Because friction brakes may be used less frequently with regenerative braking, rust can accumulate on rotors.Checked 2026-08-12
Regenerative braking
Slowing a hybrid or EV with the drive motor, returning energy to the battery.
Also called: regen braking · regen
What it means
Definition
When the driver lifts off or brakes, the drive motor acts as a generator, turning the vehicle's motion into electricity for the battery. The friction brakes therefore do less of the slowing. The DOE states that brake wear is significantly reduced due to regenerative braking.
Why a buyer cares
What it changes
Less use is not only good news for the friction brakes. Chevrolet's own EV maintenance page notes that because friction brakes may be used less frequently with regenerative braking, rust can accumulate on rotors — so an EV's brakes can show surface corrosion at a mileage where a petrol car's would not.
In practice
Where you meet it
Felt when lifting off in a hybrid or EV, and on EV maintenance schedules and brake inspection notes.
Two things that look alike
Not the same as
The friction brakes still exist and still work; the two blend when the pedal is pressed.
Read next
Related terms
Where it shows up
Related problem files
Where this comes from
Sources
Brake wear is significantly reduced due to regenerative brakingChecked 2026-08-12