if:

• You are in the city with frequent stops

• You face significant elevation changes

• You want to limit the use of traditional brakes
  
  

Using both techniques mindfully is the key to truly efficient driving.

The real secret to gaining range is not choosing between coasting or regenerating, but knowing how to combine them. Coasting allows you to avoid waste, while regenerative braking lets you reinject some energy when needed.

Start observing the road ahead more carefully. Anticipate movements, release the accelerator well in advance, and let the car glide. You’ll discover how rewarding it can be to gain a few more kilometers simply by improving your driving style.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about coasting and regenerative braking

Does coasting consume energy?

No, during coasting, the motor is off, and the car moves by inertia, so consumption is practically zero.

Do electric braking batteries charge while coasting?

No. The electric batteries used for braking only charge during regenerative braking. While coasting, consumption is reduced, but no energy is generated.

What is best to increase range by 3 or 4 km?

Coasting is the most efficient technique for small increases in range, if the context allows it. Used together with intelligent regenerative braking, it can make a difference.