This estimator approximates the battery degradation attributable to regenerative-braking energy throughput. It converts annual recovered energy into equivalent full cycles and applies a user-selected capacity-loss rate per cycle. The result helps compare the aging contribution of regeneration with the much larger overall battery-use profile.
Regenerative charging can involve higher power but usually represents only part of total battery throughput. This calculator isolates that contribution and should not be treated as a complete battery-life model.
1. Enter battery capacity
Use the battery’s usable energy capacity.
2. Add annual recovered energy
Enter the energy returned to the battery through regenerative braking each year.
3. Choose a projection period
Set the number of years for the scenario.
4. Apply a cycling-loss rate
Enter the assumed percentage-point capacity loss per equivalent full cycle.
5. Review isolated degradation
The result estimates only the degradation associated with regenerative throughput under the chosen rate.
Total regenerative throughput = Annual recovered energy × Years
Equivalent regenerative cycles = Total throughput ÷ Battery capacity
Capacity loss (%) = Equivalent cycles × Loss per cycle
The model treats regenerative energy throughput like equivalent cycling. It excludes calendar aging, traction discharge, plug-in charging, temperature, and high state-of-charge effects.
The primary result is estimated capacity loss from regenerative throughput based on the values entered above.
Use the result as a scenario estimate. Validate material assumptions with operational data, technical documentation, or qualified advisers as appropriate.
Given:
75 kWh battery, 1,800 kWh recovered per year, 8 years, and 0.01% loss per equivalent cycle.
Calculation:
Total recovered throughput = 1,800 × 8 = 14,400 kWh. Equivalent cycles = 14,400 ÷ 75 = 192. Capacity loss = 192 × 0.01% = 1.92%.
Result:
Estimated capacity loss from regenerative throughput: 1.92%, leaving about 73.6 kWh before other aging effects.
Interpretation:
Under this assumption, regeneration contributes a relatively small portion of total degradation.
Any battery energy throughput can contribute to cycling aging, but regeneration may also reduce total net discharge and friction-brake use.
Use vehicle telemetry, fleet-management reports, or a route-level estimate based on braking energy and recovery efficiency.
A battery loses capacity gradually across many equivalent cycles. Use a rate supported by relevant battery data rather than a generic value.
No. Plug-in charging and its power level are outside this isolated regenerative-throughput estimate.
Only if the other model does not already include regenerative throughput; otherwise you may double-count aging.