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Regenerative braking and Hold mode, explained

4 min read · Updated Oct 22, 2026 · By VoltCoach

When you lift your foot off the accelerator, the motor slows the car and sends some of that energy back to the battery. This is regenerative braking, or regen.

How it works

• The motor runs in reverse as a generator, turning energy that would have become heat into electricity.
• Lifting off more gives stronger braking and recovers more energy.
• Regen cannot be turned off. One source estimates it can recover up to 70% of the energy normally lost braking, and add about 10% to range. Treat these as estimates.
• Brake lights can come on during regen, depending on how quickly you slow down.

Read the power meter

On Model 3 and Model Y, the meter is on the center screen. Left of center means you are capturing energy, and right of center means you are using it. A dotted line means regen is limited or unavailable.

Stopping modes

Not every Tesla offers these choices. Most vehicles built after January 2024 no longer have the stopping modes, so you may not see them in your settings. If your car has them: - Hold: lets you drive mostly with one pedal. The brakes blend in automatically at about 4 mph or slower. - Creep and Roll: the brakes are not applied when you lift off, so the car keeps rolling at low speed once regen stops.

When regen is limited

• When the battery is full, since there is nowhere to put the energy.
• When the battery is cold. A blue snowflake can appear.
• On snow and ice, strong regen can reduce traction, so take care.

Settings worth knowing

• Apply Brakes When Regenerative Braking Is Limited: Controls, Pedals & Steering. It uses the regular brakes for consistent slowing when regen is limited.
• After switching to winter tires, set the tire type under Controls, Service, Wheel & Tire Configuration so regen recalibrates faster.

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