Brake energy recuperation is an important factor for efficient driving. Using the rocker switch behind the steering wheel, the driver decides whether the vehicle should coast or recover energy as soon as they take their foot off the accelerator. If the D (Drive) position is engaged, the ID.3 will switch to coasting in most situations – the electric drive motor then rotates with almost zero load. If position B (Brake) is engaged, overrun recuperation will generally be activated. The electric drive motor then operates as a generator and feeds the power that is produced by the rolling vehicle back into the battery. Depending on the driver’s preference, the Eco Assistance system can manage the coasting and recuperation processes as soon as the vehicle approaches an area with a reduced speed limit. The system uses information including navigation data to do this.
All gentle deceleration and a large amount of moderate deceleration are also performed by the electric drive motor using recuperation. The ID.3 models can brake purely electrically up to a deceleration rate of about 0.3 g. This corresponds to a recuperation power of more than 100 kW. The hydraulic wheel brakes do not step in until above this point. This transition is practically unnoticeable for the driver, and recuperation remains active almost until the vehicle comes to a stop.
Addendum, 02/20/23