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Inconsistent Regen Braking & Squealing from Brakes on My 2022 Lucid Air

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Sarah K. · rep 0 · May 22, 7:30 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring

Hey everyone,

I've been noticing some really inconsistent regenerative braking lately on my 2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring. Sometimes it feels strong and smooth, but other times it's barely there, almost like the car is just coasting, even when I lift off the accelerator in the same driving conditions. It's making the driving experience a bit unpredictable, especially in stop-and-go traffic.

On top of that, I've started hearing a distinct squealing noise from the brakes, mostly at low speeds when I'm coming to a stop. It's not constant, but it's definitely noticeable and a bit embarrassing for a car of this caliber. I'm not sure if these two issues are related, but they both seem to be brake-system related.

Has anyone else experienced similar issues with their Lucid Air? Could the regenerative braking inconsistency be related to the battery's state of charge or temperature, or is it potentially a software glitch? And what about the squealing? Is it just normal EV brake noise due to less frequent use of the friction brakes, or something more serious? Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated before I take it into the service center.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 7:30 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

It sounds like you're dealing with a couple of common, yet concerning, issues that can arise in electric vehicles. Let's break down the potential causes and what steps you can take.

Regenerative Braking Inconsistency

  1. Battery State of Charge (SoC): When your Lucid Air's battery is near 100% charge, the regenerative braking system has less capacity to store additional energy. The vehicle's software will automatically reduce regen braking to prevent overcharging, leading to a feeling of reduced braking force.
  2. Battery Temperature: Extremely cold or hot battery temperatures can also limit regenerative braking efficiency. The battery management system (BMS) will protect the battery by reducing the power input/output, which includes regen.
  3. Software Glitches: EVs are highly software-dependent. A temporary software bug or an issue with a recent update could cause inconsistent regen performance. Sometimes a simple vehicle restart (if possible) or a software reset at the service center can resolve this.
  4. Sensor Malfunctions: Issues with wheel speed sensors, accelerator pedal position sensors, or other related sensors could provide incorrect data to the braking system, leading to erratic regen behavior.

Brake Squealing Noise

  1. Infrequent Friction Brake Use: EVs rely heavily on regenerative braking, meaning the traditional friction brakes (pads and rotors) are used less frequently. This can lead to light surface rust build-up on the rotors or glazing of the brake pads, which often causes squealing, especially at low speeds. This is often harmless and can sometimes be 'bedded in' by performing a few firm stops from moderate speeds in a safe area.
  2. Pad Wear Indicators: While less common in newer vehicles, the squealing could indicate that your brake pads are reaching the end of their life and the wear indicators are making contact with the rotor. This would typically be accompanied by a warning light.
  3. Caliper Issues: A sticking brake caliper piston or loose caliper hardware can cause uneven pad wear or allow the pad to vibrate against the rotor, producing a squeal.
  4. Foreign Debris: Small stones or debris caught between the brake pad and rotor can also cause temporary squealing.

When to See a Shop

It's highly recommended to have your Lucid Air inspected by a certified service center if:

  • The regenerative braking inconsistency persists or worsens, especially if it feels unsafe or unpredictable.
  • Any brake warning lights illuminate on your dashboard (e.g., ABS, brake system warning).
  • The squealing noise becomes constant, very loud, or is accompanied by a change in brake pedal feel (spongy, hard, or vibrating).
  • You notice any grinding sounds, which typically indicate metal-on-metal contact and require immediate attention.

Even with EVs, regular brake inspections are crucial to ensure the friction brake components remain in good working order, despite less frequent use.

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