Regenerative Braking - Vauxhall Ampera 2014 User Manual

116 Driving and operating
If p is on, the electric parking brake
has detected a system problem, and
is operating with reduced
functionality. To release the electric
parking brake when p is on, push
down the m switch and hold it down
until the control indicator m goes off.
If the light remains on, seek the
assistance of a workshop.
Note
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system and
cause premature wear or damage to
brake system parts. Make sure that
the parking brake is fully released
and the control indicator m is off
before driving.
Automatic release of the electric
parking brake
The electric parking brake is
automatically released when the
vehicle is running, placed into gear
and an attempt is made to drive away.
Avoid rapid acceleration when the
electric parking brake is applied, to
reduce wear of parking brake lining.
Electric parking brake m control
indicator 3 74.
Electric parking brake fault p control
indicator 3 74.
Driver Information Centre (DIC) 3 78.

Regenerative braking

Regenerative braking takes some of
the energy of the moving vehicle and
turns it back into electrical energy.
This energy is then stored back into
the high voltage battery system,
contributing to increased energy
efficiency.
The hydraulic disc brakes work with
the regenerative braking to ensure
effective braking, in the event a high
braking demand is requested, for
example.
The braking system is computer-
controlled and combines the
regenerative braking with the
conventional hydraulic disc brakes to
meet any deceleration requirement.
The controller interprets the braking
request and applies regenerative
braking, conventional hydraulic
braking or a combination of both, as
necessary. Because the controller
applies the hydraulic brakes through
its high pressure accumulator, you
may occasionally hear the motor‐
driven pump when the system is
recharged.
In the event of a controller problem,
the brake pedal may be harder to
push and the stopping distance may
be longer.
Driver Information Centre (DIC) 3 78.