BMW i3: driving without brakes in London challenge

In this video, the BMW i3 hits the streets of London for a challenge: driving in some of the city’s busiest areas without pressing the brake pedal and attempting to get by just using the electric car’s regenerative braking.

Like many electric cars, the BMW i3 begins to recover energy as soon as you take your foot off the accelerator. When it’s accelerating the battery powers the wheels but when it’s braking the motor acts as a generator, charging the battery and gently bringing the car to a stop at the same time – if you’re on flat ground that is.

Each driver in the challenge would drive just over three miles and the person who used the brake pedal the least would win. Of course, they weren’t allowed to cause an accident by not braking so planning ahead and paying attention would be key! This should be fun!