Drivers getting behind the wheel of an EV for the first time are often surprised to learn about  regenerative braking. Unlike vehicles with internal combustion engines, electric and hybrid vehicle  brakes operate the electric motor in reverse, and this applies a  braking force through electromagnetism. This not only recaptures some of the vehicle’s kinetic energy to give a bit of charge to the battery, but it also means the  brake pads in these vehicles are used less frequently.

That doesn’t mean EV  brake pads should be ignored, though; on the contrary, you’ll find that by paying special attention to these components, EV drivers can be treated to a big boost in both safety and performance.how the electric vehicle  brake pad market is one that is ripe for growth, and that both safety and performance are critical considerations.

Back in 2001, Prius was the first hybrid vehicle out there in a mass way and it was recalled due to a  brake defect called  friction delamination. Simply put, hybrid and electric cars  brake differently than gasoline-powered vehicles. A gasoline vehicle uses  brakes frequently, causing them to heat and dissipate moisture. Hybrid and electric cars use their electric motor to slow the vehicle, resulting in less frequent use of their  brakes which can cause moisture to build up on the surface of brake pads. When this happens on traditional painted steel brake pads, you’ll get corrosion.

When rust and corrosion get between the  friction and the  backing plate, it can cause the friction to crack, break away or lift away from the steel backing plate. It’s a potentially fatal situation. There are plenty of YouTube videos you can research that document this process extensively and it is increasingly happening today as more EVs hit the market.