Tesla Model 3: Regenerative Braking

Whenever Model 3 is moving and your foot is off the accelerator, regenerative braking slows down Model 3 and feeds any surplus energy back to the Battery.

By anticipating your stops and reducing or removing pressure from the accelerator pedal to slow down, you can take advantage of regenerative braking to increase driving range.

Of course, this is no substitute for regular braking when needed for safety.

Note: If regenerative braking is aggressively slowing Model 3 (such as when your foot is completely off the accelerator pedal at highway speeds), the brake lights turn on to alert others that you are slowing down.

Note: Installing winter tires with aggressive compound and tread design may result in temporarily-reduced regenerative braking power. However, your vehicle is designed to continuously recalibrate itself, and after changing tires it will increasingly restore regenerative braking power after some moderate-torque straight-line accelerations.

For most drivers this occurs after a short period of normal driving, but drivers who normally accelerate lightly may need to use slightly harder accelerations while the recalibration is in progress.

Warning: In snowy or icy conditions Model 3 may experience traction loss during regenerative braking, particularly when in the Standard setting and/or not using winter tires. Tesla recommends using the Low setting. in snowy or icy conditions to help maintain vehicle stability.

The amount of energy fed back to the Battery using regenerative braking can depend on the current state of the Battery and the charge level setting that you are using. For example, regenerative braking may be limited if the Battery is already fully charged or if the ambient temperature is too cold.

Note: If regenerative braking is limited, a dashed line displays on the energy bar

To Set the Regenerative Braking Level

You can use the touchscreen to change the level of regenerative braking:

1. Touch Controls > Driving > Regenerative Braking.
2. Choose from two levels:

• Standard: Provides the maximum amount of regenerative braking. When you release the accelerator, Model 3 slows down, reducing the need to use the brakes.
• Low: Limits regenerative braking.

  When you release the accelerator, Model 3 takes longer to slow down and coasts further than if set to "Standard".

Stopping Mode

Regenerative braking decelerates Model 3 whenever you release the accelerator pedal when driving. You can choose what you want Model 3 to do once the driving speed has been reduced to a very low speed (almost at a stop) and both the accelerator pedal and brake pedal are released. While in Park, touch Controls > Driving > Stopping Mode and choose from these options:

• CREEP: When close to, or at, a complete stop, the motor continues to apply torque, moving Model 3 slowly forward (in Drive) or backwards (in Reverse), similar to a conventional vehicle with an automatic transmission. In some situations, such as on a steep hill or driveway, you may need to press the accelerator pedal to continue moving or to prevent Model 3 from moving in the opposite direction.

Warning: Never rely on CREEP to apply enough torque to prevent your vehicle from rolling down a hill.

Always press the brake pedal to remain stopped or the accelerator pedal to proceed up the hill. Failure to do so can result in property damage and/or a collision.

• HOLD: Maximizes range and reduces brake wear by continuing to provide regenerative braking at speeds lower than with the Creep and Roll settings. When Model 3 stops, the brakes are automatically applied without you having to put your foot on the brake pedal.

  Whether stopped on a flat surface or a hill, Vehicle Hold keeps the brake applied, provided your foot remains off the accelerator and brake pedals.

Warning: Never rely on HOLD to adequately decelerate or fully stop your vehicle. Many factors can contribute to a longer stopping distance, including downward slopes, the low regenerative braking setting, and reduced or limited regenerative braking. Always be prepared to use the brake pedal to adequately decelerate or stop.

• ROLL: When close to, or at, a complete stop, Model 3 becomes free rolling like a vehicle in Neutral. Therefore, if stopped on a slope, Model 3 will roll downward. The brake does not engage, and the motor does not apply torque (until the accelerator pedal is pressed).

Note: If you choose CREEP or ROLL, you can still use Vehicle Hold to apply the brakes. However, you will need to briefly press the brake pedal when the vehicle is stopped.

Note: When Model 3 is in Track Mode, the Roll mode is automatically enabled, regardless of your chosen setting. When no longer in Track Mode, Model 3 reverts back to your chosen setting.

Warning: Press the brake pedal if Model 3 moves when unsafe to do so. It is your responsibility to stay alert and be in control of the vehicle at all times. Failure to do so can result in serious damage, injury, or death.

Warning: Do not rely on regenerative braking and your chosen Stopping Mode to keep you and your vehicle safe. Various factors such as driving with a heavy vehicle load, on a steep hill, or on wet or icy roads affect deceleration rate and the distance at which Model 3 will come to a stop. Drive attentively and always stay prepared to use the brake pedal to stop as appropriate based on traffic and road conditions.

Warning: Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking do not operate when driving at very low speeds. Do not rely on these features to warn you, or to prevent or reduce the impact of a collision.

Note: Your chosen setting is retained in your Driver Profile until you manually change it.

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