What is regenerative braking? A private hire driver’s guide to saving energy and money
The Otto TeamJanuary 12, 2026
If you drive an electric vehicle (EV) as a private hire driver, you’ve probably heard of ‘regenerative braking’ - it’s one of the key features that makes modern EVs more efficient but knowing how it works and how it can benefit you is where the true power of knowledge lies.
Looking to make the switch to an EV that works harder for your private hire business? Here at Otto Car, we offer a range of fully maintained electric vehicles built for professional drivers.
What’s regenerative braking?
In a traditional petrol or diesel car, when you press the brake pedal, the brake discs create friction that slows the wheels down. The downside? That friction turns your car’s kinetic energy - the energy of movement - into heat, which then just releases into the air. In other words, all that energy is wasted.
Regenerative braking, on the other hand, captures some of that energy and puts it back into your electric car battery. It’s a system used in most electric vehicles recover energy that would otherwise be lost.
How does regenerative braking work?
When you lift your foot off the accelerator pedal or apply the brakes lightly, the electric motor in your car switches roles. Instead of using electricity to drive the wheels, it works in reverse, acting as a generator. This generator converts the car’s kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is then sent back to charge the battery.
The stronger the regenerative effect, the more energy you recover and the less you rely on your conventional brakes.
Our EV specialists at Otto Car can help you choose a vehicle with regeneration settings that suit your driving style and city routes. Learn more about why over 20,000 private hire drivers have chosen Otto Car.
What are the benefits of regenerative braking for private hire drivers?
For private hire drivers, regenerative braking isn’t just a cool bit of technology - it has real, practical benefits:
- Lower running costs: Because the system recovers energy, you’ll get more miles out of every battery charge, reducing your charging costs.
Plus, Otto Car drivers benefit from predictable weekly costs with hidden costs or maintenance surprises.
- Reduced wear and tear on your brakes: Since regenerative braking handles a lot of the slowing down, your brake pads and discs last much longer - saving you maintenance and time off the road.
- Smoother driving: Once you get used to it, your regen braking system helps create a smoother, quieter ride - great for passenger comfort as well as preserving your range so you can driver further on a single charge.
- Vehicle efficiency: By using energy more efficiently, regenerative braking helps reduce overall energy waste and emissions. That means, you can spend less on charging and more time on the road earning.
Looking for an EV that can handle long hours and busy city driving? Our wide range of EVs are here to help you drive success as a private hire driver - find a car today.
Tips for making the most of regenerative braking as a private hire driver
- Drive smoothly: Plan for traffic flow so you can lift off the accelerator early and let the regenerative system do its work. This is particularly important if you’re city driving or picking up or dropping off passengers during rush hour or stop-start traffic.
- Use “B-mode” or “eco mode” if your car has it: These settings increase regeneration and help you recover more energy during urban driving.
Keep your battery from staying full: Regenerative braking works best when there’s room in the battery to accept more charge. It also helps to preserve your battery life - as there are studies to support that your battery works best when it’s between 20%-80% battery.
Find your perfect EV for private hire driving
Regenerative braking is one of the biggest advantages of driving an electric car. It not only boosts efficiency but also helps lower costs - a win-win for private hire drivers who spend long hours on the road.
By learning to use it effectively, you can maximise your earnings, reduce wear and tear, and drive in a more sustainable way.
Explore our range electric vehicles through our Rent to Buy or PCO Car Hire plans and find the perfect EV for your private hire driving journey.