AUSTIN, Texas – Tesla has begun rolling out a software modification for its Model 3 sedans and Model Y sport utility vehicles to allow drivers to have their vehicles prioritize friction braking in the event regenerative braking is limited.
The 2022.16.0.2 software release notes indicated this feature, which can be turned on/off by the driver, would compensate for regenerative braking limited due to battery temperature or state of charge.
When this option is selected (by tapping Controls > Pedals & Steering > Apply Brakes When Regenerative Braking is Limited), the vehicle can automatically apply “regular” (friction) brakes for consistent deceleration.
Media that concentrates on Tesla and its community, including Electrek.com, did not seem surprised by this software enhancement.
“The feature (regenerative braking) has become such an important aspect of electric driving that Tesla decided to not even give a choice of regenerative braking strength in 2020 and made the strongest regenerative braking standard,” wrote Fred Lambert, editor in chief of Electrek.
“There are times where regenerative braking doesn’t work or is greatly limited – mainly in cold temperatures and when the battery is already full. When operating in cold temperatures, the regenerative braking does come back as the drivetrain warms up.”
