Recuperation
When a vehicle brakes, the discs convert the kinetic energy into thermal energy, which is wasted as it cannot be used.
With a recuperation system, like the one in the Audi A1, the kinetic energy is converted into useful electrical energy. The way it works is simple. While the car is coasting or braking, the alternator voltage is raised above the level of the basic electrical system, which enables the alternator to generate electrical energy and store it temporarily in the battery. When the vehicle accelerates, this energy is used to relieve the load on the alternator, resulting in a fuel saving of up to 3%.
