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Motorists have been urged to press this car button in winter (Image: Getty)
More than two million motorists have been told to press one crucial button to keep their cars under control in winter weather.
Electric vehicle owners can usually benefit from regenerative braking which harnesses power to top up the battery and extend range.
As the driver lifts off the accelerator, an electric motor inside the vehicle will convert kinetic energy back into electrical power. This is saved for later use.
However, vehicle experts at global leasing company Ayvens have issued a major warning as snow and ice hit Britain.
They stressed using the regenerative braking tool in winter can lead to unexpected and potentially dangerous handling issues which could become a major safety concern.
Electric car owners should not be using regenerative braking (Image: Getty)
Instead, they warned motorists should turn off the simple tool as soon as possible in poor conditions.
Ayvens explained: “When the roads are icy or wet, the deceleration force from regenerative braking can cause your wheels to lose grip, reducing your ability to steer the vehicle. This could lead to a loss of control and an uncontrolled slide.
“To stay safe on icy or snow-covered roads, it’s recommended that you either switch off regenerative braking or set it to a lower setting during the winter months.
“This adjustment will allow for smoother, more predictable braking and handling, ensuring you maintain better control of your vehicle.
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“You can usually adjust this setting through your car’s interface, and if you're unsure how, consult your vehicle manual for instructions.”
Some vehicles won't allow road users to completely turn off the regenerative braking system but its power can usually be decreased.
In some models, the system can be adjusted using a paddle shifter or through settings on the car’s onboard infotainment system.
According to ZapMap, there were over 1.3million battery-electric cars on UK roads as of December 2024.
Meanwhile, there were 750,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) registered in the UK, taking the number of plug-in cars to well over 2million.
The AA commented: “If you're driving an electric or hybrid car, adjust the regenerative braking to a lower setting.”
English (US) ·